Alison Beddard, a 1997 graduate of Virginia Tech, has been appointed the managing principal for Utah operations for Cushman & Wakefield. Her new position consists of recruitment, business development, retention and support for the employees of Cushman & Wakefield’s Utah offices. Professionally, she has strived to be a leader for advancing women in the real estate industry. Beddard was appointed to Cushman & Wakefield’s Leadership Council for the Women’s Integrated Network, served on the Advisory Board of Zions Bank Women’s Financial Group, and has served as President of the CREW Network  (Commercial Real Estate Women).

Beddard has had an interesting and inspiring journey to becoming a successful real estate professional. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in human nutrition, foods, and exercise and moved to San Diego to work in a hospital, but soon realized that she could better use her talents elsewhere. She applied to be a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, received a job offer, and moved to Salt Lake City. During her time with Delta she became a flight leader and had the opportunity to expand professionally.  Using the excellent customer service skills developed working for Delta, she started a property management business.

She started managing duplexes and single-family homes and realized that she enjoyed real estate. Encouraged to  pursue commercial real estate  by friends, Beddard sat for her real estate salesperson exam, received her license, and started work with Cushman & Wakefield in 2005. She was paired with a top broker and quickly worked her way up the ranks.

After five years in the real estate industry, Beddard understood that she had been holding herself back. She says, “my biggest obstacle was having confidence in myself, I was suffering from the imposter syndrome. I noticed that even when I was selected for President of the CREW Network, I kept thinking am I good enough for this position, did they choose the right person.”  To overcome this insecurity, Beddard started listening to a stronger inner voice that told her she had the capability and the experience to lead.

Beddard’s time as president and as a member of CREW has been an extremely empowering experience. Beddard said “there are very few times when a person can connect with 300 other people in a room at once and that opportunity was empowering and allowed me to come out of my comfort zone.” She grew from being scared to even say her name in front of the crowded room to leading thousands of professional real estate women worldwide. She now serves on the Executive Committee for the CREW Network’s International Board of Directors.

Looking back at her Virginia Tech education, Beddard says that she now realizes her leadership skills began when serving as a Resident Advisor in East Campbell and West Eggleston. Even though she does work in the profession of her Virginia Tech degree, her education in human nutrition, foods, and exercise has also proved useful in representing one of her clients, the University of Utah Health Science Department, in real estate transactions.

Beddard’s advice for graduates starting out in the real estate industry is to develop your professional networking early and  make as many connections as possible. You will have a limited network at first, so learn the platform of services offered by your company and expand your knowledge of the industry. This can impress those around you and enhance your connection.” She also recommends to “find a sponsor, someone who will advocate for you even when you are not in the room and help you reach your goals.” She recommends investing in your soft skills and self-awareness early to advance your career.

She states that investing in herself physically and in her skills has been essential to her success. Getting the proper amount of sleep, receiving a facial or massage, going to the gym, and wearing clothes that make her feel confident have contributed to her accomplishments.

Alison Beddard will be conducting a live video chat with members of the Virginia Tech Real Estate Club during the Spring 2019 semester. Please check back on the Virginia Tech Program in Real Estate website for more information.

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