18 August 2009. Despite the current economic downturn, a career in the property industry is still a very worthwhile option, the Chief Executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers said today. As this year’s Leaving Certificate students consider the first round of CAO offers, Fintan McNamara said they should be aware that a career in property is not just about buying and selling. “Indeed it is far from this,” he said. “It is a complex and varied collection of many different markets offering a challenging and rewarding career for those who are interested in it. Many graduates are enjoying rewarding careers in the rental sector, facility management and elsewhere.” Mr McNamara warned students that now was not the time to defer plans to pursue a career in the property industry. “The modern-day student setting out on career in property now finds him/herself in a similar predicament to any other student setting out on a professional career,” he said. “He or she will require appropriate education and training. Recent legislation regarding estate agency practice in Ireland has seen to that! Therefore, it is imperative that students make adequate preparation by following an educational programme that provides access to the many careers that the property business can offer. “ “While the current sense of doom about the economy in general is palpable, that is not to say that the industry will not bounce back in the future,” he added. “Indeed as the property industry follows a circular route, it will inevitably rise again in the medium term.” Mr McNamara added that land is a permanent asset, and, unlike other natural resources, it does not disappear or run out. People need shelter and modern developed societies require all the buildings and services that go with them to satisfy their needs. “The economic revolution of the past ten years will not be reversed and looking forward, the continued growth in the diversity and complexity of the market will provide opportunities for those who are in a position to respond,” he said. “There will be no going back!” That means the students must be ready for change, he added. “But this is no time for the faint-hearted. Rather it is a time to have courage against adversity and to pursue opportunities which in future years will yield rewards.” Full details on a range of careers are available from IPAV by e-mailing info@ipav.ie. Ends |