Facility managers need information to succeed in their jobs – whether they are new to the profession or have been working in the built environment for decades. FMs need to know how to keep occupants safe and healthy, how to sustainably run a facility and who to call for advice when creating a new maintenance schedule. By taking advantage of the industry’s knowledge and expertise, FMs can solve challenges today and prepare for (and hopefully prevent) future issues.

For the past 40 years, FMs have collaborated to build a library of information and a worldwide community of professionals to help bring more value to the industry. FMs can access information and collaboration to expand their knowledge and develop the skills needed for success.

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) has the career development, training, networking, leadership opportunities and events to help FMs make an impact on the profession and on their organization’s bottom line. IFMA is the only facility management association with four decades of experience supporting FM professionals in more than 100 countries.

IFMA’s mission is to advance collective knowledge, value and growth for FM professionals to perform at the highest level – and IFMA has the information and programs to back it up.

Prove value

A credential is validation that someone has the skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific job. Facility Management credentials verifies a person’s expertise in the built environment - and IFMA credentials are the gold standard in the profession. An IFMA credential leads to an average 40 percent increase in employee performance and a $6,000 salary increase within the first year. By earning an IFMA credential, professionals from all backgrounds can demonstrate their skills and mastery while advancing their careers.

Those new the profession can build a strong foundation of FM knowledge with the Facility Management Professional (FMP) designation. The FMP is designed for facility professionals looking to strengthen their hard and soft skills in FM.

All professionals can develop expertise in sustainability with the Sustainability Facility Professional® (SFP®) program. Professionals will learn to optimize facilities through efficient and sustainable practices and data-driven decision-making while deepening knowledge and becoming a sustainable facilities leader.

Experienced FMs can prove their understanding across all 11 FM core competencies with the Certified Facility Manager® (CFM®) credential. Earning a CMP is the hallmark of a committed facility professional who has demonstrated skills and mastery of the entire FM body of knowledge.

Continue the journey

Staying current on trends, learning about new technologies and sharpening skills can help professionals at all levels stay relevant as they continue their career journey. Whether proving worth to a new boss or working towards a promotion, continuing education can help FMs stay relevant.

IFMA has a proven track record of providing training that helps FMs succeed as they continue to grow with the profession. Whether adding skills on budgeting or learning to measure for success, IFMA’s best in class training can provide the solution.

Great professional development is not one-size-fits-all, and IFMA offers customizable education to fit all stages of the FM journey. Those new to FM should start with the Essentials of Facility Management. Experienced facility professionals can achieve success with flexible training that will fill gaps in knowledge. FMs can IFMA’s Self-Assessment Tool to find their knowledge gaps and take individual courses to become a more well-rounded professional.

IFMA also has connections some of the biggest, most respected thought-leaders across the industry to provide training across disciplines including cleaning operations, data governance, furniture and more.

Gain insights

In response to the rapidly changing workplace, the facility professionals need more responsibilities and skillsets than ever before. The demands on FMs are increasing as buildings age and companies are expected to responsibly manage resources. It is almost impossible to stay on top of the most recent research and information applicable to the built environment.

IFMA is prepared to help support all facility managers with industry news, research and connections to resources around the world. IFMA delivers the hottest FM news and business trends from credible regional and global news sources in weekly digests.

IFMA is also an information leader for the FM profession, by conducting high-impact research and sharing resources from around the world. From industry surveys to forecasting to benchmarking reports, IFMA's research draws on the practices and opinions of FM professionals and educators, covering topics vital to the day-to-day operations of facility professionals and the built environment in general. IFMA has a collection of hundreds of valuable articles, benchmarking, case studies and research in the Knowledge Library. Library resources come from experts in the industry and IFMA’s own research initiatives.

Build relationships

Connecting with a global network of FMs can help all professionals learn and grow in their careers. Meeting new people and building connections with other FMs can lead to information sharing, career advancement and long-lasting relationships.

IFMA provides opportunities for FMs to connect at the local, national and global levels. With over 140 local chapters, professionals can connect at a local level by attending chapter events and meetings. FMs can also discuss issues and concerns on a global scale. IFMA’s 16 industry councils provide networking based on industry sector or facility type – regardless of location. The communities of practice connect professionals with interests in a specific topic.

Professionals can also make connections and grow their professional network at the most exciting facility management events in the world. IFMA events are designed FMs of every career level. Events provide insights and knowledge from world-renowned speakers and thought leaders along with the opportunity to network and develop personal and professional skills. Attendees can also see the latest FM tools and solutions while receiving top-notch education.

The original all-encompassing learning and networking event on facilities and how to manage them, IFMA’s World Workplace Conference and Expo is the gold standard in FM education, knowledge exchange, career development and professional network building. IFMA’s Facility Fusion Conference and Exp is the FM leadership event of the year, with a focus on personal leadership skills and career development. IFMA also holds events at the global level – with World Workplace Europe®, World Workplace Asia-Pacific, IFMA Global India and IFMA Global LATAM. Local events, including educational sessions and networking events, take place at the chapter level. No matter an FM’s interest or location, IFMA has the right event.

IFMA also connects people online with the largest online community of FM professionals. The Engage discussion forum provides best practices, news and information along with connections with colleagues around the world.

Make an impact

Career goals can range from the local – managing a facility better than ever before – to the global – becoming a thought leader for the profession. No matter the goal, the IFMA network of more than 21,000 professionals can offer support that will benefit FMs at the career and industry level.

FMs can start by contributing their thoughts and ideas to IFMA. Starting a thread in Engage can lead to discussions and sharing of best practices that can impact the profession. Contributing to IFMA’s knowledge Library or submit an article to this magazine can influence FMs around the world. Participating in IFMA’s research will advance the profession through new reports and benchmarking. FMs can also contribute by presenting at one of IFMA’s events, either locally or globally.

FMs can also contribute by participating in IFMA’s advocacy efforts. IFMA is committed to working with public and private sector partners to magnify the facility management profession by providing reliable information to government leaders around the world on issues affecting the built environment. IFMA Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) is involved in several initiatives to advance the profession. EMEA is actively involved with the European Green Deal in various capacities. IFMA EMEA is also an official liaison partner with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and is instrumental in helping develop and define standards at the European level.

Get started

IFMA is a membership association, but all professionals in the built environment benefit from IFMA’s extensive programming. All FMs should advance their careers by taking advantage of the IFMA programs that fit their needs. Those who decide to join IFMA will receive free opportunities, gain access to Engage and qualify for discounts on training, research reports, events and more. Take advantage of what IFMA offers. Start participating today.