Is Facility Management for me?
What
skills will I need for this field?
What is the work atmosphere like?
What are my degree options?
What are my career opportunities?
Is Facility Management for me?
The
field is for you if you …
• Enjoy daily challenges.
• Desire a job with a good salary and potential
for advancement.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work well with a diverse group of people.
• Remain calm in emergency situations.
• Function well under stress.
• Can think quickly and act decisively.
• Are customer-oriented and willing to listen to the concerns of others.
•
Have a “can do” attitude toward problem-solving.
What
skills will I need for this field?
You will need to …
• Manage multiple tasks, projects and problems.
• Understand budgeting and budgets.
• React to emergencies and maintain composure under pressure.
• Solve problems and meet deadlines.
• Understand and work with contracts.
• Demonstrate knowledge of architectural
blueprints and building materials.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of construction
building codes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of heating, ventilation, air conditioning
and electrical systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of space planning
and utilization.
• Understand telecommunications and
security systems.
• Keep abreast of all legal and technical changes that may impact a
facility (e.g. indoor air quality, ADA, asbestos, Freon, etc.).
What
is the work atmosphere like?
The manager must maintain a safe, clean and healthy
work environment for all occupants of the facility. Manage
commercial
properties
such as office buildings, hotels, and shopping centers, as
well as public facilities,
schools, laboratories and hospitals. One will typically
work in an office environment. Occasionally managers
of
these facilities
are required to inspect mechanical systems, rooftops
and construction/remodeling projects. Light physical activities
are necessary from time
to time depending on the facility. Managers of manufacturing/factory
type facilities may be required to perform more physical
duties.
Some managers are required to travel to various corporate
sites. Many managers are on call 24 hours per day.
What
are my degree options?
Associate’s Degree
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degrees are available by transferring
to four-year colleges and universities.
Professional
Certification
Professional facility managers are not required to be
licensed or certified. There is an optional Certified Facility
Manager certification that can be earned through the International
Facility Management
Association. To qualify for the CFM designation, an individual
with
an A.A.S. degree in Facility Management must have 5 years
of related work experience. Contact IFMA for details (www.ifma.org).
What
are my career opportunities?
The largest number of opportunities in the field of facility
management are with service sector employers, with
manufacturing and production
business, and in government and education settings.
Nearly 60,000 professional facility managers are employed
in
the United States.
A large percentage of the positions are in metropolitan
areas.
Since
facility managers are responsible for meeting government mandates
(Americans with Disabilities Act)
and worker
needs (indoor air quality,
ergonomics), the demand for qualified persons should
continue to
grow.
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