Get to know our members who share their expertise to help shape the future of our association and industry!
We chatted with our 2021-2022 Young Professionals Network Vice Chair Amy Wu, Keller Williams Success Realty, to find out more about her career path, why she volunteers and more.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
2022 marks my third year in the business.
WHY WERE YOU INTERESTED IN GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?
When I first thought about joining real estate, I was also the owner of a restaurant and wanted to dive into a new career that had more flexibility. I saw real estate as a good challenge and was excited by the industry’s limitless potential.
WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
It would have to be a combination of being selected as YPN’s vice chair, being selected to be on the Board of Directors for AREAA Greater Chicago and having the opportunity to change so many lives in the work that I do. Relationships are very important to me, so it is an honor to be able to work with some of the best clients, colleagues, affiliate partners and leaders.
WHAT HAS HELPED YOU MOST TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
I realized early on that surrounding yourself with the right people matters more than anything else. Surround yourself with people that inspire you, push you, challenge you, teach you and believe in you. These days, I am very intentional with who I choose to be around. In YPN, I have found many like-minded and brilliant souls.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER?
I love that I am able to positively impact other people’s lives and play a role in, what is for many, the biggest investment of their lives.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING TO TAKE THEIR CAREER TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
In order to go places we’ve never been, we have to do things we’ve never done. What is the one thing that you haven’t done that would propel your career? It might be getting a coach, developing a system, hiring help, taking classes, getting involved, etc. Step outside of your comfort zone and hang out there.
WHAT DOES VOLUNTEERING MEAN TO YOU?
Volunteering has always been an important part of my life. From volunteering efforts such as donating my time to local hospitals in high school to facilitating student leadership efforts in college to becoming an advocate for survivors of sexual assault to working with a dog rescue to now serving on the YPN Advisory Board, volunteering is a big reminder that making the biggest difference requires collaboration with like-minded souls and having a good heart.
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST VALUABLE TO YOU/YOUR BUSINESS SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED IN OUR INDUSTRY?
Getting involved with different committees and organizations has been invaluable because of the people that you meet. I look up to so many leaders within our industry and am constantly inspired by them and their ideas. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you caught me fangirling over our leadership at our various industry events.