Industry Advice
John Crossman
President, Crossman & Company
1. Based on your professional experience, what is your assessment of the economy these days--in Florida and the U.S.? Should students be optimistic about recovery?
The state of the economy is at the beginning stages of recovery, but it will be a long process. Florida has been hit harder than other areas in the U.S. but the market is resilient and unique here, in large part due to the tourism market. Should students be optimistic? Yes! They must be patient but it is the ideal time to graduate at the “bottom” and rise with the tide. Real estate is a cyclical market, so now especially is the time to learn the most and develop thick skin for when the market recovers.
2. In various professional settings, I have heard you say that you have hired interns from a number of academic disciplines. If a student's major isn't the most important qualification for an internship at Crossman and Company, what are the skill sets and traits that you are looking for?
The most important qualities for a student looking for a job/internship are a servant’s heart, a sense of urgency, ability to work under pressure, discernment, hard work, and being a team player.
3. Why do you think it is important for students to join ICSC while they are still in school?
It is extremely important for students to join ICSC when they are students! First of all, from a student point of view, the value is incredible – the price vs. the benefit is hard to pass up since the student membership price is hugely discounted from regular membership. Secondly, you get in the game earlier. You learn the jargon and terminology, the basics of retail, become familiar with the key players of the industry. The events provide students an opportunity to network in a non-threatening environment. There is also a regularly updated internship/job board to help you get started on your career.
4. I know you have taken on many interns over the years and a good number of them have transitioned to become full-time employees after graduation. What do you recommond to your young staff people about continuing their education (formally or informally) after they finish with school?
Starting after they graduate, I recommend that young staff people dedicate at least one week per year to education. They should definitely get their real estate license, consider getting a professional designation like CLS, CCIM, MAI, etc (depending on their field), and involve themselves in local community leadership training.
5. My impression is that students are getting smarter and better prepared, compared to, say, students 20 years ago. Are you seeing this trend among your interns and new hires?
Without a doubt, I am seeing this trend. I entered the market in 1992. At that time, we did not have as many ways to connect with our contemporaries to share information with. Now, there are so many peer groups that young people can reach out to. The methods of building your network are more accessible and available.
6. What is the best piece of advice you received when you were a student?
The best advice I received as a student was to be thankful to experience struggle in the beginning of your career.
7. Do you think it’s important for students to put “ICSC Student Membership” on their resume? If so, please explain the significance from an employer’s point of view.
Absolutely. This is important and highly encouraged. This shows a level of commitment to the industry and ICSC as an organization. Our company is a big supporter of ICSC, so it shows me that the students’ interests are aligned with those of our company. Frankly, I won't consider an applicant without ICSC membership.
