Realtor with an Engineering background?

**jlm342000** · 08-04-2011, 01:55 PM

Hello all,

I am currently a senior civil engineering student and have come to the conclusion that 40 years of data analysis and computer modeling may prove to be.........well, boring. I am not considering abandoning Engineering completely but if I can find a field that I am passionate about who knows. I am always looking to add more tools to my tool bag and I am considering using the remainder of my GI bill funds to get some training and maybe become a licensed realtor if I can prove to myself that it can be done starting part-time. I have heard others say that you should go all in or not at all when it comes to real estate however, I have a family to provide for and can't risk a 50K plus job to pursue "pipe dreams" as my wife calls them. So given the above background......Can my engineering background be translated into a real estate career? I am great with numbers, data analysis and trending, analyzing structures and facilities for integrity issues and future environmental concerns, and navigating bureaucracy (from my military days). I also hate to be cooped up, and believe I could benefit from a more dynamic workday. Any thoughts or suggestions on what I should consider before starting such an mission or if a background in engineering would be useful to a real estate career would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jesse

**minnesota-mls** · 08-06-2011, 08:24 AM

We have a couple agents on our team with engineering backgrounds, and both of them do outstanding. I have found those agents have a great work ethic, are motivated, and they really have a great ability to analyze properties and market analysis for various MLS listings.

If your heart feels called to jump into real estate as an agent, I would do it.

**francy231** · 08-08-2011, 08:20 AM

My father is a mechanical engineer and he ended up as a realtor. He said all that matters is you know how to sell and what to sell to whom.

**Carla Hailey** · 08-15-2011, 12:48 PM

Anyone can become an RE agent what ever the profession is. There are states that even allow those with high school diploma people to take the real estate license examination in order to become a certified real estate agent.

**ebetcruz** · 08-17-2011, 08:33 AM

I believe being a civil engineer is a plus when shifting to real estate, there are people whose concerns are about structural stuff. Think of ways where you can integrate your civil engineering expertise with realty.

And of course, people skills and selling skills are important too.

**SiteSmarty** · 08-21-2011, 02:37 PM

An engineer that wants to be in the real estate business in Costa Rica is the perfect match. It's hard to get a North American engineer here. If you sold real estate here and offered engineering services, you'd be the busiest guy around if you setup in the North gold coast area..

Plus it's easy to get started in both in Costa Rica.