Looking to change careers? Still wondering what you want to
do when you grow up? Here’s an idea: Become an auctioneer!
It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Auctioneer careers are
hotter than ever, thanks to the recent explosion of live online auction
platforms and booming secondary markets for a wide range of valuable items.
Here’s what you need to do to make it in the auction business.
1. Focus on Your
Studies
A two- or four-year college education isn’t essential for
budding auctioneers, but some college does help: According to a recent study,
more than two-thirds of all auctioneers had either graduated from college or
completed some coursework. Perhaps more importantly, aspiring auctioneers
should train at a National Auctioneer Association-sanctioned school and/or seek
an apprenticeship with a local auctioneer or auction house.
2. Obtain Your
License
Most states require new auctioneers to pass a rigorous
examination before applying for a license. Check with regulatory body that
oversees the auction industry in your state for information on what the test
entails and how to study for it. Once you pass the test, you can apply for your
license in the state of your choosing. Some states have reciprocity agreements
that award licenses to auctioneers already licensed in another state without
requiring the formal exam, so you may be able to work in more than one
jurisdiction.
3. Find a Lucrative
Niche or Reputable Employer
Once you have your license, the sky’s the limit. The most
successful auctioneers typically find a lucrative niche, such as vintage
automobiles or collectible coins, or find work with an auction house that
covers a wide range of specialties. The choice is yours. Good luck!
