Do you ever wonder why people choose the jobs they do? Not being a condominium manager myself, I often wonder why people become involved in an industry that is highly unpredictable, requires many late night calls, and comes with a great deal of responsibility to homeowners. But I find these are the very things that draw people into the field and entices them to stay. The fact that no two days are the same is a welcomed challenge and affords the chance for continuous learning and skill development. Also managing someone’s home and community feels like important work. It’s where homeowners choose to invest their money, build their relationships, and put down roots, and the person who helps to manage this part of life is considered a trusted resource and partner.
For many it’s not simply a job, it’s a career that brings fulfillment and meaning. And for those individuals, the RCM designation signifies a commitment to their chosen profession and the communities they serve. The Registered Condominium Manager (RCM) designation identifies managers who were willing to go above and beyond the base requirements to gain the knowledge and skills to perform their responsibilities with an extra level of professionalism. Pursuing and passing the RCM exam demonstrates a personal drive to be better than they have to be.
Consider your perception of someone with professional credentials after her name. What do you think? I think about the extra time dedicated to studying and preparing for the exam. I think of the extra reading and research contributed to gaining a full understanding of the material. I know this person to be the expert and will seek her out when I have questions. Someone who holds the RCM designation carries the same reputation.
Licensing for condominium managers was pursued as a way to add oversight and bring credibility to the condominium management profession. Condominium residents can feel safer knowing managers have received education required by the government and that a designated Authority is monitoring the performance of managers across the Province. But licensing should not be viewed as a replacement for the RCM.
Pursuit of the RCM designation has always been voluntary … an option. Implementation of a licensing mandate doesn’t change that.
