Book 1 - Appraisal Institute of Canada

The PGCV is well rounded and comprehensive programthat not only trained me to become efficientin valuation services, but also real estate investmentanalysis. The PGCV’s multi-disciplinary approachwill help me become a leader in many facets withinthe real estate industry, and I am pleased to havecompleted the program.- Darren S. GibbonsCompleting the PGCV has been beneficial to mycareer right from the beginning of the program.Enrolling in the program and commencing withthe coursework enabled me to get into my firstappraisal position. The coursework gave me theknowledge to advance in my position and completingthe program opened even more opportunities.After only three years since I began the program, Iam right where I want to be in my career.- Dallas EngWould you recommend thisprogram to other business graduates?I have recommended this program to every businessgraduate that has shown an interest in the realestate sector or employment at Cadillac Fairview.Many people tell me they are interested in realestate, but have nothing on their résumé to supportthat interest. I let grads know that having thisprogram on their résumé demonstrates they have abody of real estate knowledge that is more comprehensivethan a CFA or other business designations.- Andrew GarrettIf real estate valuation is of interest to you, and youalready have a degree in business, this program isdefinitely the next logical step. In just two years,you can complete the program at a reasonable pacewhile working full-time, or you can finish sooner ifyou have the spare-time and the drive.- Adam LawrensonI would recommend the program to anyone witha finance/commerce/accounting background whohas a passion for the value of property and thedevelopment process, and as a bridging program forthose who have foreign valuation credentials andexperience.- Ardeane MaharajWhether you intend to pursue an appraisal designationor not, you will gain valuable knowledgeof real property valuation; applicable to manyprofessionals in the industry. The program bringstogether all aspects of a commerce degree andapplies them toward real estate. A commercedegree has more value once focused towards aspecialization.- Dallas EngDo you feel that adding the PGCVto your professional credentials hasenhanced your career opportunities?I have found that the PGCV is not widelyrecognized in the real estate industry outside ofthe appraisal profession. Perhaps because it isa relatively new qualification. I don’t think thePGCV credential enhances career opportunitiesin its own right beyond offering a short cut toAACI designation. Like all qualifications, its truevalue will be through effective application downthe road.- Philip LoganThe PGCV has enhanced my career opportunitiesin the sense that the program is industry-focusedon property valuation, but, at the same time,educates potential property valuers about specializedopportunities in the field, e.g., appraisalreview, hotel valuation, agricultural valuation,etc.- Ardeane MaharajWith specific reference to the appraisal industry,I do not believe my career opportunities havebeen broadened by completing the PCGV.Obtaining designation is what employers seekonce you have field experience. However, forrecent graduates with no experience in theproperty industry, enrolling in the PGCV programis likely to make you attractive to prospectiveemployers.- Gord FrenchEven if I were not pursuing the AACI designation,the PGCV alone has ensured me a career in thereal estate industry.- Dallas EngAre there any other commentsconcerning this program that youwould like to share with the AppraisalInstitute or prospective PGCV students?This program allows individuals to meet all the necessaryeducational requirements for the AACI designationby taking one-third the course load. It assumesthe student has a basic knowledge of economicsand finance and is structured to provide the meatand bones of valuation – including residential andcommercial – while giving students the flexibility tochoose electives that suit their individual needs.- Adam LawrensonIn an era where the quantity and perhaps quality ofaccredited members is declining in many professions,I believe that the program can play a significant rolein mitigating the impact of this trend in valuation. Iwould advise prospective students to have a genuineinterest and commitment in property before enrollingbecause the program is immersive and assumes thatstudents are doing this for a career, and not a hobby.- Ardeane MaharajPGCV is a very well developed program. It offersaccelerated access to AIC designations, which I woulddefine as ‘intensive accelerated access.’ My advice toall prospective PGCV students is to stay focused duringthe studies, follow through all the assignments, readall the materials provided by the course, and enjoy theknowledge you gain through each course. The bestpart of the program that it is very interesting, wellwritten and challenging. I am grateful to AIC and toSauder School of Business for giving me the possibilityto reach my ultimate career goal in a short period oftime and for the extensive support that was providedto me during the course of my studies.- Natalia KurantMy biggest complaint with full-time studies whileworking on my commerce degree was not being ableto apply the knowledge learned right away. On manyoccasions throughout my applied experience program,the knowledge learned through PGCV was immediatelyapplied in real estate reports, which was verygratifying. In turn, this process enhanced my learningexperience.- Darren S. Gibbonsclick here to return to table of contentsCanadian Property Valuation Volume 54 | book 1 | 2010 Évaluation Immobilière au Canada 33