Professionals, here's how to hit the ground running in the last quarter

News

By Linda Hausmanis

Regardless of when you finished full-time education, September’s arrival heralds a ‘new term’ just as January heralds a ‘new year’. At such times, workplace and facilities management (WFM) professionals reflect on the real progress they are making: is life as it should or could be? Have we climbed our tallest mountain? Have we explored and tested what our true potential could be? If not, what is your gift to yourself to make it a reality? That is where your professional body works alongside you.

It’s time to refocus and consider what you want to achieve before the end of the year, so we encourage you to engage with IWFM’s CPD tracking tool. It enables you to assess your professional progress and where you can upskill and reskill. We encourage you to secure training dates and enrol in qualifications, the achievement of which stand you above the rest. We recently launched new and updated courses on key topics in the sector, including contract management, contract development and the Building Safety Act. Additionally, with webinars, Good Practice Guides, survey research and many other resources to look over, staying abreast of industry trends can make an immense impact.

Furthermore, engage with the community. Connect with your colleagues and peers on a regular basis, share insights while navigating the sector. Get involved with IWFM's Regions, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Networks, where you can meet a range of professionals with different backgrounds, interests and specialisms. Not only can you develop your professional understanding, but potentially meet like-minds and friends for life. 

Indeed, what if you could call on someone to help you enhance your understanding of the sector? IWFM Mentoring is our one-to-one, personalised career support service which we provide as an inclusive benefit for members in professional grades and those with a complimentary one-year membership as part of an IWFM qualification.

Once you register as a mentee, we will pair you with a mentor who has the knowledge, experience and skills to help you learn and become the professional you want to be. Care to share your insight? Become a mentor and IWFM will pair you with a mentee who can benefit from your input.

Keen to share your expertise and understanding on an even higher-level basis? Join the IWFM Strategic Leaders Forum (SLF). Anybody who presently holds CIWFM, FIWFM or (H)FIWFM is eligible to join the SLF, which focuses on what it means to be a WFM leader today and tomorrow. It responds to calls for more support from members in strategic leadership roles and those who aspire to senior levels. Not only will the community benefit from your involvement, but your own skills and expertise will be honed through collaboration with peers.

With these top tips and resources, I hope IWFM puts you in good stead during this time of year. As ever, IWFM is by your side as you and your organisation push ahead. Likewise, as organisations move forward, the strategic leadership of WFM will be crucial in charting a successful course through the evolving landscape of work.