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Interviews

31.01.2012

I graduate abroad, but I will be FM professional in Bulgaria

Plamen Michev, student at Breda NHTV University, International Real Estate and Facility Management and ex-trainee at Facility Optimum Bulgaria

AUTHOR: publics.bg

Why did you choose to study facility management in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of the first countries, which developed facility management as a method for managing buildings. I decided that this is a great possibility for me to learn from the pioneer in this sector. What is more, I’ve already visited the Netherlands and I liked the country, the people and culture a lot. Last but not least, NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences is very different from Bulgarian universities.

How do you like the quality of the education in your university and what are the highlights of the courses?

The quality of education in the FM subject is very good, whether you take Breda NHTVU separately, or examine all universities in the Netherlands that offer FM qualification. Breda NHTV, however, compared to other universities offers a more practical direction in its courses. It's based on interaction rather than the lecturer speaking and the students listening. The lectures are our mentors, colleagues and friends. It is not surprising that the university has won numerous awards for its Facility Management programme.

The main focus of the FM training is attention to the buildings and the needs of their inhabitants, meticulous detailing and team work. The program is divided into several modules which directly tackle these accents. Team work is the main factor to success. Communication and hospitality are also part of the courses.

What have you learned about the FM market in the Netherlands and what distinguishes it from the Bulgarian market?

Obviously, the Dutch facility management market is bigger than the Bulgarian. Facility management is very popular in the real estate business. Most of the companies in the Netherlands have set clear criteria concerning the functions of a facility manager and the ways he can contribute to the functioning of their business. This is not the case in Bulgaria. Most of the companies are unaware of the benefits or have not even heard about facility and property management.

In my experience, Dutch businesses prefer appointing an internal facility manager more often than Bulgarian companies. Larger organizations rarely outsource the FM department and instead create one inside the company. This contributes to significant cost cuts and allows the companies to focus entirely on their main activity.

Would you rather be an FM professional in the Netherlands or in Bulgaria?

I see my future in Bulgaria. According to my observations, the FM business in Bulgaria is at an earlier stage than in the Netherlands, but it is developing with an excellent rate. This makes me believe that it is well worth for me to return to my country. What is more, my university degree and practical skills would be certainly valued in Bulgaria.

I think facility management would become a valuable sector of the Bulgarian economy, only if more people are made aware of its importance for cutting business costs.