Next Generation FM Education

Quotes:

“[Students] think that after they’re done with the semester, that they will have 100% understanding…You need to practice by yourself!” (13:15) – Denize Besiktepe

“We believe that the industry has told us overwhelmingly that sustainability is woven through everything that the facility manager does.” (14:55) – Randy Olson

“[The next generation] is very curious, they want to learn more, and they’re open to new ideas. They are very innovative.” (19:56) – Denize Besiktepe

“They are open to almost every new idea, and they also challenge the academic instructors.” (26:44) – Denize Besiktepe

“[Pro FM has] really great information, and it’s all there in one single place. I don’t have to read a ton of books or go into several different resources…Everything is wrapped up in a really good flow while you’re following the modules. You understand that everything builds up on it.” (34:21) – Denize Besiktepe

Next Generation FM Education

On this week’s episode of the FM Evolution podcast, Dr. Deniz Besiktepe joined host Shawn Black and ProFM’s Randy Olson to discuss the next generation of facility maintenance education. Dr. Besiktepe recently completed the ProFM Credential course and is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin’s Stout Construction program.

It’s no secret that our industry has been facing a growing skill gap. As the older generation of facility managers prepare for retirement, companies across the country have struggled to refill their staff with competent, prepared employees that are proficient in facility management.

We must also face the Great Resignation in addition to the daunting skill gap. The pandemic forced people to reevaluate their priorities, leaving many dissatisfied with their industries and career trajectories. As a result, we’ve seen 33 million Americans quit their jobs in the last year.

It’s no stretch to say that the facilities industry simply cannot afford to be a victim of the Great Resignation. We must adapt and ensure that our industry incentivizes facility managers to stick with their careers and continue their education to close the skill gap.

Luckily, the Great Resignation is two-sided. While 33 million Americans have left jobs that didn’t satisfy them, those newly-unemployed Americans are now searching for different careers. In the last year, we’ve seen more Americans start new jobs than leave old their old ones. It’s time for the FM industry to capitalize on the Great Resignation and step forward with the most equipped facility managers ever.

The ProFM Credential Course

While the FM industry has two pools to recruit from—newly unemployed professionals and members of the next generation looking to start a career—we have a one-stop-shop that is prepared to educate anyone interested in becoming a facility manager.

The ProFM Credential program was built to provide a holistic FM education for anyone new to the industry or simply looking to expand their FM knowledge. With 77% of FM professionals claiming that they need to further their FM education to advance their careers, ProFM is vital to the FM community.

“[Pro FM has] really great information, and it’s all there in one single place. I don’t have to read a ton of books or go into several different resources…Everything is wrapped up in a really good flow while you’re following the modules. You understand that everything builds up on it.” (34:21) – Denize Besiktepe