You want to become a successful Facility Manager. What’s the first step you should take?

1 Assess your skills

The first step to becoming a successful facility manager is to assess your current skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses. FM covers a wide range of disciplines, such as engineering, maintenance, security, sustainability, space planning, project management, budgeting, communication, and leadership. You may already have some relevant skills from your previous education, work experience, or hobbies. However, you may also need to develop new skills or update your existing ones to meet the changing demands and expectations of the FM industry. You can use self-assessment tools, such as online quizzes, surveys, or tests, to evaluate your skills and identify your learning gaps.

2 Research the market

The next step to becoming a successful facility manager is to research the market and understand the trends, opportunities, and challenges of the FM sector. You need to know what kind of FM services are in demand, what kind of clients and projects are available, and what kind of skills and qualifications are required. You also need to know what kind of competition and regulations you may face, and what kind of salary and benefits you can expect. You can use various sources of information, such as industry reports, publications, websites, blogs, podcasts, or social media, to gather and analyze market data and insights.

3 Choose your niche

The third step to becoming a successful facility manager is to choose your niche and focus on a specific area or sector of FM that matches your skills, interests, and goals. FM is a broad and diverse field that encompasses different types of facilities, such as commercial, residential, industrial, educational, healthcare, or cultural. Each type of facility has its own unique characteristics, requirements, and challenges. By choosing your niche, you can tailor your skills and services to the specific needs and expectations of your target clients and markets. You can also differentiate yourself from other facility managers and establish your reputation and credibility.

4 Get certified

The fourth step to becoming a successful facility manager is to get certified and demonstrate your competence and professionalism. FM is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant learning and improvement. By getting certified, you can validate your skills and knowledge, enhance your resume and portfolio, and increase your visibility and credibility. There are various FM certifications available, such as the Certified Facility Manager (CFM), the Facility Management Professional (FMP), or the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP). Each certification has its own eligibility criteria, exam format, and renewal process. You can choose the certification that best suits your level, goals, and niche.

5 Network and learn

The fifth step to becoming a successful facility manager is to network and learn from other professionals and experts in the FM industry. FM is a collaborative and interactive field that requires constant communication and coordination. By networking and learning, you can expand your contacts and connections, exchange ideas and insights, seek advice and feedback, and discover new opportunities and challenges. You can network and learn through various platforms and channels, such as online forums, groups, or communities, industry events, conferences, or webinars, or professional associations, organizations, or societies.