You're looking to transition into Facility Management (FM). What's the best way to make that happen?

Facility management (FM) is a dynamic and diverse field that offers many opportunities for career growth and satisfaction. If you're looking to transition into FM from another profession, you might be wondering what's the best way to make that happen. In this article, we'll share some tips and strategies to help you prepare for and pursue a successful FM career.

1 Assess your skills and interests

The first step to transition into FM is to assess your current skills and interests and see how they align with the FM competencies and functions. FM is a broad discipline that covers various aspects of managing and maintaining the built environment, such as operations, maintenance, sustainability, project management, security, health and safety, and more. You might already have some relevant skills and experience from your previous or current roles, such as communication, problem-solving, planning, budgeting, or technical knowledge. You can use online tools like the IFMA FM Learning System or the BIFM Professional Standards Framework to identify your strengths and gaps and plan your learning and development goals.

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Rodrigo Cesar Ueda da Luz

Facility Manager | Hard Facilities Management | Engenheiro Civil | Especialista em Gestão de Negócios e Patologias das Edificações | Palestrante | PCM
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O primeiro passo é se capacitar. Para atuar como FM você precisa ter conhecimento sobre gestão de pessoas, gestão de projetos, gestão de instalações (elétrica, hidráulica, civil, ar condicionado e sistema de incêndio). É importante conhecer as normas e legislação atualizada, bem como é necessário conhecer sobre sustentabilidade, acessibilidade e diversidade. É claro que muitas situações você irá aprender na prática, mas basicamente você precisa conhecer um pouco de cada situação citada acima.

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2 Get educated and certified

The next step to transition into FM is to get educated and certified in the field. There are many options for learning and credentialing in FM, depending on your level of experience, budget, and time. You can choose from formal degree or diploma programs, online courses, workshops, webinars, or self-study materials. Some of the most recognized and respected certifications in FM are the Certified Facility Manager (CFM), the Facility Management Professional (FMP), and the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). These certifications can help you demonstrate your competence and commitment to the FM profession and increase your chances of getting hired or promoted.

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Rodrigo Cesar Ueda da Luz

Facility Manager | Hard Facilities Management | Engenheiro Civil | Especialista em Gestão de Negócios e Patologias das Edificações | Palestrante | PCM
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Estudar, estudar e estudar! Ser FM não é fácil, requer muito conhecimento e isso só será possível através de muito estudo e certificação.

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3 Network and connect

The third step to transition into FM is to network and connect with other FM professionals and organizations. Networking is a powerful way to learn from others, gain insights, discover opportunities, and build relationships. You can join local, national, or international FM associations, such as IFMA, BIFM, or EuroFM, and attend their events, conferences, webinars, or online forums. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to follow FM influencers, join FM groups, or participate in FM discussions. Networking can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments in FM, showcase your skills and achievements, and get referrals or recommendations.

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Rodrigo Cesar Ueda da Luz

Facility Manager | Hard Facilities Management | Engenheiro Civil | Especialista em Gestão de Negócios e Patologias das Edificações | Palestrante | PCM
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Conecte-se com outros profissionais da área de FM. Uma das formas é realizar networking em eventos da área, tais como palestras, feiras e congressos realizados por instituições como a Abrafac e Revista Infra FM.

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4 Seek mentorship and guidance

The fourth step to transition into FM is to seek mentorship and guidance from someone who has already made the transition or has extensive experience in the field. A mentor can offer you valuable advice, feedback, support, and inspiration as you navigate your FM career path. You can find a mentor through your network, your FM association, or online platforms like MentorCity or Mentorloop. A mentor can help you identify your career goals, develop your skills and knowledge, overcome challenges, and explore opportunities. A mentor can also introduce you to their contacts, endorse your credentials, or advocate for your advancement.

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5 Gain experience and exposure

The fifth step to transition into FM is to gain experience and exposure in the field. Experience is one of the most important factors that employers look for when hiring or promoting FM professionals. You can gain experience and exposure in FM by volunteering, interning, shadowing, or taking on FM-related projects or tasks in your current or previous roles. You can also look for entry-level or junior FM positions, such as assistant facility manager, facility coordinator, or facility technician, and work your way up the ladder. You can also showcase your experience and exposure in FM by creating a portfolio, updating your resume, or writing a blog or an article.

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6 Be flexible and adaptable

The sixth and final step to transition into FM is to be flexible and adaptable to the changing demands and expectations of the field. FM is a dynamic and diverse field that requires constant learning, innovation, and improvement. You need to be flexible and adaptable to the different types of facilities, clients, stakeholders, and challenges that you might encounter in your FM career. You also need to be flexible and adaptable to the emerging technologies, trends, and standards that are shaping the future of FM. You can be flexible and adaptable by embracing change, seeking feedback, taking risks, and pursuing continuous learning and development.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're looking to transition into Facility Management (FM). What's the best way to make that happen?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your skills and interests

2 Get educated and certified

3 Network and connect

4 Seek mentorship and guidance

5 Gain experience and exposure

6 Be flexible and adaptable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

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You're looking to transition into Facility Management (FM). What's the best way to make that happen?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess your skills and interests

2 Get educated and certified

3 Network and connect

4 Seek mentorship and guidance

5 Gain experience and exposure

6 Be flexible and adaptable

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facility Management (FM)

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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