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It takes effort to lend expertise to young professionals exploring opportunities in the industry. But as the host of a recent work placement, Cate Bakos knows the experience gives back tenfold.
Before Bakos even began her work with Christopher, who has recently spent two weeks shadowing the buyer’s advocate at her Melbourne office, she had already benefited from a chance meeting with him that reminded her of the important moment that real estate transactions can have in people’s lives.
Christopher has had a keen interest in real estate ever since he witnessed the excitement surrounding the sale of his family’s home in 2016. He’s completed a number of work experience placements in the industry, and has particularly benefited from the mentorship of agent and auctioneer, Jayson Watts, of Nelson Alexander Real Estate.
A charity auction where Christopher was invited by Watts to strike the hammer and declare the property sold was, as Bakos told REB, a day that stands out in her professional career.
Banging the gavel to award Bakos the sale, Christopher was clearly thrilled and immediately came over for a high five and to congratulate her.
Bakos said she could see how much joy Christopher took in the process and it touched her. She wasn’t alone.
“I later sent Jayson a message that evening to let him know how special the day felt, and he mentioned that it was one of the best work days he had personally experienced.”
Knowing Christopher was keen to get more industry experience, she offered a two-week placement with her firm, which just concluded earlier this month.
As Bakos tells it, while her main aim was to contribute to Christopher’s professional development, the experience has delivered untold rewards to her as well.
Seeing the industry from a newcomer’s perspective is something any industry professional can benefit from. It’s too easy for the deals, the large sums of money, and the auction excitement to become old hat. Working with Christopher was a valuable lesson in not losing sight of the big picture when caught up in the minutiae of transactions, or the dejection of not winning a listing or securing a sale.
“Real estate is a fabulous profession, but it requires thick skin at times. Christopher reminded me – as he has many others – that we have much to be proud of, as people who do enjoy the privilege of being involved in particularly special life events. He celebrated every single client purchase with unwavering pride and joy,” Bakos said.
The experience served to show her how attitude can cut through some of the industry negativity.
“It’s not always the case for selling agents to be greeted so warmly, but Christopher’s warmth and excitement were not only palpable, but catching. I learnt a lot about the joy that one, appreciative person can bring into a role that is sometimes harsh,” Bakos said.
Bakos acknowledged that hosting work placement students involves significant time and effort, but she also feels that it provides her with an important moment of reflection on her own professional development.
“It allowed me to step back and consider what I could impart, and how I could make a positive difference to someone who was so passionate about my industry. It exercised my leadership ability, and it also shared a new human relations element with my team,” she said.
Over the course of the placement, Christopher learnt about market and client research and played an invaluable role in preparing for auction attendance. He also built his knowledge of the local area’s agents and auctioneers, and served as brand ambassador on the team’s social media page.
Looking ahead, he’s planning to pursue formal real estate accreditation, with the goal of working towards a career in auctioneering.
Bakos, among the other professionals who have served as his mentors, will be cheering him on.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet Helmke
Based in Sydney, Juliet Helmke has a broad range of reporting and editorial experience across the areas of business, technology, entertainment and the arts. She was formerly Senior Editor at The New York Observer.
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