Early in a facility manager’s career, it’s normal to be eager and accept any job opportunity that comes along. The excitement of entering the workforce and the desire to gain experience can make it tempting to say yes to the first offer.
But as managers gain experience and begin to understand their strengths and interests, it becomes increasingly important to be intentional about the choices they make. New managers should think strategically about the roles they pursue rather than simply taking whatever is available.
One very important step in making intentional career decisions is to reflect on whether a company’s mission and values align with their own.
Before accepting a position, they should take the time to research the organization and consider whether its goals inspire them. They need to ask themselves if they would feel proud to contribute to their mission and if the culture resonates with their personal beliefs. When the work aligns with the values, managers are more likely to feel motivated and fulfilled, which can lead to greater satisfaction and long-term career success.
It is also crucial to think about the way a particular role will help managers develop the skills they want for their futures. Early career positions should serve as stepping stones by providing opportunities to learn, grow and build a strong foundation.
They need to consider whether the job will challenge them and offer opportunities for training, mentorship and advancement. Does the organization support continuous learning? Is there room for growth, either through promotions or by moving into different areas within the company? These are important questions to ask when evaluating potential roles.
Facilities management is a particularly broad field, with opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as education, healthcare, corporate and government. Each sector offers unique challenges and rewards.
For example, working in healthcare facilities management requires a focus on patient safety and strict regulatory compliance, while a corporate setting could emphasize sustainability and cost control. Exploring different sectors can help managers discover where their interests and strengths lie and guide them toward a more satisfying career path.
It is also important to recognize when a role is not the right fit. Managers should not be afraid to move on if they find that a position does not align with their values or is not helping them grow. The early phase of a career is the time for exploration, but it also is when managers the groundwork for the future. Even experiences that do not work out as planned can teach managers valuable lessons about what they want and need in their professional lives.
Throughout this journey, every manager should seek mentors who can offer guidance and share their experiences. Building relationships with peers and industry professionals can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable support as managers navigate their careers. Managers need to stay curious, continue learning and not be afraid to ask questions or try new things.
Ultimately, the right position will provide challenges, support growth and set up managers for long-term success. By being thoughtful and intentional about career choices, managers can build a fulfilling and resilient career in facilities management or any field they choose.
Charles M. Thomas is an operations professional, consultant and writer who has held positions with reputable organizations as a facilities and operations manager, operations manager and technical writer. With 12 years of operations experience working among the research, education, financial planning, legal and public relations industries, Thomas has built and sharpened his skills in general operations, strategic operational planning, project management, human resources management and organizational community relations. Thomas is a mentor to those in the facilities industry and has a passion for helping others. He established LACE Management with the mission to help organizations build their programs from the ground up, enhance their existing programs, and serve as a communicator for a generation of young professionals. His personal mission is to learn all he can while he can from the people who do it best and to be of service to all clients in the best way possible.
