What are the best ways to get started in Facilities Engineering?

1 Education and Training

The first step to becoming a facilities engineer is to obtain a relevant degree in engineering, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or environmental engineering. Depending on your specialization, you may need to take courses in topics such as HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, energy management, or building automation. You may also benefit from taking some business and management courses, as facilities engineers often have to deal with budgets, contracts, and personnel issues. Additionally, you may want to pursue some certifications or licenses that demonstrate your competence and credibility in the field, such as the Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) or the Professional Engineer (PE) credentials.

2 Experience and Networking

The second step to becoming a facilities engineer is to gain some practical experience and build your professional network. You can look for internships, co-ops, or entry-level jobs in facilities engineering or related fields, such as construction, maintenance, or project management. You can also join some professional associations or organizations, such as the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), where you can meet other professionals, learn from their experiences, and access some resources and opportunities. You can also attend some events, workshops, or seminars that can help you update your knowledge and skills and keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the field.

3 Skills and Attributes

The third step to becoming a facilities engineer is to develop and demonstrate essential skills and attributes that can help you succeed in the job. Technical skills, such as understanding engineering principles and using relevant tools, software, and equipment, are essential. Problem-solving skills are also important for identifying, analyzing, and resolving various issues. Effective communication with stakeholders using reports, presentations, emails, or phone calls is necessary. Additionally, teamwork and leadership skills are important for working with other engineers, technicians, managers, and specialists; coordinating and supervising their activities; and setting and monitoring goals, standards, and budgets.

4 Portfolio and Resume

The fourth step to becoming a facilities engineer is to create and update your portfolio and resume that showcase your achievements and qualifications. Your portfolio should include some samples of your work, such as designs, drawings, calculations, or reports, that demonstrate your technical skills and creativity. Your resume should highlight your education, training, experience, skills, and certifications, as well as some relevant achievements and accomplishments, such as awards, recognitions, or testimonials. You should also tailor your portfolio and resume to the specific job or employer you are applying for, and use some keywords and phrases that match the job description and requirements.

5 Interview and Negotiation

The fifth step to becoming a facilities engineer is to prepare and perform well in the interview and negotiation process. You should research the company and the position you are applying for, as well as anticipate some common or specific questions that may be asked. These might include inquiries about projects you have worked on, how you approach problems, tools and software you use, how you collaborate with others, and how you manage your time. Additionally, it is beneficial to have some questions for the interviewer such as what the goals of the position are, what challenges they face, how the engineering team is structured, and what benefits they offer. Finally, it is important to be ready to negotiate your salary, benefits, and other terms of employment based on your research, skills, and experience.

6 Continuous Learning and Development

The sixth and final step to becoming a facilities engineer is to engage in continuous learning and development throughout your career. You should always seek to improve your knowledge and skills, as well as keep up with the changes and advancements in the field. You can do this by taking some courses, workshops, or seminars, reading some books, journals, or blogs, or joining some online communities or forums. You can also seek some feedback, mentoring, or coaching from your peers, managers, or mentors, as well as pursue some additional certifications or licenses that can enhance your credibility and career prospects. You should also be open to new challenges and opportunities that can help you grow and advance in your career.

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?