To keep pace, we need managers with new skill sets and knowledge. Strong links are therefore required between industry and education establishments to allow a two-way flow of information covering best practice, research and theory. In other words, we seek an environment that encourages a development continuum between the facilities management industry and the education sector.
So, what's in it for you — the facilities manager — and your sponsors? There are a number of benefits:
1 recognised qualifications. A pass in the postgraduate courses at those colleges 'accredited' or 'partnered' by organisations such as BIFM and RICS can offer a route to membership or a specific qualification.
2 employment opportunities. Increasingly, job adverts seek evidence of professional facilities management qualifications from candidates. What better on your CV than a qualification recognised by the leading professional institutions?
3 increased knowledge. Success at postgraduate level requires a consolidation (at the very least) of facilities management knowledge and skills and, since very few facilities managers can claim to 'know it all,' usually means many fresh ideas are gleaned and developed on different aspects of the discipline.
4 networking. A cliché perhaps, but many opportunities will be created for cross-fertilisation among different industry sectors and specialisations, with some new relationships and contacts extending well beyond the duration of the course.
5 career progression. There's much hype about facilities management 'moving from the boiler room to the board room,' but it's often true. To make it happen for you there needs to be recognition by your board that facilities management is an exciting and innovative concept, that the appropriate course encourages lateral thinking and can give you a broad competence in a wide range of topics and, finally, that a competent and ambitious facilities manager has the potential to add significant value to the organisation.
6 job satisfaction. Last, but not least, there's an opportunity to just learn how to do your job better — again, this creates benefits not only for you but also from your sponsors and employers.
Source
The Facilities Business