Let the transition from an engineer to facility manager start
The majority of the facility managers I know in the industry now started as engineers. More than 10 years ago, building management was associated much with maintenance and repair. Although it is not entirely the truth.
Most of the facility managers are former engineers because they started their career as facilities maintenance engineer, maintenance engineers, etc.
I did as well, years ago.
Transitioning from an engineer to a facility manager has its own merits and, of course, downsides. Notably, it requires a whole set of skills altogether.
Here’s what I’ve learnt along the way.
As an engineer, I focused on designing systems, running calculations, fixing stuff, and getting things running. At times, I was lost when things were optimised and there was nothing to fix or repair! Therefore, transitioning to facility manager is definitely a massive change.
It’s totally different in FM. Handling the daily realities of building operations, APART from technical areas and, most of the time, people’s needs. Your team and the building occupants.
A shift in ways of working
Here’s the reality check.
In FM You see your work affect people’s lives daily, which is pretty satisfying. The best part is that engineers already have the technical know-how about the building services.
Not everything in FM can be planned. Things break. Occupants have different needs. Resources are limited. It takes flexibility and strategic management and communication skills to make it work.
Being in FM is like a constant learning curve and challenges beyond technical skills.
You’re managing people, processes, and unexpected issues. One of the important skills that engineers lack is communication, which is essential for facility managers.
Once you start to think less about repairing and more about managing, you’re good to go. You are definitely transitioning from an engineer to facility manager.
Let the transition continue
I am now leading Infinity Wave, a tech company focusing on helping facilities management organisations transition to digital via our next generation CMMS, FOX.
For anyone thinking about making the jump: be ready for this massive change and embrace flexibility.
P/S: I wrote about my journey as an entrepreneur here.