To work as a property and real estate manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; 
• have one to five years of related administrative work experience; and
• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

While a bachelor's degree is not required, it is common preparation for this occupation. Many majors are good preparation for this occupation. Several of the best are business management, real estate, accounting, and finance. Liberal arts degrees are also acceptable.

Work experience

Most prepare for this occupation through years of related work experience. You can start in this field as an on-site manager of an apartment building. You work under the supervision of a property manager. You learn how to prepare budgets and market the property to customers.

Although not required, work experience as a real estate agent is valuable experience. As an agent, you negotiate prices, show properties, determine values, and persuade people.

On-the-job training

Many employers send new property managers to short-term training programs. These programs help you improve your management skills. Helpful classes include building repair and staff management.

Those who enter the field without formal training may be hired as managers-in-training. These trainees learn the skills on the job. Learning all the details of the job this way may take up to a year.