Change of Plans Leads North Grad to Property Management, Life in USA
Originally from Denmark, Camilla Pedersen came to the United States in 2016 with no plans to stay. But, as they say, life gets in the way and changed the script. She met her future husband here, and together, they decided to build their lives in this country.
Camilla, who is passionate about personal growth, learning and finding new opportunities to challenge herself, knew she needed a college degree to launch her career because her Danish diploma was not widely recognized in the U.S.
“I didn’t mind starting fresh,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed being a student.”
Camilla chose North Seattle College because it was the first one she connected with while here on a J1 visa. She took several classes that she enjoyed, became familiar with the campus and got to know “the incredible staff.”
“North felt like the perfect place to take that step forward.”
Camilla was not entirely sure what direction she wanted to take. Then, she scheduled an appointment with North’s counseling service, which changed everything.
“They helped me identify my strengths and guided me toward potential career paths,” Camilla recalled. “One standout option was property management. It aligned perfectly with the new Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program North was launching: Residential and Commercial Property Management (RCPM).”
From there, she worked hard on obtaining an associate degree while managing a full-time job. By 2022, she was ready to start the RCPM program and called it “a milestone I wouldn’t have achieved without the guidance and support of North’s incredible staff.”
“My experience was truly transformative,” she added.
Camilla credits program advisor Cate O’dahl and faculty member Lyle Crews for guiding her along the way.
“Cate was much more than an academic guide. She became a confidant and an incredible source of encouragement, challenging me to grow, holding me accountable and celebrating my progress,” she said. “Lyle’s classes were engaging and created a safe space to ask questions and explore ideas, which made it possible for me to balance my coursework with a full-time job.”
Camilla noted the entire staff’s passion was contagious, making the learning environment dynamic and engaging. And the program’s diverse curriculum provides ideal career preparation. She remembers a course on managing and supervising teams as a “game-changer.”
“I learned valuable communication strategies and how to handle challenging situations effectively – skills I now use daily,” Camilla said, adding that classes on real estate law, commercial leases, specialty housing and other topics provided a solid foundation that directly translates into her current role as a property manager.
What would she tell others interested in North and its RCPM program?
“It’s perfect for individuals working full-time and offers incredible flexibility,” Camilla said. “Even if you aren’t sure about pursuing property management, the degree blends real estate and business principles, opening doors to a variety of career paths beyond property management.
“I enthusiastically recommend it.”