Candidate Profiles

We interviewed two past candidates about their experience of the examination route to Qualification. Mark and Ian’s comments can be found below.

Mark Spilling BIFM (Qual), MBIFM (on the left), from The Co-operative Group (CWS Ltd.), receiving his Qualification.

Which provider or accredited course did you attend?	BPP Malpas.
Why did you decide to do the BIFM Qualification?	For my future development.
When did you complete the Qualification?	Early 2004.
What benefits have you gained from the Qualification?	I feel I’ve gained knowledge and improved my skills.
How has your career developed since completing the Qualification?	I’m now working as part of the strategic decision framework within my organisation.
What did you find most challenging and how did you overcome these challenges?	Because I was doing a distance learning course I had to develop set times for study.
What aspects did you find most interesting and rewarding?	I’ve gained a greater understanding of my organisation and business.
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring candidates?	It’s definitely better to approach the Qualification in bite-sized chunks.
Do you have any other comments you feel may be helpful?	I would tell anyone it’s a great journey to make.
Finally, what’s your favourite pastime when you’re not working or studying?	Watching Man City gain promotion then be relegated, then promoted, then relegated and finally promoted!

Ian Broadbent BIFM (Qual), MBIFM, Group Facilities Manager, Hallmark Cards Plc.

Which provider or accredited course did you attend?	WTI.
Why did you decide to do the BIFM Qualification?	To improve my knowledge and career opportunities and obtain recognition for the competence I felt I already had.
When did you complete the Qualification?	In 2001.
What benefits have you gained from the Qualification?	I have improved my career prospects and moved on as a result of the Qualification. I have also improved my profile within the industry and become involved regularly in industry initiatives.
How has your career developed since completing the Qualification?	I have moved into a position of greater responsibilty with an improved salary. I have also been developing into new roles both inside and outside work.
What did you find most challenging and how did you overcome these challenges?	The biggest challenge was fitting in studies alongside a busy work life. I developed a system of recording the work I did to ensure this was saved for my portfolio. I also found it useful to save case study projects I was working on and relate them to my studies.
What aspects did you find most interesting and rewarding?	Looking back at my portfolio, it’s a live record of my achievements.
Do you have any tips or advice for aspiring candidates?	Don’t give up. It will take considerable effort but the feeling afterwards is well worth it. Don’t see the Qualification as the end point. It can be the start of a brighter and better future.
Do you have any other comments you feel may be helpful?	Share the successes! Hold workshops at industry events.
Finally, what’s your favourite pastime when you’re not working or studying?	Walking (I will shortly be completing Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in a 24 hour period), watching Preston North End, playing tenor sax and clarinet and travelling.

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