Robert Erickson is a senior in the Weidner Property Management and Real Estate Program at UAA. He says he was initially interested in the program, because it provided a focus for him to advance in his business career. “I saw it as a great opportunity to learn about property management and real estate to then potentially invest in property,” says Erickson. “I thought the business degree was somewhat generalized and that the Property Management and Real Estate concentration really gave me more of a focus and exposure to a specific career field.”
Outside of class, Robert is actively involved with the UAA Property Management and Real Estate Club. As President, he says he has many plans for the upcoming school year such as hosting lectures, providing property tours in the Anchorage area, and facilitating networking opportunities between professionals and students in the area. “We’re really changing up the whole structure of our meetings this year,” Erickson says. “We’re hoping to get a lot more students involved in the club and our activities.”
This past summer, Robert worked as an Intern at Alpine Apartments owned by Weidner Apartment Homes in Anchorage. The internship then led to a job offer from Alpine. “After the 10-week internship, I was hired on as a Leasing Consultant. I worked hard and was transferred to a 138-unit community where I am currently filling in as the acting manager,” Robert explains.
In addition to his internship, Robert was awarded one of four travel scholarships to attend the 2015 National Apartment Association Education Conference and Exposition this summer, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada. “I learned a lot of best practices at the conference, including the value of proper preventive maintenance for your real estate assets. Simple inspections can save a lot of money on your utility expenses and raise your net operating income.” In addition to his work, school, family, club officer duties, and scholarship travels, Robert is a small business owner, who is putting the theory he learns in property management classes to great use. “I own and lease out a single-family home and a four-plex apartment building. I’ve been renovating the units and am happy to report that they are now 100% occupied. The business is successful, and it makes me proud to know that I am actively developing both income and wealth for my family,” Erickson says.
“This program has an incredible advisory board, and I know that there are a number of exciting opportunities to grow my career in Anchorage.” As for the future, Erickson is excited about where his career could go. He plans to graduate this May and put his degree to work, continuing to cultivate his property management skills
What will your story be? Contact the Weidner Property Management and Real Estate Program advisor today at tjfields@uaa.alaska.edu to learn more about one of the College of Business and Public Policy's newest 4-year business degrees