Contributed by Jessica Simpkiss, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Navigating a career in community association management can feel like steering a ship through uncharted waters. With its blend of interpersonal challenges, administrative expertise, and leadership responsibilities, the profession offers immense opportunity. It also demands intentional career planning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, a clear plan can help you chart a successful and fulfilling path.
Define your goals
The first step in career planning is understanding where you want to go. Start by assessing your personal and professional interests. Once you have a sense of your preferences, consider specific goals:
• Community focus. Do you aspire to manage high-rise condominiums, large-scale associations, mixed-use communities, or resort-style developments? Each type of community comes with unique challenges and opportunities.
• Leadership ambitions. Are you aiming for a senior leadership role such as a regional director or company executive, or do you see yourself thriving in hands-on management roles?
• Specializations. Consider diving deeper into areas like financial management, legal compliance, disaster recovery planning, or emerging technologies.
• Professional milestones. Set benchmarks such as achieving industry certifications (e.g., CMCA, AMS, or PCAM), completing a certain number of successful projects, or earning rewards and recognition for outstanding performance.
Take the time to write down your career aspirations, both short- and long-term, and break them into actionable steps. For example, if your long-term goal is to lead a management company, your short-term goals might include gaining experience in diverse community types and completing leadership training programs. Revisit your progress and adjust your goals based on changes in your interests or the industry landscape.
Build knowledge base
Community managers wear many hats. Continuous education is critical to staying abreast of industry trends and best practices. Consider:
• Pursuing designations like the Certified Manager of Community Associations, Association Management Specialist, or Professional Community Association Manager.
• Attending workshops and webinars offered by professional organizations like CAI.
• Staying informed by reading industry publications and participating in online forums.
Hone interpersonal skills
Successful community managers excel at building relationships with board members, homeowners, and business partners. Strengthen your soft skills to navigate conflicts diplomatically, foster collaboration within diverse communities, and communicate effectively.
Seek mentorship and networking opportunities
Learning from seasoned professionals can fast-track your development. Seek mentors who can offer insights into the industry and provide guidance on navigating challenges. Additionally, you might join professional associations to expand your network and attend conferences and local chapter events to meet peers and potential mentors.
A strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support.
Embrace technology
The community management profession is evolving rapidly. Technology is playing a key role in streamlining operations. Familiarize yourself with tools that facilitate communication, automate administrative tasks, and provide data analytics. Staying ahead in tech will make you an asset to any organization.
Diversify experience
If you’re early in your career, consider exploring different types of communities and management models. Working in a variety of settings broadens your skill set and prepares you for more complex roles.
Reflect and recalibrate
Career planning isn’t a one-time event. Periodically assess your goals, achievements, and satisfaction with your role. Reflecting on your experiences allows you to identify areas for growth and adapt to changes in the industry.
Charting a course in community management requires vision, preparation, and adaptability. The journey is as important as the destination. Navigate with intention and enthusiasm.
Jessica Simpkiss is senior manager at myStreet Community Management in Virginia Beach, Va.
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