Student Affiliate

Being part of Appraisal Institute as a Student Affiliate and then as a Practicing Affiliate has ensured a smooth transition from college to an appraisal career. Appraisal Institute has great courses for qualifying education, and I have been able to receive AI course equivalency for courses taken while earning my master's degree.

The staff at Appraisal Institute works with me to make sure that I am getting the most out of my membership. I also enjoy being a member of my local chapter and meeting other professionals in my area. I look forward to continuing my career as a member of Appraisal Institute.

Quite recently I learned that you could become a Student Affiliate with Appraisal Institute. Upon becoming a Student Affiliate, I have already begun to utilize many of the vast resources available to me! For starters, I have used the Lum Library to assist me in finding market data for the class work and case competitions that I participate in.

I have also reached out to my local chapter, the Hoosier State Chapter, to get more involved. I began by speaking with the Chapter Executive Director, and the recently elected President of my local chapter. I even found my way onto the board of my local chapter where I will work on the public relations committee and assist in the creation of newsletters. I'm very excited about this opportunity as I now have the ability to attend my local chapters' board meetings and meet even more amazing individuals!

As only a junior in college, I am excited to continue my journey as a Student Affiliate with Appraisal Institute. I have yet to meet a "bad egg' in the appraisal profession, everyone I've met has been a servant leader and truly a great person!

When I finally decided to start my journey of transitioning from property tax valuation to the practice of appraisal, Appraisal Institute and MAI Designated Members that I had the chance to speak with, encouraged receiving quality education and seeking challenging opportunities in my pursuit of certification and the MAI designation. Thus, as a Student Affiliate and Master's Degree Program student, AI was my #1 choice and the source for selecting a university that was affiliated with the AI Master's Degree Program.

AI staff and local chapters are a great source of timely information and advice, which is crucial in building the right foundation as an aspiring appraiser. Finally, in addition to the best education and training, AI is also leading in providing most of the appraisal experience through the PAREA program (an alternative path to gaining experience hours for certification). 

I intend to continue my journey with AI first in the AI PAREA Program and eventually achieving the MAI and SRA designations. What I like most about AI is its emphasis on ethics and promoting the public trust in the appraisal profession. As an aspiring and/or experienced appraiser, in addition to receiving quality education and training, you can also share your experience and knowledge by becoming a mentor to those truly interested in the profession.

In becoming a Student Affiliate and then a Practicing Affiliate, much of what has been offered to me has had a substantial impact on where I am today. After going to my chapter events, I have learned a great deal from many of the people I have met thus far. Aside from chapter affiliation, the discounts on education have been very helpful to me, as I am just kicking off my career. I am excited about this career path and can't wait to see what the future holds for me.