ShareThe CIPS designation is an important step in boosting your profile as an international specialist. The training, network, and prestige that it offers are valuable assets in attracting international clientele.
So what lies “beyond the pin”? After the classes, after joining the private, designee-only Facebook group, and after updating your marketing materials to show off your new credentials, what can you do to get noticed?
If you’re looking for something more, considering joining NAR’s volunteer cadre. Taking a leadership role with NAR can enhance your international resumé, and connect you with professionals around the world on behalf of NAR.
Our volunteer leaders play a vital role in building and maintaining NAR’s global alliances, which include 87 partnerships in 66 countries.
As a CIPS designee, you are well positioned to serve in a volunteer leadership role. Opportunities to volunteer range from joining the Global Alliances Committee, being appointed as a President’s Liaison, or even within your state/local association by helping to facilitate a Global Business Council or Ambassador Association relationship.
Global Business & Alliances Committee – The GBA Committee helps steer the direction and development of NAR Global. The committee meets twice per year (at the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo (in May) and at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo (in November). Typically, GBA Committee members are involved in a leadership role within their state/local associations, have demonstrated international real estate experience, and earned the CIPS designation. View more information about NAR’s Committee structure.
President’s Liaisons – President’s Liaisons are NAR members, appointed by the NAR President to serve as his or her liaisons to real estate professionals in an assigned country. They work to help maintain NAR’s relationships with cooperating associations overseas. Appointees are generally CIPS designees and, ideally, have some knowledge of the country’s real estate practice, culture, and language. Appointments are made each year prior to the REALTORS® Conference & Expo and run concurrent to the NAR presidential term. View a current list of President’s Liaisons.
Global Business Councils - Local boards around the United States establish global or international councils/committees dedicated to globally themed education, programming, and networking for their members. This is a great starting point for establishing international leadership experience to leverage when applying for a Committee appointment. View our Global Business Councils Directory to see if your state or local association has an established council. If you’re interested in starting a global council, contact NAR Global.
Ambassador Associations - Think "Sister-City" program. This program links a foreign Cooperating Association with a U.S. state or local REALTOR® association (ideally one with an active Global Business Council). The Ambassador Association works closely with a President’s Liaison and Regional Coordinator to expand global business opportunities. Volunteer leaders help to facilitate the Ambassador Association relationships, and in many cases serve as a direct link between associations. View the directory of Ambassador Associations.
Getting involved at the association level (whether local, state or national) is a rewarding experience – we encourage you to inquire about any of the above that interest you. It sets you apart from the field in terms of experience and exposure, and is sure to be a worthwhile venture.