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Do I need any degree to become a facility manager?
I want to be a facility manager and I'm wondering if it'll be worth going to school for a degree.
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James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Gerardo,
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Facility Management
Facility Management (FM) is a crucial profession that focuses on the maintenance and development of built environments to align with and support organizational objectives. The role encapsulates a variety of areas such as property, infrastructure, and services management, all aimed at ensuring smooth operations and occupant satisfaction. Facility managers are responsible for a wide array of tasks, including maintenance, security, energy management, and space planning.
Chapter 2: The Educational Landscape for Aspiring Facility Managers
Although many facility managers are college graduates, there isn't a rigid requirement for a specific degree. The field of facility management is open to individuals from diverse educational backgrounds, including engineering, construction management, architecture, business administration, or even a blend of these disciplines. The key is to have a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of facility management and relevant hands-on experience.
Chapter 3: The Value of Professional Certifications
Professional certifications can significantly boost one's chances of breaking into the field of facility management. Two highly respected certifications in this area are the Facility Management Professional (FMP) credential, offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential, provided by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Both certifications necessitate a mix of education, experience, and successful completion of an exam.
Chapter 4: Other Routes to Becoming a Facility Manager
Even without a college degree, individuals can still carve a career path in facility management through alternative routes such as internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. These opportunities provide the chance to gain practical experience and hone skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Networking and fostering relationships within the industry can also pave the way to entry-level positions.
Chapter 5: Wrapping Up
To sum up, while a college degree can be advantageous for a career in facility management, it isn't a rigid requirement. Individuals with appropriate educational backgrounds or practical experience can venture into the field and seek professional certifications to elevate their qualifications. Alternative routes such as internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training can offer invaluable experience and unlock doors to entry-level positions in facility management.
Key Reference Titles:
International Facility Management Association (IFMA): A resource hub offering professional development opportunities for individuals in the facility management industry, including details on education requirements and professional certifications.
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA): A support platform for professionals in the commercial real estate industry, providing information on the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential and career advancement opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: A source of employment data and projections for facility managers, offering insights into the job market and potential growth opportunities in the sector.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Facility Management
Facility Management (FM) is a crucial profession that focuses on the maintenance and development of built environments to align with and support organizational objectives. The role encapsulates a variety of areas such as property, infrastructure, and services management, all aimed at ensuring smooth operations and occupant satisfaction. Facility managers are responsible for a wide array of tasks, including maintenance, security, energy management, and space planning.
Chapter 2: The Educational Landscape for Aspiring Facility Managers
Although many facility managers are college graduates, there isn't a rigid requirement for a specific degree. The field of facility management is open to individuals from diverse educational backgrounds, including engineering, construction management, architecture, business administration, or even a blend of these disciplines. The key is to have a firm grasp of the fundamental principles of facility management and relevant hands-on experience.
Chapter 3: The Value of Professional Certifications
Professional certifications can significantly boost one's chances of breaking into the field of facility management. Two highly respected certifications in this area are the Facility Management Professional (FMP) credential, offered by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential, provided by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). Both certifications necessitate a mix of education, experience, and successful completion of an exam.
Chapter 4: Other Routes to Becoming a Facility Manager
Even without a college degree, individuals can still carve a career path in facility management through alternative routes such as internships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. These opportunities provide the chance to gain practical experience and hone skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Networking and fostering relationships within the industry can also pave the way to entry-level positions.
Chapter 5: Wrapping Up
To sum up, while a college degree can be advantageous for a career in facility management, it isn't a rigid requirement. Individuals with appropriate educational backgrounds or practical experience can venture into the field and seek professional certifications to elevate their qualifications. Alternative routes such as internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training can offer invaluable experience and unlock doors to entry-level positions in facility management.
Key Reference Titles:
International Facility Management Association (IFMA): A resource hub offering professional development opportunities for individuals in the facility management industry, including details on education requirements and professional certifications.
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA): A support platform for professionals in the commercial real estate industry, providing information on the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credential and career advancement opportunities.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: A source of employment data and projections for facility managers, offering insights into the job market and potential growth opportunities in the sector.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
While a degree is not always required, having a relevant degree can be beneficial for becoming a facility manager. It can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills that employers often look for. However, there are also other paths to enter this field, such as gaining experience through internships or starting in entry-level positions and working your way up. Ultimately, it depends on your personal circumstances and goals.
Updated
Joanna Rose’s Answer
Hello Gerardo,
To become a facility manager, a specific degree is not always mandatory, but having one can significantly enhance your qualifications and potential job prospects. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in facility management, business administration, engineering, or a related field, as these programs provide a solid foundation in the principles of managing buildings and services effectively. Additionally, professional certifications such as the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or the Facility Management Professional (FMP) are highly regarded in the industry and can be pursued without a degree, although they often require some level of professional experience. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in facilities management can also be crucial. Overall, while a degree might not be strictly necessary, the combination of formal education, certifications, and experience can significantly enhance your career in facility management.
To become a facility manager, a specific degree is not always mandatory, but having one can significantly enhance your qualifications and potential job prospects. Many employers prefer candidates with a degree in facility management, business administration, engineering, or a related field, as these programs provide a solid foundation in the principles of managing buildings and services effectively. Additionally, professional certifications such as the Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or the Facility Management Professional (FMP) are highly regarded in the industry and can be pursued without a degree, although they often require some level of professional experience. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions in facilities management can also be crucial. Overall, while a degree might not be strictly necessary, the combination of formal education, certifications, and experience can significantly enhance your career in facility management.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
A degree may help you stand out, but this is a career you could enter without formal education. I coach those I work with to talk with someone within the chosen profession and ask them about their job. How did they get started, what advice they would give, etc.
There is actually a international association for professional facility managers. They have a discovery membership that is just $49. You can get expert advice, network with others doing the work and more.
Good luck!
There is actually a international association for professional facility managers. They have a discovery membership that is just $49. You can get expert advice, network with others doing the work and more.
Good luck!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Gerardo !
Being a Facility Manager is a very demanding job with many responsibilities. You can read about the skills needed and job duties here at https://limblecmms.com/blog/facilities-manager-roles-and-responsibilities/
After you read about what would be expected of you, you can better understand why you would need a college degree as well as some competency certifications. Going to college would also help you strengthen your communication skills as that will be an important requirement. The issue is not if it is "worth" it, rather whether or not you want to go to college. But it is definitely a career that requires a college degree. You should only start college if you are strongly driven to take an academic course of study. If you don't want to go to college, you can explore possible careers that don't require a college degree. College is demanding but if you love student life, you will adapt well.
The best major for your Bachelors Degree would be in Business, Management, Accounting or Engineering. You'll find that some facilities managers have an Associates Degree, Bachelors or Masters Degree, but the higher paying careers are if you have a Bachelors or Masters Degree. This career also requires certification which will mean passing an exam. You could read more about it on the International Facility Management Association website at https://www.ifma.org/
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
Being a Facility Manager is a very demanding job with many responsibilities. You can read about the skills needed and job duties here at https://limblecmms.com/blog/facilities-manager-roles-and-responsibilities/
After you read about what would be expected of you, you can better understand why you would need a college degree as well as some competency certifications. Going to college would also help you strengthen your communication skills as that will be an important requirement. The issue is not if it is "worth" it, rather whether or not you want to go to college. But it is definitely a career that requires a college degree. You should only start college if you are strongly driven to take an academic course of study. If you don't want to go to college, you can explore possible careers that don't require a college degree. College is demanding but if you love student life, you will adapt well.
The best major for your Bachelors Degree would be in Business, Management, Accounting or Engineering. You'll find that some facilities managers have an Associates Degree, Bachelors or Masters Degree, but the higher paying careers are if you have a Bachelors or Masters Degree. This career also requires certification which will mean passing an exam. You could read more about it on the International Facility Management Association website at https://www.ifma.org/
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best !