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30 | M R EP O RT FEATURE twenties) have greatly enjoyed our time in the field thus far and have been pleasantly surprised by many aspects of the job. For starters, the industry is evolving. With the advent of new technology creating efficiencies in our day-to-day, many apprais- ers have embraced the hybrid model, giving them the ability to complete an appraisal report from the comfort of their own home. In this method, a real estate agent may go into the house to complete the inspection and relay the findings back to the appraiser, who analyzes the data and completes the appraisal remotely. While the hybrid model has been around for more than 10 years, COVID-19 amplified its impor- tance. With the rise of remote work becoming more common- place, this creates greater flex- ibility for the appraiser to manage their day-to-day workloads with more predictability while maxi- mizing their potential to scale and conduct more appraisals in a shorter timeframe (maximiz- ing their earning potential in the process). Apps and valuation software have brought even more auto- mation and efficiencies into the process, ranging from tech- enabled floorplan measurements to digital mapping that pulls in MLS data to real-time appraisal scheduling. For digital natives like millennials and Generation Z, the ability to work with these tools and embrace appraisal moderniza- tion is almost second nature. This creates an opportunity for young people to blaze their own trails and leverage their digital skillsets in a steady, lucrative industry. With the ability to control your own working hours and the number of jobs you take on, you also have the potential to control your earnings to some degree. For some added context, data from the Appraisal Institute shows that more than one-fifth of appraisers take home at least $150,000 annu- ally with another one-fourth earn- ing at least $100,000, respectively. Additionally, if you want flex- ibility to create more time in your schedule to travel, pick your child up from day care or school, or even explore a personal passion project, you have that ability as well. Valuation technology now makes it possible to digitally manage your schedule and ar- range your calendar in accordance with what works best for you. Tips for Breaking Into the Industry A s many young people are lacking the knowledge base and awareness to determine if a career as an appraiser is the right path for them, there is an educa- tion component our industry needs to address. My family and I sat down recently to discuss the need to attract the next generation of real estate appraisers and came up with the following tips for young people to help them break into the industry. 1. Do Your Research D ue to the 1,500 hours of field training needed to become a certified residential appraiser, coupled with the online learn- ing and final exam requirements (both of which require a nominal investment), it is important for young people who may be con- sidering a career as an appraiser to do their research. For starters, the Appraisal Institute launched a website—careersbuildingcommuni- ties.org—in collaboration with 29 real estate-related organizations to create a source for high school and college-aged students to explore career possibilities within real estate. In addition, The Appraisal Foundation has a wide array of information on their website including education or requisite experience requirements needed to become a certified residential appraiser in addition to information on requirements by state and number of hours in the field, among other helpful tips and materials. Another way to gain a deeper understanding of how to break into the industry is to seek out mentorship from someone in the field. Consider leveraging LinkedIn to search for certified real estate appraisers and then reach out to them via messenger to ask if you can pick their brain about their experience in the industry. While this may sound unorthodox, you'd be surprised how willing busy professionals are to carve out a bit of time in their day to knowledge-share. The worst thing they can say is "no," right? In addition, following non- profit appraisal organizations on social media to stay up-to-date on free events or webinars they may be hosting is another great way to gain knowledge. 2. Seek Out Internships D ue to the in-the-field training and course requirements, it can seem daunting to jump back into schooling directly following the completion of an undergradu- ate or graduate degree (though it is important to note, some college coursework or requisite experience can also be considered in lieu of a four-year degree in certain instances). That's why we recommend seeking out intern- ships before graduation. Not only will you get hands-on experi- ence, but you may even be able to fulfill some of your necessary training or coursework, giving you a head start when you do enter the workforce. Consider networking with or reaching out to a local profes- sional appraiser membership organization to express interest in securing an internship or finding a supervisory appraiser to work under to fulfill some of your re- quirements needed to become an appraiser. Simply searching "real estate appraiser trainee" in job search engines is a good first start. In addition, you may consider get- For digital natives like millennials and Generation Z, the ability to work with these tools and embrace appraisal modernization is almost second nature. This creates an opportunity for young people to blaze their own trails and leverage their digital skillsets in a steady, lucrative industry.