Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are a critical component of the real estate market, offering a diverse range of investment opportunities to investors while also providing employment opportunities across multiple sectors. As the global economy continues to expand, REITs are likely to play an increasingly important role in the real estate industry. This article aims to explore the available jobs in the REIT industry across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada. We will also cover the various types of jobs available, the qualifications required, and the demand for REIT jobs.
What is a Real Estate Investment Trust?
REITs are investment vehicles that own, operate, and manage a range of real estate properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. REITs are structured as public companies, and they generate income for investors through rent and capital gains on their properties. REITs are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the United States and by similar regulatory bodies in other countries. In the US, REITs must distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders in the form of dividends.
REITs can be structured in a variety of ways, including equity REITs, mortgage REITs, and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs are the most common type of REIT and own properties that generate rental income. Mortgage REITs, on the other hand, invest in mortgages and generate income through interest payments. Hybrid REITs combine the features of equity and mortgage REITs and invest in both properties and mortgages.
Jobs in Real Estate Investment Trusts

REITs offer a wide range of job opportunities across multiple sectors. The following are some of the most common types of jobs in the REIT industry:
Investment Professionals
Investment professionals are responsible for identifying, analyzing, and executing investment opportunities for REITs. They work in a variety of roles, including portfolio management, research, and analysis. These professionals must possess strong analytical skills, knowledge of the real estate market, and the ability to identify market trends and risks.
Property Management
Property managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the properties owned by REITs. This includes maintenance, leasing, rent collection, and tenant relations. Property managers must be skilled in problem-solving, communication, and negotiation.
Asset Management
Asset managers are responsible for managing the assets owned by REITs. This includes overseeing property management, analyzing market trends, and developing investment strategies. Asset managers must possess strong analytical skills, knowledge of the real estate market, and the ability to identify and manage risks.
Legal and Regulatory
Legal and regulatory professionals work in a variety of roles, including compliance, risk management, and legal affairs. These professionals must possess strong legal knowledge, familiarity with regulatory frameworks, and the ability to manage complex legal and regulatory issues.
Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance professionals are responsible for managing the financial operations of REITs. This includes financial reporting, budgeting, and tax management. Accounting and finance professionals must possess strong analytical skills, knowledge of accounting principles, and familiarity with tax regulations.
Marketing and Public Relations
Marketing and public relations professionals are responsible for promoting the properties owned by REITs and managing the REIT’s brand image. This includes developing marketing strategies, managing social media and PR campaigns, and organizing events. Marketing and public relations professionals must possess strong communication skills, creativity, and familiarity with digital marketing.
IT and Technology
IT and technology professionals are responsible for managing the technology infrastructure of REITs. This includes managing software and hardware systems, cybersecurity, and data management. IT and technology professionals must possess strong technical skills, knowledge of software and hardware systems, and familiarity with cybersecurity protocols.
Demand for Jobs in REITs

The demand for jobs in the REIT industry varies by region and sector. In the United States, the demand for jobs in REITs has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), the US REIT industry employed over 178,000 people in 2019, an increase of 13% from the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that employment in the real estate sector will grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030.
In Europe, the demand for jobs in REITs has also been increasing in recent years, driven by the growth of the real estate market in the region. According to the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA), the European REIT industry employed over 200,000 people in 2020, an increase of 6% from the previous year. The demand for jobs in REITs is expected to continue to grow, particularly in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe.
In Asia, the demand for jobs in REITs has been growing rapidly in recent years, driven by the growth of the real estate market in the region. According to the Asian Public Real Estate Association (APREA), the Asian REIT industry employed over 700,000 people in 2020, an increase of 12% from the previous year. The demand for jobs in REITs is expected to continue to grow, particularly in emerging markets such as China and India.
In Canada, the demand for jobs in REITs has been steadily increasing over the past few years. According to the Canadian REIT Association (CRA), the Canadian REIT industry employed over 50,000 people in 2020, an increase of 10% from the previous year. The demand for jobs in REITs is expected to continue to grow, particularly in urban areas such as Toronto and Vancouver.
Qualifications Required for Jobs in REITs
The qualifications required for jobs in REITs vary depending on the sector and role. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as finance, accounting, or real estate is required for most jobs in REITs. Advanced degrees such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Real Estate (MRE) can also be beneficial for senior roles.
In addition to formal education, experience in the real estate industry is highly valued by employers. Many REITs also require relevant certifications such as a Certified Property Manager (CPM) or a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) for certain roles.
Industry Trends and Challenges
The REIT industry faces several trends and challenges that impact the demand for jobs and the industry as a whole. One trend is the increasing popularity of socially responsible investing, which is driving the demand for REITs that focus on sustainable and socially responsible practices. REITs that adopt these practices are likely to be more attractive to investors and have a competitive advantage in the market.
Another trend is the increasing use of technology in the real estate industry. REITs are adopting technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve their operations and gain a competitive advantage in the market. This trend is likely to drive the demand for jobs in IT and technology roles in the REIT industry.
Challenges facing the REIT industry include regulatory compliance and changing market conditions. REITs are subject to complex regulations, and compliance can be challenging, particularly in multiple jurisdictions. In addition, changes in market conditions such as interest rates and economic cycles can impact the performance of REITs and create challenges for investors and employers.
Conclusion
The real estate investment trust industry offers a diverse range of job opportunities across multiple sectors. Investment professionals, property management, asset management, legal and regulatory compliance, and IT and technology roles are just a few of the positions available in the REIT industry. The demand for jobs in REITs is growing across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Canada, driven by the growth of the real estate market and the increasing popularity of REITs as an investment vehicle.
The qualifications required for jobs in REITs vary depending on the sector and role, but generally, a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and experience in the real estate industry are highly valued by employers. Relevant certifications such as a CPM or CFA can also be beneficial for certain roles.
The REIT industry faces several trends and challenges, including the increasing popularity of socially responsible investing and the increasing use of technology in the real estate industry. Challenges facing the industry include regulatory compliance and changing market conditions.
Overall, the REIT industry offers a dynamic and challenging work environment with diverse job opportunities across multiple sectors. As the real estate market continues to grow, the demand for jobs in REITs is expected to continue to grow, making it a promising career path for those interested in the industry.