A DRIVEN North-east property manager who started out training to be music teacher after school has excelled in a tough business despite never considering it as a potential career.
Ross McDonald, 27, who works for Aberdeen Property Leasing (APL), fell into the property field when he was just 21 after spending more than two years studying a diploma in teaching at Aberdeen College.
After completing the diploma in 2007, he had lost his aspiration to teach and took on a few part-time jobs while he considered his future, but was lucky enough to know the right people at the right time and was offered a full-time position at APL as a property inspector.
Just a year into the role, the young professional moved into sales before being promoted to the management team in 2010.
APL was set up more than 30 years ago to specialise in residential letting across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and it deals with a large portfolio of properties.
Mr McDonald’s role is to look after potential tenants and ensure they find a property that suits their ideal requirements.
Day-to-day he manages property viewings with clients, prepares photos and floor plans for the website and meets with clients looking to source a North-east home.
As one of only five employees at the firm in their 20’s, Mr McDonald claims the key to his success is working with some of the best property experts in the market and tapping into their wealth of knowledge and expertise.
He also says that his career progression has likely been a result of coming up with fresh ideas, being a people person and having the ‘gift of the gab’.
He said: “There is a good mix of experts within the business and everyone is open to offer advice and guidance to colleagues.
“The team is made up of people with some unique characteristics and we gel perfectly together to create a great working environment, making it a fun place to work.”
One of the best parts of his job is meeting a range of different people and helping them to find their ideal home.
He said: “Dealing with properties can be a long process but I really enjoy working with and meeting lots of different people.
“In this industry, you need to be a good listener and take people’s needs into consideration before suggesting potential properties to them.
“As well as dealing with people, it’s quite good fun getting a good nosey in all the various homes across the North-east.”
Mr McDonald advises anyone interested in a career in property to speak to as many people as possible and gain a good knowledge of the market in your chosen location.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I first started but I kept an open-mind and ended up really enjoying it.
“Although music had been my first choice for a career, I’ve found a role that I excel in and I’m always learning new things which keeps it interesting too.”
Even though Mr McDonald chose a different career path, he still has a passion for music and is a talented musician who continues to play piano in his spare time.
APL offers a high quality service to all tenants offering guidance on all aspects including maintenance, administration and leasing insurance.
The firm has an extensive portfolio of accommodations for rent that are ideal for the student market.
To find out more on what APL can offer contact one of their experienced letting agents on 01224 635355 or visit www.aberdeenlets.co.uk
Issued by Frasermedia Ltd on behalf of Aberdeen Property Leasing
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