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Are you an active-duty military service member or a veteran ready to conquer your next mission? Facility management “FM” is the dynamic career path you've been looking for, with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.
FM isn't just a job; it's a calling — for leaders, problem solvers, and individuals committed to excellence. In this profession, your military-honed traits like adaptability, attention to detail and strategic thinking are the key ingredients for success.
Picture yourself at the helm of facility management, where your skills and expertise are not just valued but essential.
Transitioning from a military career to facilities management can leverage both hard and soft skills developed in the military. Here's a breakdown of relevant skills:
These are just a few of the skills you have learned in your time in the military that can be transferred into a career in facility management.
In a lot of ways, facilities management is another form of serving and one I've found very satisfying following my Navy career. Go for it. While construction skills help, any military background can excel here. Military values and skills are assets, making each day full of diverse challenges in engineering, management, procurement, and leadership — all of which make for interesting days and a rewarding career.
At its core, FM is about serving people and not just the buildings we manage. Many veterans miss the esprit de corps found within the military. Service above self and being a servant leader can be continued from the military into your FM career.
FM is a dynamic field that most people don’t understand. It’s very sophisticated in that every facility has its own set of challenges and a way it operates. You wear many hats, develop knowledge of multiple systems. You switch gears at any moment from updating a budget to trying to solve issues like a major water leak. Every day is different for us.
In both military and facility management, serving others is key. Always keep in mind the mission at hand. Embrace change and adaptability — skills honed in the military — to thrive in FM. Stay open to new ideas, think creatively and be a valuable team player in the evolving world of FM.
In both the military and FM, you’ll find a culture of comradery and mentorship. Getting a second (or even third) opinion from facility managers in like facilities will help you make better-informed decisions. This is where the connections I made through IFMA helped me out greatly.
Lessons learned in the military that I applied to leading FM teams include knowing your role in the organization and how it fits in the overall strategic plan, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses so you can make improvements where needed.
Transitioning from military to civilian facilities management, my military background in construction and leadership proved invaluable. Embracing continuous learning and IFMA courses, inclusive leadership, and pragmatic problem-solving has been key to success in the fast-paced FM sector.
Charting a new course can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. Tap into a wealth of resources, mentorship programs, and educational opportunities tailored specifically for military service members and veterans.With the right support system by your side, you'll navigate this transition with confidence and clarity, ready to conquer new horizons.
Elevate your career prospects with IFMA’s professional development credentials, such as the FMP, which equips you with crucial facility management skills. This program can be completed in six months and readily transfers to civilian roles.
Discover a rewarding career in facility management, where your diverse military expertise effortlessly transfers into the FM profession, paving the way for career growth and upward advancement.
Access invaluable support from IFMA's Military Community during your service and as a veteran, ensuring you have the resources necessary for a successful transition to civilian life.
Active-duty military and first-year civilians qualify for a US$100 base membership. Military veterans qualify for a discounted full base membership. Email membership@ifma.org for more information.
Seize the opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in facility management and embark on a journey of growth, purpose, and success.
Explore resources to guide you toward transitioning into facilities management.
Learn more about credentials and training to prepare you for your next career.
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