From Engineer to Agent: Why I Got My Real Estate License and What I Learned Along the Way

If you had told me five years ago that I’d be working in real estate, I probably would’ve laughed. Back then, I was deep in the world of engineering building projects, sitting at a desk, doing everything I was “supposed” to do. But life doesn’t always follow a blueprint.

Getting laid off changed everything for me. At first, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. But in hindsight, it was the push I needed. For years, I had flirted with the idea of starting my own business, something that gave me freedom, purpose, and a way to actually build toward the life I wanted. When that layoff hit, the choice was either cling to stability… or leap into uncertainty. I chose the leap.

That leap led me here, to real estate.

What drew me in wasn’t just the flexibility or the income potential. It was the chance to build something of my own. But I learned that while the barrier to entry may seem low, becoming a real estate agent isn’t as simple as it looks. 87% of agents don’t make it past year five, and I don’t want to be one of them.

I treated getting my license like a part-time job. I committed about 20 to 25 hours a week to studying and knocking out coursework. In Colorado, you need 168 hours of education, plus you have to pass both a national and a state exam. The whole process took me about two and a half months.

The coursework? Honestly—it’s dry. Picture reading about contract law and title insurance for hours on end. There were days I struggled to stay awake. But I stayed consistent. That was the key. I kept showing up, even when it wasn’t convenient. I made flashcards, took practice tests, and repeated material until it stuck. By the time I scheduled my exams, I was scoring in the 80s on practice runs. When I finally passed, it was one of the most satisfying moments I’ve had in a long time, not just because I passed, but because I didn’t give up on my vision. 

But passing the test is just the beginning.

Once I had my license in hand, it was time to choose a brokerage. I ended up joining eXp Realty, mostly because I’d already connected with a mentor who's excelling in their career and willing to help me grow. That's made all the difference. If you’re stepping into real estate, find someone who can guide you, not just someone who hands you a business card and says, “Good luck.”

And here’s something I wish someone had told me earlier: when you’re choosing a brokerage, you’re not applying for a job, you’re choosing a partner. This is your business. You get to decide what kind of support you need, what environment you thrive in, and what values matter to you.

Now that I’m licensed, the real work begins. I’m building systems, creating content (this scares the shit out of me), reaching out to people, and soaking up everything I can about this business. It’s overwhelming sometimes, but I finally feel like I’m building something that’s mine.

If you’re thinking about real estate, whether full-time or on the side, my advice is simple: JUST START. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. It doesn’t exist. Make a plan. Get involved. Find mentors. And most importantly, know your “why.”

For me, it’s about freedom. It’s about helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. It’s about getting more millennials into the housing market, building generational wealth, and eventually investing in property myself.

If you're curious about getting your license or want to know which schools and mentors helped me along the way, reach out. I'm happy to share everything I've learned so far.