Skip to content
Contact us
All posts

Navigating a career in real estate management: A conversation with Rita Khan, CPM®, ARM®, ACoM®

Picture of IREM By   ·  2 minute read
Real estate management is a dynamic field, offering diverse career opportunities beyond traditional property management. Rita Khan, CPM ®, ARM ®, ACoM ®, Director of Marketing at Hirzel Law, is a living example of this versatility. With a background in real estate, property management, law and marketing, Rita’s journey illustrates the multitude of career paths available in this business.

A journey rooted in real estate

Rita first dipped her toes into real estate while still in college, working as a realtor and administrative assistant before transitioning into student housing management. While working on her degree in American Culture, she was climbing the ranks from leasing agent to community manager, condominium and homeowners’ association (HOA) management, and even attended law school. Her experience as a portfolio manager led to Rita’s current role at Hirzel Law, a firm specializing in real estate and condominium law.

Marketing meets real estate law

At Hirzel, Rita’s role bridges the gap between real estate management and legal expertise. “We work directly with board members and property managers, providing legal resources and support,” she explains. Her responsibilities span digital marketing, social media management, content creation, and event coordination. Rita also co-hosts a podcast, Hirzel’s Condo Chronicles, covering the key topics impacting condominium and HOA communities today. “People love our blogs and podcasts, and knowing that we’re making a difference is fulfilling.”

The IREM® Foundation’s role in supporting Rita’s career

Property managers often begin their careers with ARM (Accredited Residential Manager®) or ACoM (Accredited Commercial Manager®) certification, as they may not yet have the experience to qualify for the CPM (Certified Property Manager®) designation. These certifications give them a professional advantage while they build knowledge and prepare for the next career steps.

Early career and younger professionals may also need some financial help towards achieving IREM certification. The IREM Foundation embraces these future leaders with scholarships and grants that support their ambitions. “From day one, the IREM Foundation has been there,” says Rita. “I received a scholarship early on and was able to essentially supplement my courses, get that 75% scholarship and get that ARM certification.”

Soon after earning her ARM, Rita became involved with her local IREM chapter. With the help of the chapter president at the time, Rita was able to get more scholarship assistance from the Foundation. This momentum led her to becoming more involved; she attended a couple of meetings and started connecting.

“Some of the people that I've met at the local chapter have been kind of those influences, or those, you know, cheerleaders, that just kind of said, hey, keep going, the ultimate thing that you want to do is get your CPM. And so I said, Okay, why not?” That encouragement catapulted Rita to earn CPM certification.

Advice for aspiring real estate professionals

For those considering a career in real estate management, Rita emphasizes the value of education and networking. “IREM and the IREM Foundation provide incredible support through scholarships, mentorship, and career development,” she says. “If you’re serious about this field, get involved and take advantage of these resources.”

Final thoughts

Rita Khan’s journey highlights the many paths you can take in real estate management. It’s not all about leasing, maintenance and operations. In Rita’s case, she found her professional niche in marketing real estate law. This field offers endless possibilities.

Learn more at irem.org.