Whether you are 25 or 65, there is always something new to learn. It’s human nature to want to absorb more knowledge and understand our environment. I guess the old saying is true: you are never too old to learn.

In a recent article, Forbes noted that the majority of U.S. degree seekers are online adult students. “In fact, a recent national survey from Champlain College Online (known for its career-focused adult education) found that 60% of U.S. adults age 23 to 55 without a bachelor’s degree have considered returning to school¹.”

Learning is especially important if you want to continue to grow as a professional. Industries are always changing, technology is always evolving, and clients always hold professional to higher standards. Real estate is no exception. As buyers continue to educate themselves through online and mobile platforms, it will be up to agents to deepen their knowledge and expertise in an effort to remain competitive and successful.

Here are a couple of reasons why you should never stop learning as both a person and a professional. 

Stay Competitive in the Workforce

One of the biggest reasons why you should always pursue new knowledge is to stay competitive in the workforce. Real estate agents especially face a saturated industry with stiff competition. If you are a local firm competing against a national brokerage, being sharp and knowing your market will be key to your success.

Similarly, clients want to (and expect to) work with an expert who know the industry backward and forward. That means staying current on developing trends within the space will be key to demonstrating your professional competencies, while at the same time adequately serving your client’s needs.

Lastly, additional designation and certification further solidifies your status as a real estate professional to potential clients. It builds credibility and makes you seem passionate about your job. People who aren’t passionate about what they do don’t always proactively try to learn and grow within their respective field.

Create New Challenges and Meet Personal Goals

Sometimes learning about a new topic can be a real challenge. Consider the work an undergraduate completes throughout their collegiate tenure versus a PhD candidate. The latter is much more in-depth and extensive. That said, it can be a very rewarding experience, pursuing knowledge for the challenge and accomplishing what you set out to complete. In many ways, learning for the sake of challenging yourself involves as much personal growth as it does professional growth.

Achieving your own goals is certainly exciting, but also consider the impact furthering your knowledge and education has on others. For many, going back to school and achieving a degree or graduating a professional program can serve as an inspiration to family members, friends, and colleagues.

Create New Career Opportunities

No one wants to remain complacent at a dead-end job. Going back to school or pursuing a new certification can provide an opportunity to pursue options with other organizations and employers. Or it could make you appear more desirable at an organization you currently work for. Learning also shows initiative, so don’t be surprised if advancement opportunities become available to you as a result of your hard work.

Looking for More Resources?

Whether you are an avid reader, or starting out, there are lots of books I recommend you consider when your career path is real estate. You can check out my recommended book page on my website here. Send me a message if you have any others that should be added to the list as I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn as well!

Sources

1 Avenue, N. (2018, July 1). Going Back to College After 50: The New Normal? Retrieved March 11, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2018/07/01/going-back-to-college-after-50-the-new-normal/#17c8d72e31ff