Networking is one of the most powerful tools any professional can have, especially young professionals. In facility management, meaningful connections do not only open doors, they build confidence, create belonging and spark the kind of growth that can transform a career.

When individuals choose to show up, be seen and engage with others, magical things can happen. A person might discover a dream job they never imagined. They might hear a story that changes how they see their own path. Or they might simply meet someone who reminds them that they are not alone. Just as importantly, their presence might become the turning point in someone else's journey.

Learning, growing and building relationships is not just strategic. Connection lies at the heart of every story of success. One of the most incredible actions one can take is to be curious enough to ask, open enough to listen and courageous enough to reach out. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to fundamentally change the trajectory of a career and life by being inspired by a new idea or direction, new knowledge or new possibilities.

The real win

Networking, however, is not about having one defining conversation. It is about building a lifetime of them. Career growth requires people to challenge each other, hold each other accountable, inspire each other, support each other, share their knowledge and sometimes even serve as mirrors for personal and professional development. These peers are cheerleaders who celebrate wins and mentors who reflect the parts not yet fully embraced. They become trusted friends who help one another see that they are more capable than they thought.

A powerful shift in perspective can begin with one simple question. Instead of asking, "What will I get from this?" ask, "What might be possible by showing up with an open heart?" Because the truth is, the worst that can happen is silence, an unanswered email or a brutal "no." But the best? New open doors, new friends, new mentors, new knowledge, new clarity and new confidence. Even the smallest “yes” can carry ripple effects that last a lifetime.

Speak to as many people as possible and soak it all in. Be curious. Be courageous. Build relationships with genuine intent to learn and grow. Offer support where possible. Listen deeply. Share both success and failure stories and honor the stories others choose to share. Every moment someone spends outside of their comfort zone expands the edges of their capacity, not just professionally, but as a human being. That is the real win.

Sharing challenges, creating opportunities

Facility management is filled with brilliant, generous and inspiring professionals. It is a world rich with opportunity for those willing to explore it. Every single day, this industry is evolving. Technologies change, needs shift, priorities pivot. Staying connected means staying informed. Through networking, professionals learn from what others are seeing, doing and building; and they bring those insights back to their own organizations, becoming conduits for innovation. They lead with perspective and spark transformation.

A strong network becomes a powerful advantage, not just because of what others know, but because of who they are when support is needed most: trusted advisors, encouraging voices, wise challengers and thoughtful problem-solvers. People who offer reassurance through shared experiences and say, "I've been there. Let's figure it out together."

This is not just for young professionals. It is for the curious, the committed, the lifelong learners who believe in showing up and supporting others as they grow, too. Networking is less about collecting contacts and more about building a community rooted in support, trust and vision. It is not transactional; it is transformational.

When networking is approached with generosity and authenticity, it fosters a deep sense of purpose. An individual becomes more than a professional – they grow into someone others can rely on. Through this process, it becomes clear that no one must navigate their journey alone, and everyone can gain confidence in their skills, their ability to learn and the confirmation that they have the right support and community to figure it out.

When individuals choose to get involved, the greatest impact comes from going all in, volunteering, showing up, asking questions and being fully present. The energy invested in these efforts often returns tenfold, creating lasting value both personally and professionally.

For those unsure where to begin, starting small can make all the difference. Attending a single event and introducing oneself to three people is a meaningful first step. Following up with a message, scheduling a virtual coffee or volunteering for a task, committee or event can gradually build confidence and connection. Saying yes and learning along the way often leads to unexpected growth.

The FM industry may feel small, but the possibilities are truly limitless. There are countless paths a career can take, with forks in the road leading to unexpected and impactful opportunities.

Just to name a few:

  • roles in direct FM

  • workplace strategy

  • space and occupancy planning

  • workplace technology

  • data and analytics

  • sustainability

  • project management

  • health and safety

  • real estate planning

  • vendor partnerships

  • business continuity

  • cybersecurity

FMs can be internal, external, a consultant, a service provider or part of a global team managing sites across regions. This is an industry in which collaboration can elevate careers, mentorship can create momentum, and anyone’s journey has the power to inspire others to step forward.

A network is not just external; it can also be internal. Connect with colleagues. Look for ways to support one another. Building internal networks and creating employee resource groups all contribute to a stronger and collaborative environment.

No fear

Whether through sharing knowledge, offering a fresh perspective or simply being a source of encouragement, these internal connections can be equally powerful in fostering growth, learning and purposeful leadership.

Regardless of age and experience, this industry has a place for everyone and it welcomes curiosity, energy and enthusiasm.

It can be hard to put oneself out there, and it is easy to question if it is worth it. In short, yes it is. Networking is not only about what can be gained, but also about what each individual has to offer others.

To anyone afraid to speak up, show up or ask for support: do it anyway.

Every voice matters. Every presence matters. Each journey is unfolding, and the next step may be the one that changes everything.

Consider this an invitation. Say yes. Reach out. Start small. Stay curious.

The future is waiting. All it takes is one conversation to begin.

My story

I was unknowingly doing the work of an FM for 10 years under the title of "office manager." I did not even know this world existed. It wasn’t until a vendor introduced me to IFMA that everything changed. I decided not just to attend meetings, but to volunteer and get involved wholeheartedly. I knew that by putting myself out there, the gain would outweigh the time and effort I put in; and it did.

Volunteering became the catalyst. I suddenly had a reason to talk to people I would have otherwise been too shy to approach. I found myself in conversations with executives and board members, not just learning from them but building relationships with them. Because I was showing up consistently, I became someone people recognized, trusted and who belonged.

I built a reputation as someone who was eager, invested and willing to support others. That built my confidence and expanded my reach. More than 10 years later, I cannot point to just one moment. That is the beauty of it: there are so many. Networking did not hand me one big break. It offered me a thousand small ones, quiet lessons, encouraging nudges and much-needed confidence. Introductions that mattered, conversations that inspired; people who saw my potential and were willing to invest time in helping me see it, too. Today I get to pay it forward. I get to mentor others, share my journey and remind new professionals that they belong here, too.