18 February 2020

Career kick-start: Entering real estate as an alternative to university

| Karyn Starmer
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Kieran Jackson

McIntyre Property’s Kieran Jackson recommends school leavers think about a career in real estate. Photo: Supplied.

With school done and dusted and their ATAR results behind them, many of 2019’s year 12 students will be making plans to go to university, but for others the path is less certain.

Queanbeyan’s Kieran Jackson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, so he took a few years to work it out and has now kicked off a career in real estate.

Mr Jackson graduated from St Edmund’s College in 2015 and said he knew back then that university was not for him.

“At school there was a big focus on getting a degree but I didn’t agree with that. I am very much a hands on person. I had a part time job at Q-One Aquatics while I was at school, so when I finished I took on a full-time role as a supervisor there to see where that would take me,” he said.

Mr Jackson worked at Q-One Aquatics until he felt he needed a change in direction.

“I was chatting with a mate who worked in real estate and I actually had a light bulb moment. Everything about his job appealed to me. I figured that I had nothing to lose so I applied for a job in real estate. I wasn’t sure what I was getting into but I was keen to find out.”

Mr Jackson entered the world of property, working as a business development manager in property management for six months, before joining McIntyre Property as a sales trainee working directly with proprietor Col McIntyre. Three months into his new job he is bursting with enthusiasm for his new role and future career prospects.

“I was pretty nervous when I started. You hear stories about long hours and having to work on weekends but this is a great industry to be in. Every day is different. I am not the type for sitting in an office all day so this is great. I find the flexibility stimulating,” Mr Jackson said.

“The best part of this job is that you genuinely get to help people. Yes, you do have to work long hours but McIntyre Property have a great support system and the rewards are there if you are prepared to get stuck into it.”

Mr Jackson said Col McIntyre has been the perfect mentor.

“Col said from the outset that he would teach me about the industry. He is pretty easy to work with and always flexible. No one at McIntyre Property is scared to ask for help when they need it.”

Mr Jackson said his passion is working closely with people to achieve dream results and he has set himself the goal of being able to sell and list on his own properties in just two years.

When asked what advice he would give to school leavers right now, he said a career in real estate is well worth considering if you are willing to work hard.

“I am glad that I didn’t go to uni and rack up a HECS debt just to change my mind. I now have a great job. You probably need to be the type of person who wants to get in there and get things done. You have to learn so much but it is worth it,” Mr Jackson said.

“If you know deep down that university is not for you, you don’t have to follow your friends. A career is real estate is a great option. Just get out there and apply for jobs. Your employer can help you get qualified or you can do it on your own. Be prepared for long days but there are real rewards at the end.”

Young people who are looking to pursue a career in real estate can get in touch with Col McIntyre or Jo Matters from McIntyre Property.

Read more about Kieran Jackson or browse his available property listings at Zango.

This is a sponsored article, though all opinions are the author’s own. For more information on paid content, see our sponsored content policy.

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