Career Spotlight: Heather Cook
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Name: Heather Cook
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Tell us about your career:
Two years ago, I embarked on my journey in property management, starting as a leasing professional for an apartment community in Fayetteville, NC. Drawing from a background in customer service management, a friend in the industry recognized my potential and referred me for the leasing role. Surprisingly, I discovered a natural aptitude for the job and swiftly ascended the ranks, being promoted to Assistant Property Manager and then to Multi-site Property Manager within just one year. What's even more fulfilling is that I've remained with the same apartment community since the beginning, fostering relationships with residents who witnessed my career evolution firsthand.
This year, I had the honor of being awarded the 20 in their twenties scholarship for the AANC Legislative and Education conference, a recognition I deeply cherish. Looking ahead, my next objective is to earn my CAM certification in the upcoming Fall, further propelling my professional growth. Unexpectedly, I've found immense joy in my career, particularly in the relationships I've cultivated along the way—they're truly one of the highlights of my journey.
What advice do you have for someone just starting in your field:
To anyone embarking on their journey in property management, my advice would be to prioritize continuous learning. Absorb every piece of information available and remain open to acquiring new knowledge, as it can profoundly benefit your career in unexpected ways.
Alongside this pursuit of learning, I encourage focusing on personal growth and nurturing relationships with others. Remember, in this industry, you're not just leasing properties—you're selling yourself. How you interact and treat others will invariably reflect back on you, shaping your professional reputation and success.