Kara Weinblatt

Degree:    Bachelor of Science
Major:      Housing Studies     

Additional education undertaken after graduation:
State of Minnesota real estate license

Years in the Field:    1
Current Job Title:     Property Administrator
Organization:            Welsh Companies  

How did you find this job?
I found this job in a number of ways: First, the Institute for Real Estate Management (IREM) holds monthly meetings which are free to students. I attended several of these meetings with resumes and business cards I made on my computer in hand. I sat with new people each time and chatted with them about careers, education and my job hunt. All along the way I passed out my resume, asked for their cards and followed up with thank you notes, thanking them for a nice conversation. Second, the job I am in was posted on Monster.com. I searched there daily and received their emails, and this one popped up so I applied. I was called by Welsh Companies just hours after I submitted the resume. The director of human resources stated that she had received my resume online, but that she had also received it from two Welsh employees, people whom I had sat with at the IREM meetings. She called me in for an interview and I had the job by the end of the week.  Keep in mind—this is after a 10-month long job hunt!

Previous Job Titles and Organizations:
Urban Construction Intern, Coldwell Banker Burnet 
Intern, Minnesota Multihousing Association

Please describe your job:
I co-manage 1.9 million feet of warehouse in St. Paul. My daily tasks include paying all bills for these properties and ensuring that all billing is accurate for utilities and services to the building; I am the liaison between our building engineers and the general manager, ensuring that their work is done and all maintenance is completed on the buildings; I keep track of insurance records for all tenants and vendors; take all phone calls from tenants and vendors and resolve any issues; and ensure that the buildings are in the best working order and are providing the greatest profit to our owners. 

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
My most valuable experiences were my two internships. I learned more through finding those internships and the actual experience than any other opportunities. I was also very involved with my sorority throughout my college years, and I have found now that many of the lessons I learned through those leadership opportunities have been invaluable in the business world.

What has surprised you the most about this field?
I have been surprised that the business community is so small! I would have thought that being that we are in a major metropolitan area it would be an enormous group of people. I have found that everyone knows everyone—people will know who you are!

What advice do you have for current students?
GET INVOLVED! Simply going to class is not enough. The job market is tight and you will need to prove that you have a unique set of skills and have had various experiences outside the classroom. When competing for a job, if all you have is your coursework and a job, you will not stand out. Find something, anything that you are passionate about and get involved.

Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn't ask you?
Start the job hunt early and be proactive. Talk to people, get involved, have fun with it, don't get stressed out—it will not help.