Independent Property Group projects’ operations manager Cassandra Cumberland and director Wayne Harriden. Photo: Independent Property Group.
Flexible hours, time to spend with the family and to travel the world, plus the opportunity to reach new career heights – sounds like a dream job, right? Well for Cassandra Cumberland, that’s exactly what it is.
Cassandra began her real estate career as a receptionist with Canberra’s Independent Property Group 18 years ago, and she hasn’t looked back.
She’s living her dream as Independent’s projects’ operations manager after working hard and being recognised and afforded new opportunities.
“Real estate has been the ideal career for me,” she said.
“I’ve been able to juggle work, training and a young family while building a very successful and rewarding career.”
Cassandra is one of thousands of women who have found their calling in the property industry.
“When I first started out, there weren’t many women in sales or leadership roles,” she said. “But now so many women are finding it’s the perfect career if you want to raise a family and have that flexibility.
“Women are killing it in property.”
The Canberra property market is still strong and consistent, and Independent has put the call out for more women to join its growing team.
With many people choosing to make the big career switch during COVID, Cassandra suggested real estate could be an attractive option.
“Anyone who’s worked in retail or sales, or just loves talking to people could find a new career in real estate,” she said.
“From property and strata managers to sales and commercial, there’s so many exciting options if you want to push yourself and try new things.”
She said customer service was a “big plus” for anyone seeking a career in real estate.
“If you’re really good at customer service and really pride yourself on being honest and doing what you say you’re going to do, that’s what makes people in the industry successful,” Cassandra said.
“If you have a focus on what you want to achieve – whether that’s flexibility or reaching financial goals – and surround yourself with people who have a lot of knowledge, you can build a really long career in property and real estate.”
Cassandra has achieved her career milestones with team support after finding her passion in the off-the-plan development space eight years ago.
“For me, watching a project start out as a concept develop to fruition is really exciting,” she said.
“At the end of the day we’re here to help people make big life decisions, and there’s so much joy when people buy a home off the plan and then see it come to life.”
Cassandra described the Independent team as a close-knit community, with many staff having worked there for decades.
“I’ve made so many great friends over the years and it’s a great environment that is family-focused. Everyone wants to see every single person do well and grow their careers.
“Regardless of what part of the real estate journey you work in, we want to see you succeed. That’s why we provide all employees with ongoing training and the best technology platforms.
“If you’re looking to reach certain goals in your life, real estate can give you that opportunity.”
A career in real estate gives people a chance to be involved with their community, school and sporting groups, and there’s plenty of charity organisations that benefit from the property industry.
“Independent has a foundation and staff have the ability to go on the foundation and help make a difference out there,” Cassandra said.
If a career in real estate appeals to you, check out the vacancies and find out more at the Independent Property Group website and careers page.
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