Kobuk, Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal: Advize Career Interview

This interview with Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, reveals a demanding yet rewarding career path.

Starting with internships in commercial real estate appraisal and financial advising during undergrad at Cal Poly, Kobuk transitioned into property tax appeals, leveraging valuation expertise to advocate for clients and reduce their tax burdens.

The role involves managing a team, handling county correspondence, building proformas, and consulting with clients. A typical day is packed with work, MBA classes, and squeezing in personal activities.

Analytical and interpersonal skills are paramount, fostering relationships and driving favorable outcomes.

Despite challenges like bandwidth and capacity, the role provides opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and advocating for fairness. A key benefit is networking with real estate developers.

Success in this field requires a hardworking, driven, and resilient attitude. A crucial lesson learned is that work-life balance is fluid, blending personal life with professional demands.

Entry-level roles like junior analyst provide a foot in the door. Ultimately, success depends on building positive relationships and making a positive impact on others.

Kobuk's journey demonstrates the importance of active participation and effort, highlighting the potential for a fulfilling career in property tax appeals.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Kobuk Van Houten

Senior Analyst

Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Cal Poly Pomona

USD MBA - Finance

Business Management & Admin

Real Estate

Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School

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Career Path of a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk attended Cal Poly for undergrad, where they gained experience through internships in "commercial real estate appraisal" and "financial advising," then after graduating in 2021, they spent time "trading, doing kind of personal business work," before ultimately landing at Paramount in commercial real estate while starting their MBA, and is now also involved in venture capital.

Career Path of a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

As a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, Kobuk's main responsibilities involve managing a team and handling all correspondence with counties, directly influencing property tax outcomes by "fighting for property owners to reduce their taxes" through valuation workups. Kobuk also leverages their expertise to build proformas and provide consulting services for the company's owners and big clients, showcasing a broad impact within the organization.

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal pursuing an MBA, describes a day filled with a demanding schedule of "work," followed by getting ready for school and attending "class," with relaxation and extracurricular activities squeezed in when possible. Prior to this demanding work and academic schedule, the early part of their day includes breakfast and going to the gym.

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Most Important Skills for a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, emphasizes analytical skills as crucial, alongside a broad understanding of "sub-markets," real estate, finance, companies, and business models. Ultimately, the role also demands strong interpersonal skills, emphasizing the ability to "talk to people."

Most Important Skills for a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, finds satisfaction in leadership and collaboration with "high spirited" team members. Further, Kobuk enjoys the opportunity to advocate for fairness and achieve favorable outcomes for clients facing unjust property tax assessments, which ultimately makes the work enjoyable due to "winning" on behalf of clients.

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, identifies "bandwidth and capacity" as the greatest challenge, explaining that the role demands completing a high volume of work within strict timeframes, with Kobuk often having to handle a significant portion of it individually because only so much can be divided up amongst the team.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Senior Analyst

Kobuk enjoys being a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal because it allows them to foster "connections to all the real estate developers," including those who build skyscrapers and own restaurants in major cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. Understanding the industry so well and the ability to know "a lot of people" appears to be a significant source of job satisfaction.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Real Estate Industry As A Senior Analyst

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Property Tax Industry, According To A Senior Analyst At Paramount Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, suggests success in their field requires individuals who are "hardworking and extremely driven" and possess a relentless attitude, as they "don't take no for an answer." This implies that navigating the property tax appeal industry demands perseverance and a strong commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Property Tax Industry, According To A Senior Analyst At Paramount Tax Appeal

What a Senior Analyst at Paramount Tax wishes they knew before Tax careers

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, wishes someone had told them that true work-life balance is unattainable in their role; instead, one must "create life within [their] work" so that "work and life are one thing together." It's a dynamic, interconnected existence rather than separate spheres.

What a Senior Analyst at Paramount Tax wishes they knew before Tax careers

Entry-Level Roles For Aspiring Analysts at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, suggests that aspiring professionals consider entry-level roles like "junior analyst" or "assistant" positions, as "there's plenty of roles in commercial real estate". The junior analyst position seems to be the more preferred option for breaking into the field.

Entry-Level Roles For Aspiring Analysts at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk, a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal, learned that success hinges not on specific actions or words, but rather on "how you make the other person feel," implying building positive relationships is paramount to achieving optimal outcomes in property tax appeals. This suggests that empathy and understanding are critical skills in negotiation and client interactions.

Significant Career Lesson From a Senior Analyst at Paramount Property Tax Appeal

College Lessons For A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Kobuk feels undergraduate studies were approached "completely the wrong way," characterized by skipping classes and a lack of effort. The turning point came with the realization that achieving desired outcomes requires active participation and effort, a crucial shift that ultimately contributed to career success.

College Lessons For A Senior Analyst At Paramount Property Tax Appeal

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kobuk/