Meet our Associate Director for Capital Markets and Investment Services, Melanie Roxas, as she shares her views on Colliers' culture and how it fosters professional growth through empowerment and talent focus, as well as her experiences learning from industry experts.
1. What led you to a career in real estate?
I have never imagined that I'll land a career in real estate. Back then, I only thought of it as a sales-related job which I'm not keen on doing. In my previous job, there was this project assigned to me where I had to do some market research on the real estate sector. It was actually the Colliers Quarterly Market Report that helped me complete my task. After that, Colliers' website became my go-to portal for my real estate related research. Reading the reports made me more interested on the sector, and got the idea that it might be good to work with this type of company to learn more. It was through a friend that I got to know of the job opportunity for a research manager. He encouraged me to apply, and the time that I got hired, that was when my career in real estate began.
Doing field work, writing reports may be tiring but it was enjoyable, and presenting to clients may be daunting, but a sense of fulfillment can be felt after completion and when the clients express their appreciation on the work done. After some time and getting more exposed to the other aspects of real estate service, I yearned to try on a new line - the brokerage. I would say that it is a more challenging task, in the sense that we don't simply assist our clients in disposal and acquisition of their properties, but we also provide them insightful recommendations to maximize their options.
Never thought of working in real estate before, but now I'm on my 14th year in the industry.
2. What is your experience like in Colliers?
It's really good working in Colliers. The culture fosters professional growth through empowerment and talent focus. It's also nice working with the industry experts as a lot of lessons can be learned from them.
3. Despite the pandemic, you were able to successfully support your clients, any tips for other brokers?
This pandemic has been worrisome for all businesses. It is important for us to fully understand our clients' goals and consider any re-direction. Be willing to go the extra mile and recalibrate strategies to find the best solution for them.
4. What is the best advice that you have ever received?
Never regret anything that has happened. Take it as a lesson and move forward.
5. What is the best book you ever read or best movie you have seen?
The Art of War.
6. What is something people don’t know about you?
I'm a bit adventurous. I like trying different activities and trying local delicacies when travelling. I have some YOLO moments and looking forward to try more exciting (and extreme) activities.
Playing favorites:
Favorite movie or TV show: Good Will Hunting
Favorite leisure activity: Browsing the internet, listening to music… but sleeping is on the top of my list.
Favorite travel destination: Palawan
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Favorite comfort food: Pizza and chicken
Favorite Kpop or K Drama: K Drama (Crash Landing On You)
