In celebration of International Women's Day, the REIQ interviewed three powerful women who have faced career challenges head-on, but in spite of this, are kicking goals and inspiring others to do the same. The following is the section on LJ Hooker Nerang's Office Manager, Emily-Jane Megraw
As someone that has done “a little bit of everything” when it comes to real estate, Emily-Jane Megraw has achieved her own success through determination and hard work. The Office and Operations Manager of LJ Hooker Nerang, says “you have to make your own luck in this life and it’s up to no one but yourself to work hard”.
In a career that started in 2008, Megraw has used her drive to work her way from one of the most junior positions in her agency to where she is now. Changing careers from a chef in her early twenties, she applied for the assistant trainee property manager role at LJ Hooker Nerang.
“I was one of the only ones [candidates] that had no experience whatsoever, so it was my attitude that ended getting me a foot in the door, then I just worked really, really hard”, says Megraw.
Working in an office that supports and fosters women’s success, Megraw says she has been extremely fortunate to have an employer who is welcoming and inclusive. As a single mum who works full time, she is very aware of the challenges women face throughout their careers.
“I’ve never been treated any differently and I believe that’s because of who I work for and also the fact that I go into everything with such conviction and respect for myself and what I do, so no one would even have the option to treat me any different,” she says. “As a man or a woman, if you don’t go in with confidence in what you’re doing, you won’t get given the same opportunities.”
However, this confidence and self-assurance can be wasted in an organisation that isn’t willing to accommodate the needs of its employees. This is why it’s so important for women like Megraw to help lift up others and break down career barriers that have historically held women back.
“You can tell pretty quickly what kind of place you work for in the way they treat women who have had kids or are about to have kids,” says Megraw. She continued by saying that it can be seen as a red flag if a business isn’t willing to accommodate a staff member who is also a parent.
Supporting and empowering women in real estate is something Megraw values highly, and she firmly believes in the importance of surrounding yourself with likeminded people who can help challenge each other towards success.
“We’ve all got one person that we think is awesome but it’s all about surrounding yourself with the right kind of people and you also have to be strong enough to make decisions if you’re not hanging out with the right individuals.”
As someone who doesn’t identify herself as a mentor, Megraw has shared her experiences with people she considers her friends. Her attitude towards helping others is simple – “if Emily can do it, you can do it too”.
“There are women in administration roles who like what they’re doing but don’t have the belief they can take it to the next level,” she says. “It takes leaders to work with them and help them understand there are pathways to success, and there is every possibility to end up in a managerial or leadership role.”
You can read the entire article on the REIQ's wesite by clicking here
