Lead. Serve. Inspire. Becoming a CPM.

By Christine Williams, CPM® Candidate

For the past 10 years I have worked in property management, in the not-for-profit sector, and with it has brought many challenges and successes. I have always strived to be the best I can be for my clients and even though I had taken both my strata and my residential property management through the University of British Columbia, I felt I was falling short. There was just so much more for me to learn. When a colleague mentioned the CERTIFIED PROPERTY MANAGER® (CPM®) designation I felt inspired again. With this program I would be able to study at my own pace, bounce ideas off fellow colleagues, meet amazing people, and learn more about property management - all at the same time! It was an opportunity I just couldn’t pass up.

One of the most challenging experiences in the designation program was the Management Plan Skills Assessment (MPSAXM) exam; it was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. Luckily, I met another amazing student taking her exam alongside me. Together, we stayed up all night in preparation for the exam; studying and bouncing ideas off each other. This collaboration is what made the seemingly impossible, possible. We were all very fortunate to have an amazing instructor, Steve Leistner, FRI(A) CPM® CMOC CRU CRP ACoM, who walked us through every lesson, making sure we all understood the content. Steve brought a high level of knowledge, and at the same time made our classes fun. Although, at times, the process seemed a bit overwhelming - it was worth every minute! The CPM® program has been one of the most powerful learning experiences of my career.

Since taking these courses over the past two years, I feel I have grown so much. I am about to write my final exam, and I believe I have not only become a better professional - but also a better person. I have had the opportunity to meet so many other like-minded professionals who strive to be their very best, and to do their best for our clients. How can we be anything other than inspired? As I go through my journey I now know I have an amazing network of people I can turn to, and they can also come to me. With the knowledge I have gained in the CPM® program I am more confident in my decisions and in my day to day life. I know I have the ability to find the answers my clients need, and helping them become successful is just so rewarding.

Being a woman in my 50s - who would have thought that going back to school and bettering my education would even be a thought, let alone a reality? I would definitely recommend continued education to anyone who is thinking about it. Just do it! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Now, I feel that I have plenty of tools in my toolbox and I am able to use them in the best interests of my employers, clients, and tenants. One of the great things of being a part of an organization is feeling like you are part of their success - and with the education you will gain through REIC and IREM you will absolutely feel your confidence level rise and your knowledge increase with each course you take. I highly recommend spreading the news to as many fellow property managers as possible!

I am counting the days until my final exam, and when I can become a member of the REIC BC Chapter. Together, we will bring the public, our clients and our tenants the best possible service available! I am eager to take my pledge:

• I pledge myself to the advancement of professional real estate management through the mutual efforts of Members of the Institute of Real Estate Management and by any other proper means available to me.

• I pledge myself to maintain the highest moral and ethical standards consistent with the objectives and higher purposes of the Institute.

• I pledge myself to seek and maintain an equitable, honorable, and cooperative association with fellow Members of the Institute and with all others who may become a part of my business and professional life. I recognize and support the need to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices and competition among all who are engaged in the profession of real estate management.

• I pledge myself to place honesty, integrity, and industriousness above all else and to pursue my gainful efforts with diligent study and ongoing education so that my services shall be beneficial to the general public and my obligations to my clients shall always be maintained at the highest possible level.

• I pledge myself to comply with the principles and declarations of the Institute of Real Estate Management as set forth in its Bylaws, Statement of Policies, and this Code of Professional Ethics.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped guide me through my journey to becoming a CPM®, with special thanks to the board at the REIC BC Chapter for making my journey such a memorable one!