If you are just getting started or are considering having a career in facility management, you are in the right place! This is our facility management beginners guide, where we have gathered the information you will need to get a head start on the game.
Below you will find what makes a facility manager, their primary tasks, the standards they are held up to, and the best tips and skills that will differentiate you from all other facility managers in the industry.
First, it is crucial to understand that facility management is a broad field. To become successful, one must keep up with all the new trends and practices born with workplace digitization. If you are looking to get into the field, understand that the job duties will change according to the companies needs. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Who Are Facility Managers?
Behind the title, facility managers typically have a strong educational background and a robust skillset. Although the standard requirements are a four-year degree in Facilities Management or affiliated fields, such as Real Estate Planning/ Forecasting, multiple business management programs offer Facilities Management Certificates.
Facility management-focused organizations facilitate the training and certification of those interested in these career paths. These organizations are the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). These programs cover all general facility management information and specialize in specific sectors such as workplace technology, HVAC, energy systems, emergency planning, etc.
Who Sets the Standards for Facility Management?
Multiple national and international organizations are created to ensure quality, consistency, and excellence for the facility management industry. These organizations are in charge of formulating best practices, updating industry trends, reporting on current events, and offering accreditation and educational programs to improve facility management.
The main contributors in standardizing facility management across all industries are:
Tips for New Facility Managers
Since facility managers’ responsibilities are ever-growing, companies are looking for candidates with a diverse skillset who can multi-task, problem-solve, and anticipate facility needs on a day-to-day basis. Management, organization, and accountability are the main traits all top facility managers have. Other demands of the job are:
For anyone interested in facility management, we recommend looking for positions at small, growing companies. Consider positions in vendor/contractor management, office management, and office design. Familiarize yourself with professional organizations like the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM).
Although institutional education is necessary, facility management welcomes a broad set of skills and experience. As long as you show initiative and are willing to take over the job demands, we recommend showcasing all your tech and management experience while on this new career path.