Getting to know Mehreen – MIH’s Property Manager

Getting to know our Property Manager Mehreen.

Have you always been interested in property management?

Having studied a law and business joint honours bachelor’s degree, I can honestly say that I have not always been interested in property management, that was until I worked in a commercial management role after leaving university. During my brief tenure as a junior building manager I learned the basics of what goes into maintaining a building, what the expectations are and where I might run into difficulty. I soon made the switch to residential property management and over the past four years, have worked my way up from an administrative role to a Property Manager.

How do you find being a woman in the property management world?

Females in the property management world should not have to spend any time worrying about this. Gender should not define ability. In my experience, it can be challenging at times and I think we have to work harder to be taken seriously and have people not second guess our opinion or advice. I have realised the only way to overcome this is to prove people wrong.  

Why did you want to work for MIH?  

The role was sold to me as a small company, whose experienced female director has built the company to what is it in a few short years. What was not to like?

My first interview with Sarah was like nothing I have ever experienced before; it didn’t feel like an interview whatsoever which is probably why it went so well. My subsequent interviews felt more like having a chat with someone I had known for years.

There is no “us and them” feeling, Sarah and other senior staff are approachable and incredibly helpful. They never make you feel inferior for not knowing something and are always willing to lend a hand. I struggle to define working at MIH as anything but a breath of fresh air.

What do you find most difficult about Property Management?

You may have heard this before, but it is easy to manage a building, it only becomes challenging once filled with people! The role of a Property Manager can be very unpredictable, as you never know what awaits you when you sign into your emails on a Monday morning! Not everyone is going to appreciate your efforts, communication and patience are the most important skills that all Property Managers should have!

What do you like about Property Management?

There is something very satisfying about seeing a project from its inception through to completion. There have been instances where leaseholders are not expecting much from their managing agents due to being let down in the past. I have had the opportunity to turn that around, and get those issues resolved for them feels great.

I have also been lucky enough to meet some truly great mentors along the way, managers who become friends and give you the opportunity to learn and grow under them.

Do you like working in a smaller company?

I do prefer working in a smaller company, there is a better sense of team spirit. You meet everyone you work with – rather than working with a number of faceless entities who work in different departments in parts of the country! It was also great also great to be able to pop downstairs (pre- Covid working from home) and ask Richard (our Head of Accounts) a serious question about something relating to finances and have the opportunity to banter with him over the weekends football results.

What inspires you?

It’s more a case of who- Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Everyone, regardless of their gender needs to know who she is and what she achieved.

What do you consider as good property management?

Good communication skills= good property management.

Whether it’s with clients, leaseholders or contractors, effective communication is the key to good property management.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to have sat my exams and received my IRPM Qualifications. In a senior role being able to share what wisdom and knowledge I have earned with an incoming member of staff!

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