How I chose FM

Short version:

Temples->Architecture->Civil Engineering->Construction->Facilities and Property Management.

Long(er) version:

I grew up loving the beauty of temples; I wanted to be an architect. At BYU, however, there was no architecture degree. So I started in civil engineering. I loved the people and the questions of civil engineering, but I couldn't see myself doing it for the rest of my life. I remember a time when, as a kid, I was having so much fun building a retaining wall in our backyard that I didn't want to go swimming with everyone else. That experience, and others, moved me towards construction and facilities management.

I was working in the same research lab as the head of the Facility and Property Management program at BYU, Mike Bown, when he told me about his intro class. I switched into his class, and at first, I thought it was boring. Construction seemed more exciting. But gradually, FM grew on me. I saw that it was a career field with a plethora of opportunities. Through internships and work experience, I also realized I preferred seeing buildings being used. I love interacting with the people who work in them. I find the relationships and ongoing nature of FM fulfilling.

A big struggle for me was deciding between FM and commercial property management. I loved my experiences as a student leader with IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), working for Colliers as a property management intern, and working for Cushman & Wakefield in industrial property management. Ultimately, I saw greater career opportunities in FM and corporate real estate account management. I love the variety of accounts and types of work you can do.