The Demand for Relocation Counselors is Moving Upwards
Today's job market is literally a global marketplace. Employers recruit
throughout the world.
But once a new employee is hired, how does that person and his or
her family handle the moving process? With the help of a relocation counselor,
that's how.
This rapidly growing field is not new, but it has expanded swiftly in the
last decade. According to the Employee Relocation Council (ERC), nearly 880,000
heads of households make job-related moves each year. Corporations spend about
$30 billion each year to relocate those employees.
This booming industry is expected to continue to grow.
"It's growing rapidly now for a few reasons," says Anita Brienza. She is
an ERC spokesperson.
"More employees are expressing a need for specialized relocation assistance.
More corporations are outsourcing such assistance, rather than handling it
in-house," she says.
"I believe the trend is growing, and will continue to grow, for several
reasons," says Julie Champion. She works with a relocation counseling company
in Salem, Oregon.
"Many U.S. companies now have subsidiaries outside the U.S. in order to
expand their presence. Also, many U.S. companies, especially high tech, cannot
find the number of workers they need inside the U.S. and need to hire foreign
workers," she explains.
Relocation counselors typically work for either a corporation or company
that specializes in real estate or relocations.
Relocation counselors might arrange for the household goods to be transferred
or help a family work through the issues and emotions associated with moving.
"Relocation specialists run the gamut," Brienza says.
"This might describe the individual from a real estate firm that is assigned
to show you around town because you're moving for a new job. Or it might be
the person who is working with your spouse to make sure that he or she can
become re-employed once the relocation occurs."
"Relocation means being a resource for personal and corporate people that
are in need of assistance when relocating," says Tony de Michele of a real
estate firm.
"Most of the time, employers don't give very much support to their moving
employees. That's where I step in. I become a confidante and a very useful
resource for the relocating person and their family."
"Being a relocation specialist means having a thorough understanding of
all the components of a relocation: compensation, benefits -- all the services
needed to make a relocation happen," Champion says.
"It requires understanding the needs of the people who are being moved
and knowing how to address those needs. One must be able to develop unique
and creative solutions based on an employee's needs, the employer's policies
and the restrictions of the home and host countries."
Income levels vary in the field, depending on the relocation counselor's
employer and experience. However, Champion estimates that in the U.S., an
entry-level position probably earns between $20,000 and $25,000 per year.
Those with more experience can rise above $50,000 a year.
Brienza says relocation counselors enter the field in a variety of ways.
"You'll see many different backgrounds in the relocation specialist field.
Some come into it through real estate, some through a human resource position.
Some are individuals who have relocated several times, [have] seen a need
for a particular service and started a business to provide it."
There are many ways to learn how to become a relocation professional. Some
take courses and become certified. Others learn on the job.
ERC provides networking opportunities and professional support. It also
offers training programs. Its certified relocation professional program recognizes
those who have mastered the principles and practices of relocation.
This is intended to raise professional standards in the industry. It also
lets relocation professionals demonstrate their competence.
However, others learn by doing. Champion has no formal training for her
job, but a previous job in customer service taught her many of the skills
she still uses today.
"This was probably the very best training I could have gotten," she says.
"When it's all said and done, relocation -- and all human resources functions
-- are actually customer service: solving problems and keeping people happy."
Champion recommends a background as a human resources generalist. Psychology
courses are also good. Those interested in international relocation might
want to consider some international business courses as well.
De Michele suggests those interested in the field hone their people skills.
"This is a field that needs to become more personal," he says. "The combination
of your knowledge and genuine caring can make sure those people are truly
comfortable."
That relationship is one of the greatest benefits of the job, according
to de Michele. "Don't get me wrong. Income is important. But I enjoy the joy
and appreciation my relocation clients give me when they know someone isn't
out for money, but for the love of the experience."
"There are tremendous personal rewards in this industry, and from a financial
standpoint, there is a fair amount of stability," Brienza says.
"One should remember that relocation stays very constant because corporations
relocate people whether the economy is good or bad. Even when the regular
consumer moves are down, corporate moves don't decrease by much. The opportunities
are very good."
Links
Employee Relocation Council
A comprehensive resource for the newest relocation trends
International Association for Human Resource Information Management
Helping businesses achieve their goals
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