Take a stroll through any city, and you'll see them: lovely brick condos, inviting apartment buildings, gleaming tall skyscrapers, and even historic mill buildings and churches converted into contemporary living spaces. Today's real estate market is constantly evolving and changing, and as this dynamic streetscape alters, behind the scenes is the invaluable and skilled player: the property manager.

            One of the fastest-growing careers of the next decade, employment of property, real estate, and community association managers is projected to increase by 15 percent by 2016, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. As the mortgage market compels many Americans to rent instead of purchase homes, and baby boomers move into housing and healthcare units, property management professionals will be in high demand. There will also be opportunities with real estate development companies, commercial property corporations, and government agencies that manage public buildings. If you see a well-run, profitable establishment with satisfied tenants, chances are there is a talented property manager handling the day-to-day logistics of that community.

            One successful California property management developer, Andrew Gross, vice president at Thomas Safran and Associates, an affordable housing development firm, says his profession has taught him not to be afraid "to dream big." "Business development is a challenging process, and a developer must possess the creative know-how to put out fires and overcome hurdles." Gross is a member of the Advisory Board at Fremont College,  a premiere degree and career college in Southern California.  He says that developing affordable housing has been personally fulfilling, allowing him to change entire areas and "see people truly enjoy their new situations."

Property management holds the most potential for people like Gross who enjoy blending knowledge of real estate with customer service and sales skills. Being a property manager is like being the mayor of a small city-you manage revenues, make important decisions about management, oversee contractors, oversee residents, and more. "Attention to detail is crucial," says Gross, who constantly finds himself drawing parallels between work and life in his daily challenges.

            Property managers need to have a broad knowledge of business, finance, accounting, and real estate, as well as practical skills such as math, writing, computer, and oral communication. A business administration degree with a concentration in property management will equip you with knowledge of financial and expense control, customer service and marketing, leasing basics, and more. Various professional and trade associations also allow you to expand your knowledge of specialized subjects, such as insurance and risk management, personnel management, and reserve funding. Many fields overlap, says Gross, such as the constant intertwining of property management and real estate.

            Your career opportunities may abound as a property manager-you can work for real estate agents and brokers, lessors of real estate, or any other real estate company. Just as an example, top U.S. and trade associations, such as the Building Owners and Managers Association and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties all offer job postings and networking opportunities. Booming overseas expansions are also opening up international property management positions. At Thomas Safran and Associates, which owns and manages over 3,200 units of affordable rental housing in the Greater Los Angeles area, Gross says that the company is looking to hire skilled professionals who are able to communicate with clients.

            So move aside, Donald Trump. The commercial and residential real estate industry is attracting talented young professionals with a strong educational background that equips them with a diverse skill set, talent, and experience. As a property manager, you can make a positive, sustainable impact on the environment and the economy, build lifelong relationships, and make a difference in the lives of hundreds of people. The welcome mat is out for a satisfying and rewarding career in property management. You just need to open the door. "It's important to find life's work that is fulfilling," says Gross, who says it was serendipitous that he ended up in such a rewarding field.

For more information about a degree in business administration or career opportunities in property management, visit www.fremont.edu, or call 877-344-2345. Fremont College is a Southern California-based college dedicated to offering hands-on, career-focused accelerated degree programs that close the gap between the classroom and the workplace.