Arizona Association of Realtors, W. P. Carey School partner to mentor next generation of Realtors

The Arizona Association of Realtors, the largest trade association in Arizona representing more than 57,000 of the state's Realtors, has teamed up with Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business and its Division of Real Estate to launch the ASU/Arizona Association of Realtors Professional Salesperson Mentoring Program.

This first-of-its-kind program will help ASU students who are pursuing a minor in real estate or a Master of Real Estate Development (MRED) learn more about the licensed real estate profession by increasing their professional skills while advancing their careers in real estate. Made up of two components, classroom education and mentoring, the program will support the professional development of students by providing them with advice, assistance and guidance during the 2022–23 school year.

“Mentorship is an important part of growth in the real estate field, and our Realtor professionals are dedicated to providing ASU students with the tools and experience for success,” says Michelle Lind, legal counsel for the Arizona Association of Realtors. “We are thrilled to work with ASU on this professional development program and to support our future leaders.”

Starting Sept. 12, students will be able to participate in 90-minute monthly educational sessions hosted by members of the association. Topics will include: market research and local area knowledge; ethics and legal framework when representing clients; presentation skills; and professional conduct and negotiation skills.

In addition, each student will pair with an experienced Realtor mentor who will help them identify career interests and provide valuable mentoring activities, such as practice interviews, job shadowing, resume review and more. Both mentors and students must adhere to a list of responsibilities and expectations to ensure a successful professional relationship.

According to Mark Stapp, the Fred E. Taylor Professor in Real Estate and director of the MRED program, the ASU/Arizona Association of Realtors Professional Salesperson Mentoring Program is a non-degree, non-credit curriculum maintained by ASU.

“The program’s primary mission is to supplement ASU’s successful real estate programs and to expand upon the (Arizona Association of Realtors') existing programs for its members,” he said. “In addition to providing learning and career opportunities for our students, the program will foster dialogue between industry professionals, academics and students wanting to advance their knowledge and expertise about real estate.”