Although she started out in finance, Alessandra Gensler’s lifelong interest in real estate and interior design inspired her to change careers
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Never too Late to Switch Gears
I have an MBA from New York University, a background in Real Estate Investment Banking and a love for interior design. Both inspired me to make a career change. After working in the finance field for a number of years, I decided to go back to school in the evening. I obtained my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design, and started working in the industries I am passionate about. I believe strongly that everyone should pursue their dream to do something they love. It is never too late.
Motivated by Challenge & by Others
Even though it was challenging to embark on a new path, I was excited by the prospect of change and of pursuing something I was truly passionate about. I took the skills I had honed over the years in sales, negotiating and communication, and used them in my new position as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Douglas Elliman Real Estate and as a startup Owner of my own interior design, home staging and home organizing firm, A Gensler Interiors.
Getting started in real estate takes several months to a couple of years to build up contacts and a sphere of influence. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people in real estate and interior design—people I would never have had the good fortune of meeting had I stayed in finance. I am continually motivated by the company’s top producing brokers, which only makes me want to strive even harder to achieve success in this field.
Looking Ahead
My future goals are to be a successful real estate agent and interior designer and meet as many people as I can. Networking is key since everyone is a potential client or knows someone who can use my services. IAW has given me the opportunity to connect with a wide range of people, both virtually and in person. My advice to other members is to attend as many events as you can and utilize the resources IAW has to offer. This will open you up to new opportunities.
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