Apply with a goal in mind. Get it and get out.
Pros
The training is remarkable. The thought and money put into the training video/program production really successfully simplifies the otherwise complex and stressful job requirements into something palatable and doable. There are things that the training doesn't necessarily cover, certainly, but a website has been produced to answer every question a manager could ask and prepares you for anything that could possibly go wrong. Public storage values the self motivated, the level headed, and the socially creative. You will do well if you can shake off problems and focus on the solution. There are many ways that one can take on more responsibility for increased pay if you are willing to work hard. Signing up to be a trainer or patiently waiting for an "A" property manager position to open up are two. Competitive personalities will find a home here as your performance is ranked among your peers and bragging rights abound. The hiring process is rigorous and their expectations for your resume are set on a high bar, but there are also a multitude of reasons to push through and stay optimistic through the phone interviews. There are so many things to learn on job because there is so much responsibility placed on your shoulders behind the orange desk. Far from being a downside, this is an exciting opportunity. You will be expected to open and close. Make delinquent/welcoming calls and prove consistent performance in sales. The job of property/relief manager is a strange mix of janitorial, security, and receptionist. Whenever you are ready to move on to bigger and better things, you will be well equipped for almost any change in career or promotion that you set your sights on.
Cons
The key phrase is "move on". Someday, you will want to and you should not be afraid to give into this urge. The opportunity to learn new things and see yourself ranked in performance among your peers is indeed an exciting one, but don't expect to be well compensated for your efforts. You will be expected to maintain sales quota despite bonus AND commission both having been removed in the last five years, and this year there was no raise at all. Meanwhile, more opportunities for PTO/sick leave were given....In short, Public storage offers more incentives to be absent, than to do the job you are scheduled for. Public storage is obviously not willing to pay a competitive rate for Relief/Property managers OR a sales teammember. Public storage does not allow advancement within the company. They will claim that one only qualifies for the District Manager position if they have District Manager experience--which sounds fair on the surface...the truth is that even if a Property Manager has work or education experience that matches the higher position, they will only be eligible if they first quit and reapply without guarantee that they will have employment at all once they do. Talk about a locked and bolted glass door. Public storage has a lot of issues, the first of which being that property managers within the company make on average $24,000 a year despite the fact that median annual Property Manager salary in USA is $91,114, as of June 28, 2017. This compared to the salary of the most immediate level up--that of district manager---who makes six figures plus bonus. It's a huge gap that represents a serious problem in the company. A problem that keeps the face of the company poor.
