A Career in Property Management: Insights from Pia Eversley

A career in property management offers daily challenges but comes with its share of high-level rewards and fulfilling career progression. So our recruitment specialist, Maizie Adams, sat with property manager Pia Eversley for her advice on building a career in this field.

Do you need a degree for a property management career?

With an economics degree but unsure of her career path, Pia landed an assistant property manager role in London. With limited industry knowledge, she went for the role and was hired.

“As a graduate, you know just to throw yourself into opportunity. I applied for the job, the interview went well, and I became an assistant property manager.” 

While degrees are beneficial, Pia explains that they are not always essential. Many companies provide on-the-job training. 

“My colleagues have degrees in psychology, law, economics, politics – you name it!” 

Skills acquired through degrees are often transferable to property management. Even without a degree, a career in property management is achievable through pure skill development. 

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Progression in Property Management 

Starting as an assistant, Pia’s hard work paid off within 18 months, and was promoted to property manager, taking charge of her own portfolio. 

“What I like about being a property manager is that you have clear steps for what’s next. Not every job provides that.”

Professional Exams in Property Management

The “Institute of Residential Property Management” (IRPM) runs the de facto qualification for property managers and provides a professional qualification through 3 different levels: Affiliate, Associate (AIRPM) and Member (MIRPM)

These accreditations are earned through structured learning paths and rigorous examinations. 

Pia adds, “The IRPM exam has 12 modules, so at least a year of property management experience is beneficial.” 

The end result is a well-regarded qualification that encourages continuous upskilling of property managers and maintains a high level of quality across the industry.

Advice for Aspiring Property Managers

Pia’s advice for those entering the field is straightforward: immerse yourself in the role, learn from experienced property managers, and take your exams when ready. 

“It’s always busy, and no two days are the same,”; the role involves various tasks, from managing resident communications and service charges to budgeting and maintenance follow-ups. 

“Throw yourself into it, learn as much as you can, and learn from experienced property managers.”

Inspired by Pia’s journey?

Whether you’re already in the property management industry or considering a career, we can help you take the next step:

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