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  • 1.  What Degree Is Best!!?

    Posted 08-06-2019 15:27
    Hi I am new to facility management. I would like to know what bachelor degree is best to obtain to make the move to facility management. I have been working in construction MEP for 14 years, most recently as a senior supervisor in MEP. I have a choice between CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT or PROJECT MANAGEMENT. Which would be the better choice to go along with my experience when applying as a facility manager?

    Thank you for all of your help!

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    Mohamad Shokair
    Senior Mechanical supervisor
    James L Williams Middle East
    +971555330900
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  • 2.  RE: What Degree Is Best!!?

    Posted 08-07-2019 08:18
    Mr. Shokair,
    With the background that you mention I would lean towards a PM degree. I can only speak for myself and my experience with my jump to Facility Management as well. I moved from the maintenance management field to the Facility management profession very recently. I have an Associates degree in building construction and my Bachelors degree is in Management.
    Another avenue that you can look into is the essentials of FM program or the FMP credentialing that IFMA has. I also did the FMP and it has helped me in my continual transition. This can also be very beneficial to your transition as well.


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    Mauricio L. Rodriguez, FMP
    Facilities Operations Specialist
    Department of the Army
    Command and General Staff College
    100 Stimson Ave Room 1532
    Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
    913-684-3115 (Office)
    913-705-9746 (mobile)
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: What Degree Is Best!!?

    Posted 08-08-2019 10:23
    I started out with a Construction Management Degree and ended up in facilities. I think this provided a well reounded approach to the systems side of things as well as the project management functions. Not sure, what additional PM skills you will get from a PM specific degree that would not be part of the curriculum in Construction Management.

    I may offer an alternate approach. Have you considered an Engineering degree? While CM has been a great degree for FM, as I've looked to broaden horizons it would have been more beneficial to have an engineering specific degree. This route may also provide you coursework specific in PM skills to help you.

    Wish you the best of luck!



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: What Degree Is Best!!?

    Posted 08-07-2019 08:50
    Hello,
    I would recommend project management and you can also go for the FMP credential from IFMA

    Sent from my iPhone


    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: What Degree Is Best!!?

    Posted 08-07-2019 10:25
    There are pros and cons to both, as well as the fact that there are several Bachelor's Programs in Facilities Management as well. My recommendation is to think about several items when deciding: 
    - Which degree plan most fits your lifestyle; i.e. if you are going to have to take it online/at nights/part time, which offers the most flexibility to do so?
    - which degree accepts the most credits from your previous degree(s) if you have one?
    - Cost and time to obtain the degree.

    If you are looking for an immediate introduction into FM I would say to take the FMP prior to the degree as it is a fantastic resource for starting out in FM and covers several aspects of the industry. Additionally the ProFM is another option. Either one of these are a valuable addition to your resume and will provide you the knowledge you need to get started in the industry.

    FMer's come from a multitude of backgrounds and either degree you mentioned would provide you some of the skills you will use in this industry, but is there a specific aspect of FM you are looking to work in? that will also play a part in determining which degree is more useful.


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    Jessica Bickel
    Facilities Administrator
    NexBank Realty Advisors
    Plano, TX
    936-228-9356
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    Original Message