The University of Washington Certificate in Facility Management offers a comprehensive overview of the complex skills that facility managers need. This program aligns with IFMA's Facility Management Learning System
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, which teaches s tudents the necessary competencies to become exceptional facility managers while preparing to earn IFMA
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professional certification. The Certificate in Facility Management provides working professionals the opportunity to go back to school and advance in the field - no matter where they are in their working life.
As important as going back to school is, the decision to pursue continuing education can be fraught with obstacles: when is the right time to return to school? What skills will retraining build? How does one manage school while juggling myriad personal and professional commitments?
We talked to Sean Vanos, a 2019 program graduate and the director of facility operations of the Seahawks' training facility, to learn how he used his Certificate in Facility Management to enhance his career opportunities - and how you can do the same.
What is your professional background, and why did you join the UW Facility Management program?
I joined the UW Facility Management program to develop my career and focus more on facility management, which I hadn't previously studied. This certificate has helped me solidify my knowledge of facility management and how some of the industry's administrative concepts apply to my everyday work.
What skills did you gain or build in this program, and how have you been able to apply them in your work?
The main skill that I gained is the ability to write a business case or proposal at a high level. We practiced writing documents that focus on persuasive arguments and, ultimately, requests for approval.
The second skill the program gave me was a deeper knowledge of project development and management. The second quarter was helpful in gaining a better understanding of the different roles at play in the development of a project and the flow of the development process.
Lastly, the program gave me professional resources. During the time enrolled in class, we heard from industry professionals and collaborated with other students who work in the industry. That right there is a wealth of information you do not get by going to work every day without networking outside of work. You also have access to materials and reference documents that can assist you later on in your career.
How did you balance work and school during your program?
I knew that there would be a time commitment to the certificate program, but I typically don't know how heavy my workload will be at my job. Working in sports can be very unpredictable. I really had to focus on setting aside time every day for reading or a little bit of work either on the Canvas [online portal]. I have two kids between the ages of 8 and 10, so I had to make sure the time I spent was in uninterrupted solitude. Sometimes staying later at work allowed me to use that time for the certificate program homework as well.
What would you say to someone who is considering this program?
Do not wait for the "right time." There is not going to be a perfect time to take on this program.
This program is designed to develop your ability to think at a high level and plan strategically. Many individuals who decide to take this class already have the technical skills, and this is a great program to help you develop into a big-picture thinker and decision-maker.
Ready to learn more? Applications for fall 2019 are now open. Contact an enrollment coach at 800-506-1325 or send us an email to
askpce@uw.edu.
