However, in Texas we’ve been blessed with a stronger economy compared to other areas, and the multifamily industry has an ever-growing need for high quality employees. Wherever there is a military base, there are many apartment communities nearby. Therefore, we at The Liberty Group see this as a vital opportunity to increase today’s multifamily talent pool.
Being Recognized for Your Military Skills
So the challenge is this: how do we transition our returning veterans (and their families) from their previous positions into fulfilling positions in the multifamily industry? At Liberty we’re doing many things to accomplish this. Many military positions use skills that can transition directly into high-demand and difficult to fill positions, like:
- Facilities Managers
- Maintenance Technicians
- Accounting
- Admin
- Recruiting
- HR
- Groundskeeping
- Security Officers
- Military Housing Managers
- and so many more!
Not only are military personnel highly trained, but they are disciplined and have a strong work ethic. It is my personal passion, as well as The Liberty Group’s, to give back to those who serve our country. The result is mutually beneficial for our industry and our veterans.
Giving Back: Opportunities for Military Personnel and Spouses
One initiative we’ve implemented is our “Shadow Program”. It allows a veteran or family member to shadow one of our Property Management partners for a day or two onsite. This allows them to see what a day is like in the life of a Porter, Maintenance Technician, Leasing Consultant, Assistant Manager, etc. This way, the veteran can quickly decide if the position is a match for his or her career goals.
At Liberty’s Austin office, we’re beta testing an expanded Greeter Program including entry level training. After completing the course, we work to place the candidate with a community that best fits his or her skills and background. It’s a true ground floor opportunity: in the property management industry, you see success stories almost daily of a Leasing Consultant becoming tomorrow’s Regional Manager, or a Porter becoming a National Maintenance Director. We cannot forget the Supplier side that is always looking for outstanding sales and marketing leaders.
Most importantly, we help the candidate locate the multiple resources and online training sources available. The National Apartment Association offers the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Program, a career development and employment assistance program for military spouses sponsored by the Department of Defense. Locally, the Austin Apartment Association offers CAMT courses at Fort Hood and Killeen. The Texas Apartment Association, as well as The Liberty Group, also attend job fairs to promote this growing and exciting opportunity for the men and women in our military.
The Liberty Group looks forward to partnering with countless apartment communities as we help transition our military veterans and families into the multifamily industry. And to those veterans and families out there: thank you for your service. You give us one more thing to be thankful for!