With change, brings opportunity: A career in FM project management
For some people, change is a scary thing, but not for me. For me it’s my career. I came across my career in FM project management by chance but once I had found it, I knew it was for me.
How I found facilities management and project management
I started working as a cashier in a bank after graduating from university just to earn some money and decide what career I was going to pursue, but I was quickly able to progress within the branch and then to a personal assistant (PA) role for regional managers. I’m naturally a really organised, people person so the role suited me. It was the contacts I built up whist working as a PA which meant I was able to take a sideways step into the facilities management (FM) department of the same banking organisation when the time was right.
During my first role within an FM team I quickly discovered how varied the industry is. I then progressed to a project management role, within FM, and never looked back. My natural organisational and people skills were a perfect fit for both the department and type of role.
With change, brings opportunity
My time within the banking industry was incredibly varied BECAUSE I was working within FM. I was able to express an interest in a certain project or part of the team and either complete a secondment or learn more through a mentor-mentee relationship. I worked as a flexible working project manager at one point. This involved me being part of a team managing a programme to deliver flexible working options to employees, some aspects including setting up the bank’s offices to facilitate desk sharing and support home working. This was something which was industry leading at the time in the 9-5 presenteeism world of corporate banking. These change initiatives would involve a lot of FM aspects, such as measuring average occupancy in the building and planning the new office layouts. I would prepare presentations and communications to engage with business partners and staff to sell the change and prepare them for the change by ensuring everyone had the tools they need to continue to do their jobs effectively.
As the bank organisation evolved, I was able to continue to progress with the company, taking on new roles until I decided it was time for a change. One of my previous managers was working for Sodexo and knew of a project management vacancy which would suit me.
Becoming a global project manager
I joined Sodexo on a temporary contract, but I was quickly able to move into a global project management role which suited my skills and experience. Working in Sodexo’s Global Project Management Centre of Excellence, I support colleagues all over the world to manage their own projects and develop their Project Management skills. I’m part of a team of 3 women, which is not common in FM, a largely male-dominated industry.
In my role, we set the policies and standards of how to manage a project for Sodexo. I, along with one of my colleagues, provide project management support to our Project Managers throughout the organisation. I provide training on using our online project management tool, processes, standards, templates and, in some cases, help get a project started or back on track
I love the fact that I’m able to help people all over the world in this role. I’m also delighted to be able to use my languages (Portuguese, English, French and Spanish). I enjoy learning about different cultures, understanding the impact of these cultural differences on the way I need to work and making changes to ensure the training I’m providing, or the project being managed locally, runs smoothly.
My biggest challenge currently is not being able to be face-to-face with my colleagues. We are actively finding different ways of working, planning as a team and maintaining the coaching and support we provide to colleagues around the world.
Returning to work after maternity leave
Whilst in my current role I’ve become a mum to my little girl. I took a year of maternity leave and decided to return full time.
When speaking with other mums, I realized how easy it was to take for granted the flexibility and support that I have received from Sodexo. I really appreciated the ‘keeping in touch days’ and the support I received from my team while I was on leave and transitioning to coming back to work. I felt this support meant I had the right balance of staying informed about work and spending time with my daughter.
The truth is, I always looked forward to coming back to work because I knew it would go well. My daughter has a happy mum who is able to do what she loves and enjoy quality family time too.
How to get a job in project management
A key skill within project management is the ability to build and manage relationships. You need to be a people person, as well as being organised. So, my best tip for anyone wanting to work in project management is to speak to people who work in project management already; don’t just complete a qualification. Some of the subject matter in the courses can be a little dry if you aren’t a project management geek like me!
Sodexo has supported me to complete professional project management qualifications which are relevant for my current role, but I was working in project management long before this point, building up my skills and experience in a role I was enjoying. Building relationships with people already working in project management is key to really understanding whether it’s for you!
This article was created by Marta Smith (prev. Marta Vernau), Global Project Management Office Project Manager at Sodexo
