Tailor your training for commercial real estate jobs to the legal requirements in your area. Each state has specific requirements that must be met in order to gain a license in the real estate industry, and some require more education for commercial real estate careers. Also be aware that gaining a license in one state does not allow you work in adjoining states.

Visit a local commercial real estate office to learn more about the various jobs in commercial real estate required in order to run such an office effectively. Consider taking some adult education courses to strengthen your math and computer skills to better prepare you for your career path.

1. Train for an appraiser's license for a career in commercial real estate.

2. Achieve your real estate agent license to qualify for a career in commercial real estate.

3. Obtain the education you need for commercial real estate broker jobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build a commercial real estate career by becoming a licensed appraiser

Evaluate more than one option when deciding what educational company in which to enroll. Look for schools with a solid reputation before you commit yourself to attending courses.

I recommend: Career WebSchool takes those with no real estate knowledge and provides them with the training to succeed as a licensed appraiser. Merrell Institute provides 300 hours of commercial appraisal education in preparation for you to take the state-required exam.

Become a licensed agent to qualify for commercial real estate employment opportunities

Avoid companies that claim to provide you with one license for all 50 states as there is no such thing. Make sure the courses you take are accredited. Check with local commercial agencies to learn who they recommend you receive your training from.

I recommend: RealtyU allows you to find accredited classes in your local area so you can receive the training you need to succeed. Real Estate School Online lets you to sign up for classes that meet the legal requirements of your local area.

Get the education you need for your commercial real estate career

Check with local real estate companies to determine exactly what courses are required in order for you to sit for your commercial real estate broker's license.

I recommend: Allied Real Estate School provides you with the education you need to successfully achieve a license as a commercial real estate broker in California. New York Real Estate Institute offers brokerage licensing courses on a monthly basis.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Enhance your chances of success by obtaining the education you need to become licensed in more than one state, especially if you live near a neighboring state. Training for commercial real estate jobs in all nearby states will qualify you for more jobs in real estate.

Commercial real estate careers involve buying, selling and leasing commercial properties. These properties include shopping malls, office parks, service stations and restaurants--the places people work in and visit every day. Industrial properties such as manufacturing plants are typically excluded, although warehouses are sometimes included.

Just as in residential real estate, the commercial real estate sales broker or agent works on commission. Typically low-priced properties earn a higher commission rate than high-priced properties. Commercial real estate property managers often earn a percent of the property's rent roll, usually about 5 to 6%. In the field of commercial real estate, salary is less common than commission, though property managers and corporate employees normally are salaried employees.

Some states require you to be specifically licensed to hold jobs in commercial real estate sales, others simply require a general real estate license. In order to learn the business, most aspiring commercial real estate professionals go to work for a broker who already works in commercial real estate. Some necessary skills for commercial real estate jobs include:

1. Knowledge of ROI, rent rolls and financing.
2. Computer literacy in spreadsheets, data analysis software and word processing.
3. Ability to negotiate and make presentations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn the ropes at a commercial real estate brokerage

New real estate agents work under the guidance of a commercial real estate broker. Jobs include buying, selling and leasing commercial real estate. A brokerage is the place to make contacts and earn a good reputation in the business.

I recommend: Sign up for a free membership at LoopNet and find active commercial brokers in your area; contact them and ask about jobs in commercial real estate. Locate the local CCIM chapter in your area and browse the members list. You want to start your career with the best, and CCIM members are the top commercial real estate professionals.

Take a commercial real estate job as a leasing agent or property manager

Unlike the straight commission of real estate sales, many leasing and property management commercial real estate jobs are salaried positions. You find these jobs within commercial brokerages, property management companies and on-site at large commercial properties.

I recommend: The International Council of Shopping Centers maintains real estate jobs on their website. They also have links to educational resources you can use to expand your knowledge of leasing.

Climb the corporate real estate ladder

All large companies own and lease real estate. Commercial real estate careers include corporate real estate professionals who perform buy and lease analysis, purchasing and sales of property, refinancing, sale leaseback agreements, site analysis and facility management. Most corporate real estate managers have significant experience as brokers or property managers.

I recommend: CoreNet Global maintains a job bank of commercial real estate employment opportunities. REAL-JOBS is an online job site for real estate professionals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Enhance your commercial real estate career by joining a professional association for your specialty to stay current in the industry and to participate in continuing education classes.

As you consider a career in real estate, recognize that there are a multitude of commercial real estate jobs for you to consider, each with their own skill sets and educational requirements. Learn more about support staff positions like office personnel, commercial appraisers and agents as well as brokers.

Bone up on commercial real estate jobs by meeting with others in the industry. Discuss commercial real estate careers and what the professionals look for in applicants. Talk about the type of personality that suits each position in careers in commercial real estate to determine how to get your foot in the door.

1. Gear your education toward a career in commercial real estate.

2. Join commercial real estate career jobs boards.

3. Join professional organizations to network with others with careers in commercial real estate.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Educate yourself for commercial real estate employment

Consider the types of educational requirements various commercial real estate positions require, and tailor your courses to help you achieve success in your chosen areas. Bone up on basic math and computer skills, knowing those classes will help you with any commercial real estate position.

I recommend: Top Dogs provides not only the initial education and training you need to achieve a license in commercial real estate but also continuing education to help you succeed in commercial real estate long term. Commercial Real Estate Institute provides courses that cover everything from the basics to the ethical practices of commercial real estate.

Join professional boards to find jobs in commercial real estate

Create a membership and join professional commercial real estate job boards. Peruse the ads on such boards to familiarize yourself with the education, experience and legal requirements for each position, as well as what you can expect in terms of base salary.

I recommend: American Real Estate Society has one of the longest running commercial real estate job boards in existence today and has helped thousands succeed in finding careers in commercial real estate. Beyond.com hosts a job board that's dedicated to those in the real estate industry, with daily alerts and newsletters to help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Use professional affiliations to learn about commercial real estate jobs

Make networking a priority by joining professional affiliations for commercial real estate professionals. Take advantage of the opportunities to network with other professionals, find mentoring opportunities and advance your education through ongoing training.

I recommend: AIR Commercial Real Estate Association was founded in 1960 and claims to be the nation's largest commercial real estate professional association. The Association of Commercial Real Estate is a not-for-profit organization that helps with training and networking to help you succeed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Meet with professionals in the industry of commercial real estate and request formal job shadowing opportunities to allow you to get an in-depth view of various types of jobs in commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate jobs provide investors and business owners with the ability to invest or manage income-producing properties including hotels, shopping centers, apartments and industrial facilities. A number of terms are used in these job descriptions including commercial real estate agents, real estate asset manager and real estate broker. Those looking for a job in the commercial real estate industry should understand the various types of jobs available and terms associated with the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Commercial real estate agents

Commercial real estate agents provide sales and buying aid to investors for income-producing properties including retail, industrial, multifamily rental and hospitality real estate. These professionals have to obtain additional training and licensing to allow them to provide commercial services.

I recommend: JobMonkey offers a full explanation of what commercial real estate agents do.

Property managers

Property managers aid in the day-to-day management of income-producing real estate on behalf of the property owner or investors. They aid owners in meeting expected revenue goals while managing the maintenance, tenants and accounting of the property.

I recommend: The United States Department of Labor provides a full description of the duties of property managers.

Real estate asset manager

A real estate asset manager provides the investor with guidance on purchasing, developing and the disposition of real estate. Some have the ability to purchase on behalf of the investor while others manage the financial aspects of real estate development. They rarely handle the day-to-day management of property.

I recommend: All Property Management provides a detailed explanation of what real estate asset managers are and how they work with investors.

Real estate attorney

Real estate attorneys specialize in real estate law, providing their clients with advice and protection under the law. This may include aiding in land use and zoning control, handling builder and contractor disputes and negotiating mortgages. Some attorneys specialize in commercial real estate.

I recommend: LawInfo provides more information on the duties of a real estate attorney.

Real estate broker

A real estate broker may have a specialization in commercial property. A broker may manage other commercial real estate agents or may be an individual working outside of a brokerage firm. These professionals help to sell, analyze and buy commercial properties for investors.

I recommend: CareerOverview offers a comprehensive explanation of commercial real estate brokers.

Real estate appraiser

Real estate appraisers specializing in commercial appraisals provide valuation of income-producing properties for numerous reasons. They work on behalf of buyers and sellers, taxation departments of municipalities, states and counties, and work for investment firms.

I recommend: RealEstateExpress provides more information on real estate appraiser job duties and educational requirements.