President's Perspective

President’s Perspective

EDUCATION WILL SET YOU APART

After a challenging and unprecedented year, we finally made it to 2021.

Last year, we were forced to find new ways to operate

our communities while learning how to deal with a global pandemic. AAA became a resource for up-todate and vital information as processes and policies with local/state/national requirements changed so quickly. We had thousands of members join us throughout the year on various webinars and education offerings all amidst COVID-19.

AAA has always been a great place to connect and share experiences with one another, also a place to gain industry education. However, in 2020, things were different. We did not have the ability to connect like we usually do and offer in person instruction for our members. However, that did not mean these connections and educational opportunities were lost completely.

One of the things that has remained consistent and has always intrigued me about our industry is that in many cases you do not have to have a specialized degree to have a successful career in the multi-family industry. Rather, you can obtain training and build a powerful network to build up your professional skills. I believe that it is this education that sets you apart. Because this professional and industry knowledge will help you immediately in your job performance.

Many years ago, I had a Community Manager call me and ask my opinion about returning to school to obtain their MBA and how that would translate to his desire to grow within multi-family. A little history, we started working together as his first job in multi-family was a leasing associate on a lease up in South Austin. He eagerly progressed through positions to Assistant Manager and ultimately to a Community Manager. I encouraged him that if he had the time and resources that his education would consistently set him apart of his counterparts. Upon successful

completion of that program, he was off to explore other facets of multi-family in asset management in New York City and then assisted in the growth of a large national management company in new business development role. He also has since obtained his CCIM and CPM designations, which is a very impressive list of accomplishments. As most of us know, often after working together your stars can align and paths will cross again. It is just a small and tightknit industry. I am pleased to say that after almost 10 years, we are working together again as he recently joined Roscoe Property Management as our Senior Vice President of Real Estate. Such a great success story!

So even in a pandemic or in normal times, I encourage you to invest in yourself. Take advantage of the education offerings, especially if you are an ACE subscriber property or company. If your organization does not offer financial assistance to further your education, there are still avenues for you. Are you aware of the James E. Solt Memorial Scholarships that are offered by AAA Education Foundation? We have a scholarship program which allows candidates to apply for their pursuit of professional designations. Applications are released in the fall and the scholarships are awarded before each year-end. Don’t miss out on these opportunities! After 30+ years in the industry, I’ve recently completed all on-line education classes for my CAPS designation, and I hope to obtain this credential in 2021. I wish that someone would have encouraged me to further my education earlier in my career. Time and time again it will pay off!!

Sincerely,

Stephani Park

So even in a pandemic or in normal times, I encourage you to invest in yourself.

2021 / WINTER / 9

President’s

After a challenging and unprecedented year, we finally made it to 2021.