Teresina Palumbo never imagined that she would work in residential property management.

But the part-time leasing job that she started at her mother’s suggestion during her junior year of college turned into a career that she loves.

“The thing I loved about leasing is that it’s something different every day,” said Palumbo, 25, an Assistant Property Manager at The Dolben Company’s Crofton Village property in Crofton, Md.

“You’re helping people with a really important aspect of their lives, which is finding a place to live… you feel like you’re making a difference.”

In 2012, the University of Baltimore alumna was selling cookware at Williams-Sonoma, decorating wedding cakes at a bakery, and working at American Eagle Outfitters—all while going to classes. The unpredictable hours became too much, and Palumbo sought a more permanent position with a regular schedule.

Her first leasing job at another Dolben community was a great fit with her business skills from college and her upbeat personality. “We’re accountants, we’re leasing consultants, we’re psychologists to residents, we’re cleaning people—it’s like you’re doing so many different jobs in one,” she said.

Living on a student budget, she also appreciated the discount on rent. Palumbo moved quickly into a full-time leasing role before graduating with a business degree, and within a year and a half was an assistant property manager.

A one-time musical theater major whose dream was to sing at Walt Disney World, Palumbo brings the positivity of performing to her community each day.

She loves brightening the lives of residents, whether it’s getting their clogged toilets repaired or greeting them with a smile.

RPM offers motivated students like Teresina a rewarding career path and plenty of room to advance. Her advice to students looking for their next step?

“There’s nothing more ideal than working in property management out of college.”

To share your RPM Careers story, contact Sarah Levine at [email protected].