How More Women Are Transitioning Into a CRE Career

The commercial real estate industry is rapidly becoming more diverse. Not only are women exiting college finding opportunity in the industry, buts successful women from other industries are also making a shift into the CRE space. Courtney Ettus is a prime example. She transitioned from a career in advertising to a role as chief marketing officer at Crexi, and she is sharing her story—and offering advice to others looking to head down a similar path—at the GlobeSt. Elite Women of Influence event in July.

“I come from a non-traditional background, I am not a CRE lifer, having spent my career advertising different businesses across different industries,” Ettus tells GlobeSt.com. “I spent my first decade in fashion marketing, my second decade running global Fortune 500 media businesses working for global ad agencies, and finally finding myself as CMO of start-ups in different industries.”

She didn’t find the industry or the role on her own. She was introduced to Crexi CEO Mike DeGiorgio through a mutual friend. “I had my own consulting business as a fractional CMO and wasn’t planning to go back full-time to any business, but once I heard Mike’s vision for the industry and Crexi’s mission, I was inspired to roll-up my sleeves and get to work. I have a passion for building teams that build businesses and have been able to do so at Crexi,” she explains.

More women are making there way to this industry, some by a chance meet, like Ettus, and others are looking for opportunities to enter this industry. Either way, Ettus’ advice is to find a support group to guide you. “Know that you are in a unique position at the precipice of change in the industry,” she says. “Find mentors, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help.  Also, remember that your first response is just that, a response, and if you don’t like the first answer you receive, you should always go back and try again.”

As the industry evolves and becomes more diverse, more women are becoming aware of the opportunities in this market. “Over the past several years I have seen women enter at every level,” says Ettus. “From sales and leasing to data, analytics, lending, and especially tech, every aspect of the industry is evolving and benefitting from talent and experience from outside traditional CRE. It’s so nice to see so many women entering the space and killing it!”