Next steps after passing license exam

[Meagan Dempsey]

Hi! I just passed by state exam this past week and I'm hoping there are agents on here who can answer a couple questions I have. Most importantly, I'm not exactly sure where to go from here. I already have in mind a general area I would like to work in, but I don't know how to go about really getting myself into a brokerage. I'd prefer not to just start emailing brokers hoping for a response, but I'm worried that just walking in and introducing myself isn't the best option either. I'm 22 and just graduated from college, so I don't necessarily feel like I have a lot to offer a broker right now, but I'm really just looking for any opportunity to get into the market and learn as much as I can. 

Secondly, I would love to end up working with a more "high end" agency like Sotheby's or Compass, but I know that positions there are pretty scarce. Would my best bet be to start somewhere else just to gain experience and try to eventually work my way up to that level? Or would it be easier to look for lower positions such as an assistant or officer manager within the agency and hope that they'll offer me a desk at some point?

Again, I think that right now my focus is on learning as much about real estate and the market as I possibly can, and I would really appreciate any pointers or suggestions. Thanks!

[Michael Brattelli]

@Meagan Dempsey congrats on passing the test. When choosing a brokerage the main thing to remember is YOU are interviewing THEM. It’s not a traditional interview for a job. The most important thing you should be focused on in your first year is learning the business and being a sponge. Don’t focus so much on the split because you likely won’t make much money in the first year. Ask questions like what training their brokerage offers. Will they set you up with a mentor? If you’re focused too much on sales in your first year then you won’t be learning and the major thing in this business is having knowledge and confidence. You should interview every brokerage in your area and you’ll know when it feels like a good fit. I would probably avoid small boutique brokers. Lastly don’t be scared to just walk in the door and ask to speak to the manager. Going unannounced will give you a feel on how receptive the office and what their culture is like. Once you talk to the manager ask them if you can schedule a time to sit down for a meeting.