Alumna excels in accidental career

After attending a scouting camp for volleyball, Reilly accepted Lakeland’s offer to play for the Rustlers. And while she looked forward to attending Lakeland, she had yet to discover her program of study.

“I had no idea what I wanted to take. I accepted the offer from Lakeland, and they sent me a book with all of the programs in it. I read through it and picked all of the programs I thought I’d like and narrowed it down,” she says.

Ultimately, she chose real estate appraisal and assessment because it would result in a career that could take her anywhere in the world and couldn’t be replaced by a computer. There was also a shortage of people working in the appraisal and assessment industry.

“Typically my profession is called an accidental profession because some people who have a business, commerce, finance or accounting degrees will fall into the appraisal and assessment field. I’m glad that Lakeland had this program.”

Reilly recalls her time at Lakeland as ‘a great well-rounded experience’ because of the small class sizes which allowed her to get to know her instructors and college staff quickly, and the leadership opportunities. She was a member of the Vermilion campus’ Students’ Association for both of her academic years.

The Martensville, Sask., native graduated from the two-year appraisal and assessment program in 2006 and went directly to the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency. After almost 11 years as an associate appraiser, Reilly became the regional manager for the North Battleford Regional Office in April 2017.

“Now, I do a lot of communicating with our clients, which involves phoning municipalities and being the liaison between the appraiser and the client. I make sure they’re getting what they want and need. I also coach and train my staff, and resolve a lot of conflicts which is the most important thing I do.”

She has been a member of the Saskatchewan Assessment Appraisers Association (SAAA) for the past 11 years as well as a member of the SAAA’s executive council. Currently, she holds the president position.

“The reason why I’m so passionate about the position I hold at the SAAA is that of the experience I had working on the Students’ Association at Lakeland. I learned how to understand what people need and want, hear complaints, and try to find the solution. I found that helped ground me. Before Lakeland, I was not the type of person to sit on a student union or council. I didn't feel like I fit in until Lakeland.”

Reilly added that her Lakeland education gave her the backbone to excel.

“I had to work hard and well to succeed. I wasn't just going through the motions. Lakeland helped me find the confidence to succeed and get me where I am today.”

Photo: Top Chandra Reilly  and colleague Brandon Danielson presenting at the SAAA conference. Middle: in her Lakeland grad gown. Bottom - Posing with the SAAA banner.