Whether you’re a seasoned facilities manager or just an aspiring one, it is common knowledge that you’re in a profession that requires continued education. The new roles that Real Estate plays in the life of a business, nation or individual is placing a huge knowledge demand on professions within the built environment, and Facilities Management cannot be an exception.
Today, organisations see their Real Estate assets more than just buildings. Real Estate assets are fast becoming a brand identity element, corporate culture enabler and productivity enhancers. At another level, it has proven to have intense impact on the productivity of people and consequently the prosperity of a nation.
Given these positions, the Real Estate landscape is changing and the demand for Facilities management services is on the rise. According to MarketWatch, Facilities Management is one of the fastest growing industries, with expected growth to reach $64.5 billion by 2023.
If this is anything to go by, it means that Facilities Management is an industry to position for and knowledge will play a critical role in that positioning. So, if you want to grow your career or remain relevant in the emerging role of Facilities Management, here are few things we suggest you do
1.Never Stop Learning
If your thirst for knowledge is limited, then stop right here; this career is not for you. With technology taking over Real Estate, if you are going to excel or remain relevant you have to up-skill, re-tool and be excited by learning.
Facilities managers are increasingly required to have a broad knowledge and a range of skills. As facilities managers are employed in a vast variety of different sectors, it is vital that you have an active interest and knowledge of field of work or industry and the facilities management industry. Most of all, you must be able to combine this tool to give your client, employer or promoters advantages.
2. Always Acquire
New skills, new ideas, new trends, new knowledge. As you are exposing yourself to industry news and exploring new ways to learn, you will be applying the skills you acquire on an ongoing basis.
As a facilities manager you need to know something about everything and everything about something – changing out lamps one minute and planning a comprehensive energy efficiency initiative the next. But how well-rounded is that knowledge?
Keep upgrading your certifications and updating your knowledge. If there is a new way to operation & maintenance, you should be one of the first to try it and then report if it worked or not in your circumstance, industry or area.
Take advantage of new technology as it develops, and always be on the hunt for new software and applications that will help improve occupiers experience and satisfaction.
3. Understand Industry Jargons
Everyone loves their acronyms, and facilities managers are no exception. However, remember that your customers are not as savvy. So always remember to keep it simple with your customers or stakeholders.
But If you are going to make it as a facilities manager, you must know the lingo; and that means for example, the knowing the different between CAPEX from an OPEX, etc. When you immerse yourself in the culture, it will not take long for this to come naturally, but when you’re getting started, it’s worth having a cheat sheet for reference.
Here are some Facilities Management Jargons you should be familiar with:
PPM – Planned Preventive Maintenance
CMMS – Computerized Maintenance Management System
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
CAPEX – Capital Expenditure
OPEX – Operating Expenditure
CRE – Corporate Real Estate
SLA – Service Level Agreement
SOP – Standard Operating Procedure
4. Gear Up for Future Facilities Management Needs
With the Internet of Things continuing to grow exponentially, you will need to constantly improve knowledge of computers and automation systems, just knowing how to operate a computer is not good enough at this point. Today managing a facility requires less getting your hands greasy and more knowing which button to press, what software to use and what office tool helps.
Basic business skills and a thorough understanding of your organization or client’s business plan are also vital. You can gain the latter through discussions with higher-ups, while the former is available through trainings and skill development programs.
5. Be Visible
Go out there and become a facility manager. Take all the information you have gathered, and skills you have acquired and start putting them to practice. Action is the key to progressing in this industry.
A very important aspect of being successful is to make sure all key players know you as the facility management expert. Attend conference, volunteer to train, use your social media to promote yourself and your skill, offer to help and take up new roles at work that can help you practice your skill.
What to Excel in your Facilities Management career? See which of our courses can help HERE
