I wonder how many real estate agents have an education in real estate. You don't see a degree in real estate on most people's resume or being pushed by colleges. Most states require some sort of pre-licensing education with a test but does that really compare to a true education in real estate?

After I finished high school I did a semester of college and then I joined the Navy. I didn't join the Navy to pay for school. I turned down the GI Bill for some stupid reason. Actually, it was because I didn't want to pay $100 each month for my first year in the Navy when I already had a puny paycheck. But then again, I was from Illinois so as long as I returned to Illinois I could attend a state college for free. Go Illinois!

So 13 years after getting out of the Navy I took a couple of college classes. These classes were the required pre-licensing classes. After completing the classes I took and passed the licensing exam. The classes were very educational but I realized beforehand that I needed to know a lot more than what was covered in school about the state's real estate laws. So I studied state law specifically and then took the test.

After completing those classes I decided to continue my education. I now have a goal and I have the ability to obtain it. My goal is to continue college, study business and get an MBA (masters in business administration).

I am currently working toward my associates degree so I have a way to go. A few weeks ago I realized that I can get a minor degree in real estate. Imagine that! Guess what two of the required classes are? Yup, the same two pre-licensing classes I already took. There are other classes that go along with the minor in real estate and each one of them will better me as a realtor... or will being a realtor make me a better student?

When I introduce myself to my classmates, some young and some not, I always say I'm a realtor and a business owner. It's also a good way to advertise and network.  :-)