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Despite uncertainty, real estate continues to attract investors as one of the most promising asset classes. Learn to make informed commercial property investment decisions with these online short courses.

Register for a course in real estate

The real estate sector is rapidly evolving. Changes in technology, politics, the environment, and global events all have a direct impact on the commercial and private real estate economy. According to Savills, business offices and senior housing saw the most significant growth in global investment volumes in 2019, with both increasing by 6 percent, while industrial property grew by 3 percent.1

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed just how reactive the property market and global markets are. A 2020 global real estate report showed that growth slowed with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9 percent from 2019 to 2020 due to the virus outbreak.2 However, its predicted recovery is strong.

Additionally, the increased use of property technology (proptech) in the property sector affects how prospecting property investors access and experience property, ranging from online property listings to augmented reality (AR) tours of property developments.3 Property professionals also use proptech to gain insights into their clients, markets, buildings, and tenants by analyzing the data generated by new technologies.4 As a result, data analysis and data science skills are in greater demand in this sector. Recruiting and retaining talent with these skills, and reskilling existing employees, has become more important than ever.5

As an aspiring or existing property investor, developer, or practitioner, you need several skills to make informed investment decisions. GetSmarter’s online courses give you the opportunity to develop your skills in commercial real estate, development, and investment. Designed and led by top-tier universities, you’ll gain the skills to leverage opportunities and confidently navigate market change through these programs. For individuals, realtors, or other professionals interested in investment or development, GetSmarter’s courses offer a range of subjects, from real estate economics and data analysis to construction and management.


Careers in real estate

Most positions in the real estate job sector can expect an above-average employment growth rate between 2018 and 20286. A few of the great roles in property include:

  • Real estate investors purchase property to sell it again for maximum profit or invest passively where property is owned but not managed by them7
  • Real estate agents facilitate the sale and purchasing of commercial or residential properties and typically work for a real estate broker8
  • Real estate brokers do the same as real estate agents but often work for themselves or have their own property brokerage9
  • Property developers buy land and manage the planning, financing, and construction of new commercial or residential properties10
  • Real estate wholesalers purchase properties in poor condition that promise a high return after repair and sell them to investors based on the profit they can make after renovations11
  • Property managers take care of the real estate assets, finances, and tenants that belong to property investors12
  • Real estate attorneys manage the legal aspects of real estate, such as title deeds, transfers, and disputes13
  • Property appraisers determine how much a commercial or residential property is worth14
  • Leasing agents deal directly with property owners to identify and manage tenants for homes and businesses15
  • Property loan officers help property buyers to obtain financial loans16
  • Mortgage brokers act as liaison between buyers and lenders, and find the best mortgage loan products to suit the buyers17


Recruiters look for specific capabilities on a real estate professional’s resume, as most real estate roles require a standard set of skills. These include:

  • People skills such as active listening, presenting, writing, social awareness, negotiation, and persuasion18
  • Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills19
  • Sales, marketing, and customer service skills20
  • Relevant legal knowledge, be it landlord agreements or government requirements pertaining to real estate21
  • Organizational and time management skills22
  • Knowledge of how to use the technological tools available in the property industry23
  • Property management skills to oversee the upkeep and operation of a property24
  • Investment know-how to make wise property investment decisions25
  • Property development capabilities, from drawing up a business plan and doing market research to calculating return on investment (ROI) and obtaining financing26
  • Real estate analysis to evaluate and research the property market27

With so many changes in technology, the economy, and politics, new skills are required at every turn. If you’re in the real estate industry, be it as an investor, a private property owner, or a professional, advancing your real estate skills is critical to staying ahead of the competition.

Gain the skills to advance your understanding of real estate and earn a certificate with GetSmarter’s wide selection of online short courses. You’ll learn in your own time and at your own pace as you study subjects such as property law, data science in real estate, finance and economics, analysis and investments, and property management.


1Chick, S. et al. (Jan, 2020). ‘Real estate investment in 2020: global outlook’. Retrieved from Savills.
2(May, 2020). ‘Global Real Estate Markets 2020-2030: COVID-19 Implications and Recovery – ResearchAndMarkets.com’. Retrieved from Business Wire.
3McClelland, J. (Nov, 2019). ‘What is proptech?’. Retrieved from Raconteur.
4McClelland, J. (Nov, 2019). ‘What is proptech?’. Retrieved from Raconteur.
5Berry, J. et al. (Oct, 2019). ‘2020 commercial real estate outlook’. Retrieved from Deloitte.
6(Apr, 2020). ‘Property, real estate, and community association managers’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
7(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
8Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
9(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
10Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
11Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
12(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
13Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
14Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
15(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
16Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
17Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
18(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
19(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
20Memonen, T. (Jul, 2019). ‘10 property management skills you need to succeed’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
21Memonen, T. (Jul, 2019). ‘10 property management skills you need to succeed’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
22(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
23(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
24(Nd). ‘Top 12 property management skills to be best on the job’. Retrieved from JD&RE. Accessed June 22, 2020.
25Parker, T. (Apr, 2020). ‘15 tips for buying your first rental property’. Retrieved from Investopedia.
26Hawley, A. (Nd). ‘How to become a property developer’. Retrieved from Startups. Accessed June 22, 2020.
27(Nd). ‘Real estate analyst job description, key duties and responsibilities’. Retrieved from JD&RE. Accessed June 22, 2020.


Register for a course in real estate

The real estate sector is rapidly evolving. Changes in technology, politics, the environment, and global events all have a direct impact on the commercial and private real estate economy. According to Savills, business offices and senior housing saw the most significant growth in global investment volumes in 2019, with both increasing by 6 percent, while industrial property grew by 3 percent.1

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed just how reactive the property market and global markets are. A 2020 global real estate report showed that growth slowed with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.9 percent from 2019 to 2020 due to the virus outbreak.2 However, its predicted recovery is strong.

Additionally, the increased use of property technology (proptech) in the property sector affects how prospecting property investors access and experience property, ranging from online property listings to augmented reality (AR) tours of property developments.3 Property professionals also use proptech to gain insights into their clients, markets, buildings, and tenants by analyzing the data generated by new technologies.4 As a result, data analysis and data science skills are in greater demand in this sector. Recruiting and retaining talent with these skills, and reskilling existing employees, has become more important than ever.5

As an aspiring or existing property investor, developer, or practitioner, you need several skills to make informed investment decisions. GetSmarter’s online courses give you the opportunity to develop your skills in commercial real estate, development, and investment. Designed and led by top-tier universities, you’ll gain the skills to leverage opportunities and confidently navigate market change through these programs. For individuals, realtors, or other professionals interested in investment or development, GetSmarter’s courses offer a range of subjects, from real estate economics and data analysis to construction and management.

Careers in real estate

Most positions in the real estate job sector can expect an above-average employment growth rate between 2018 and 20286. A few of the great roles in property include:

  • Real estate investors purchase property to sell it again for maximum profit or invest passively where property is owned but not managed by them7
  • Real estate agents facilitate the sale and purchasing of commercial or residential properties and typically work for a real estate broker8
  • Real estate brokers do the same as real estate agents but often work for themselves or have their own property brokerage9
  • Property developers buy land and manage the planning, financing, and construction of new commercial or residential properties10
  • Real estate wholesalers purchase properties in poor condition that promise a high return after repair and sell them to investors based on the profit they can make after renovations11
  • Property managers take care of the real estate assets, finances, and tenants that belong to property investors12
  • Real estate attorneys manage the legal aspects of real estate, such as title deeds, transfers, and disputes13
  • Property appraisers determine how much a commercial or residential property is worth14
  • Leasing agents deal directly with property owners to identify and manage tenants for homes and businesses15
  • Property loan officers help property buyers to obtain financial loans16
  • Mortgage brokers act as liaison between buyers and lenders, and find the best mortgage loan products to suit the buyers17

Skills required for a career in real estate

Recruiters look for specific capabilities on a real estate professional’s resume, as most real estate roles require a standard set of skills. These include:

  • People skills such as active listening, presenting, writing, social awareness, negotiation, and persuasion18
  • Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills19
  • Sales, marketing, and customer service skills20
  • Relevant legal knowledge, be it landlord agreements or government requirements pertaining to real estate21
  • Organizational and time management skills22
  • Knowledge of how to use the technological tools available in the property industry23
  • Property management skills to oversee the upkeep and operation of a property24
  • Investment know-how to make wise property investment decisions25
  • Property development capabilities, from drawing up a business plan and doing market research to calculating return on investment (ROI) and obtaining financing26
  • Real estate analysis to evaluate and research the property market27

With so many changes in technology, the economy, and politics, new skills are required at every turn. If you’re in the real estate industry, be it as an investor, a private property owner, or a professional, advancing your real estate skills is critical to staying ahead of the competition.

Gain the skills to advance your understanding of real estate and earn a certificate with GetSmarter’s wide selection of online short courses. You’ll learn in your own time and at your own pace as you study subjects such as property law, data science in real estate, finance and economics, analysis and investments, and property management.

Sources

1Chick, S. et al. (Jan, 2020). ‘Real estate investment in 2020: global outlook’. Retrieved from Savills.
2(May, 2020). ‘Global Real Estate Markets 2020-2030: COVID-19 Implications and Recovery – ResearchAndMarkets.com’. Retrieved from Business Wire.
3McClelland, J. (Nov, 2019). ‘What is proptech?’. Retrieved from Raconteur.
4McClelland, J. (Nov, 2019). ‘What is proptech?’. Retrieved from Raconteur.
5Berry, J. et al. (Oct, 2019). ‘2020 commercial real estate outlook’. Retrieved from Deloitte.
6(Apr, 2020). ‘Property, real estate, and community association managers’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
7(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
8Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
9(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
10Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
11Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
12(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
13Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
14Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
15(Feb, 2019). ‘11 career opportunities in real estate you haven’t thought of yet’. Retrieved from Real Estate Express.
16Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
17Hamed, E. (Mar, 2019). ‘15 different real estate careers: which one is right for you?’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
18(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
19(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
20Memonen, T. (Jul, 2019). ‘10 property management skills you need to succeed’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
21Memonen, T. (Jul, 2019). ‘10 property management skills you need to succeed’. Retrieved from Mashvisor.
22(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
23(Nd). ‘Real estate agent sales agent career’. Retrieved from My Majors. Accessed June 18, 2020.
24(Nd). ‘Top 12 property management skills to be best on the job’. Retrieved from JD&RE. Accessed June 22, 2020.
25Parker, T. (Apr, 2020). ‘15 tips for buying your first rental property’. Retrieved from Investopedia.
26Hawley, A. (Nd). ‘How to become a property developer’. Retrieved from Startups. Accessed June 22, 2020.
27(Nd). ‘Real estate analyst job description, key duties and responsibilities’. Retrieved from JD&RE. Accessed June 22, 2020.

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