Career Advice from Australia's leading Real Estate Professionals

Joanne Royston is the Director of RT Edgar Williamstown in Victoria as well as an experienced and accredited auctioneer.

Starting out in property management at just 19 years of age Joanne’s impressive 25-year career in real estate has seen her climb quickly up the ranks while gaining experience in all areas of the industry from property management to sales and auctioneering. Joanne studied Property at RMIT and is one of only a handful of female auctioneers in Australia.

I began my career in real estate in 1990 as an Assistant in Property Management before moving into a Property Manager role. I was a Property Manager for approximately three years before I was promoted to managing the department and then at just 27 years of age I became the Director of hockingstuart Williamstown/Yarraville.

In January 2016, after 18 years at hockingstuart, I rebranded to RT Edgar Williamstown. My team and I can now service the whole of the inner west of Melbourne!

One idea is to build up current female auctioneers profiles; another is to offer training/mentorship to those who are interested in getting into the industry.

1. Practice in a park with colleagues to help build up your confidence
2. Get a personal auctioneer coach
3. Enroll in state auctioneering competitions i.e. REIV run a competition every year for novice and experienced auctioneers

The biggest challenge I face is managing a team. I need to always be organised and prepared as well as keep a level head.

Not knowing what the day will bring and of course I LOVE Saturdays and conducting auctions!