Starting a career in facility management is full of possibilities, but like any industry, it comes with its challenges. Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, navigating the right path can feel overwhelming.
Facility management is a vast field with many different specializations. Some of the most prominent areas include operations and maintenance, finance and business, project management, and leadership and strategy. These core competencies are essential to advancing in the field, and understanding where your strengths lie is key to choosing the right career path.
That’s where IFMA’s Career Compass comes in. This quick, free quiz helps you assess your skills and interests, providing personalized guidance to set you on the path to a fulfilling career in facility management.
IFMA’s Career Compass is a free quiz that helps facility management professionals discover the best training based on their experience and career goals. It removes the guesswork from career planning by providing tailored results aligned with the right training within the field. It takes just minutes to complete, requires no financial investment, and offers a clear roadmap for professional growth, including the training and credentials needed to succeed.
Facility management is not just about fixing leaky faucets or maintaining HVAC systems. The field encompasses a wide range of roles, each of which requires distinct skills and expertise. Understanding these roles and how they align with your interests is crucial to choosing the right career path. Some of the most popular and essential career paths within FM include:
Facility managers are responsible for overseeing the entire physical environment of an organization, ensuring that all facilities and systems run smoothly. This role requires a strong understanding of building operations, maintenance, budgeting and employee management. You would be tasked with solving operational issues, optimizing space and making sure that the facility complies with safety and regulatory standards.
An operations manager is typically responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a facility. This includes overseeing maintenance, managing resources, handling procurement and ensuring the efficient functioning of all building systems. A role in operations management requires a detailed knowledge of the inner workings of facilities and a knack for problem-solving.
Facility project managers oversee the design, construction or renovation of buildings and spaces. They manage everything from planning and budgeting to coordinating contractors and ensuring the project meets deadlines. This career path is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, as project management often involves handling multiple projects at once.
As organizations place more emphasis on energy and environmental responsibility, the role of a sustainability manager has become crucial. These professionals focus on creating and implementing strategies to reduce a facility's environmental impact, increase energy efficiency, and comply with green building standards.
This role involves managing an organization’s property portfolio, including leasing, space utilization, and property acquisition or disposition. A real estate manager ensures that a company's physical space aligns with its business needs and objectives.
While it's important to understand which career path aligns with your interests, it's equally important to know the credentials and skill sets required to excel in that role. IFMA’s Career Compass does more than just guide you on potential career options; it helps you identify the training that will help you progress in the facility management field.
There are several credentials and a certification available through IFMA that can elevate your qualifications and open doors to higher-level roles. Some of the most recognized in the facility management industry include:
By identifying which training is most suited to your career goals, the IFMA Career Compass helps you chart a clear path in gaining the right qualifications.
Take the IFMA Career Compass today and join the extensive network of facility management professionals who have already leveraged the survey to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals. For more information about IFMA and how we can support your facility management career, feel free to reach out to us directly. Whether you have questions or need further assistance, our team is here to help. You can email us at corporateconnections@ifma.org.