Coronis has been inundated with 207 applications in just three days for their new Business Development Manager (BDM) Cadet Program which launches on 1 September 2020.
Coronis Property Management Director Jodi Ford, who oversaw the growth of the Coronis portfolio from 200 properties to 8000, said they received so much interest in the new program they had to take the Seek Advertisement down after a week.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest in the program and the quality of the applicants that came through was outstanding. However we only wanted to onboard five cadets in the first intake of the program but we could have easily hired at least 10 of the applicants,” Ms Ford said.
“My team has grown one of the largest rent rolls in Australia to date and I believe we have an obligation to share that knowledge and help grow the next generation of BDMs, because right now, there aren’t a lot of training options available for people wanting to become a BDM.”
Ms Ford said the program would run over six months and each cadet would be paired with a Senior BDM on the Coronis team who will be their mentor and teach them how to prospect, build a database, conduct listing presentations, communicate with both landlords and tenants, manage open homes, complete administration tasks and set up marketing campaigns.
“Basically, we will teach them every little detail that they need to know so they have a solid foundation for successful career in property management,” Ms Ford explained.
Coronis’ Growth Leader, Fiona Nichols, who has more than 15 years’ experience in property management will oversee the cadets and run the education components of the program.
“I am so excited about this!” Ms Nichols said.
“I know a lot of people always say ‘I just fell into property management’ which I hate, because I always wanted to get into property management and I want to see more people feel that way about this industry and proactively chose this as a career path.
“I think you can have such a rewarding career in property management, but unfortunately I have seen hundreds of people over the years lost to the industry because they weren’t given the training or opportunities to succeed.
“So this cadet program is about getting people fresh to the industry, or who have limited experience and giving them the tools and skills they need to go out there and absolutely thrive.
Ms Nichols explained her current team of BDMs had been involved in the building the program and would all play an integral role in the cadet’s weekly training.
“It also provides them with a career progression path as they will have the opportunity to teach what they know and grow a team.
“At the end of the day, landlords and tenants expect more now and therefore we need better people in the industry to meet their needs and I believe by introducing paid programs like this is the way to do it.
“Not to mention, it’s provided full time employment to five individuals who were unemployed or working in casual roles due to COVID-19. So, I love that we’re helping get them back on their feet and providing them with a career that has the potential to set them up financially.”
Alexandra Gonsalves said she was really looking forward to mentoring someone else wanting to start their career in real estate.
“I’ve worked in a lot of roles within the real estate industry and it wasn’t until I became a BDM that I hit my straps and found something that I really love doing every day,” Ms Gonsalves said.
“I’m excited that I now get to share that with one of our cadets and hopefully help change their life and career path for the better.
“I think it’s also a great opportunity for me to grow professionally and expand my skillset in a leadership role which not a lot of BDMs are afforded, so I can’t wait for the first intake of cadets to join our team!”
