AFE March/April 2012 : Page 29ing of the facility environment that may off er a permanent posi-tion faster than traditional employment methods. AFE: Please elaborate on a “Day with a Facilities Professional (DWFP)”. SN: AFE Chapter 39, Silicon Valley enlists the help of the lo-cal companies who provide facility hosts. A college student is paired up with a working professional (host) to learn more about the profession in a non-classroom environment. Th ink of this event as shadowing your big brother/sister around for the aft ernoon at their place of work. Th e students are welcomed with a lunchtime presentation of AFE and a brief overview of the facilities engineering profes-sion. Th ey then spend the aft ernoon with an assigned host who will provide the opportunity to see the day through the eyes of a facility engineering expert. Students are encouraged to learn more about the industry and the role of a facility professional. Th e hosts fi nd this a great opportunity to spotlight the value facilities engineers play in the success of their company. Many hosts gain a renewed sense of satisfaction that they are shap-ing the career path for a future colleague. Th e evening activity concludes with dinner and a networking event for students to meet hosts from other companies before a keynote speaker presents a technical topic and panel discussion about the facili-ties engineering profession. AFE: I understand that 2012 is the event’s 50th anniversary. Why do you think it’s been such a popular success? What need does it fi ll for the students? SN: Knowledge sharing and personal networking skills hap-pen naturally through this event. Many students learn more about the facilities engineering profession and the variety of opportunities and responsibilities involved. Th ey form lasting mentor relationships, oft en returning to visit other companies and network with other professionals. Th is broadens their op-portunities for future employment or professional guidance. All hosts are very positive and provide the knowledge and encouragement to help the students succeed. Talking to an industry expert for an aft ernoon teaches the college student professionalism and provides exposure to the profession. Th e host will fi nd themselves with a new sense of energy in talking to the students about their accomplishments and the need for facility engineering professionals. It’s easy to see the excitement when one student tells of his experience to another classmate. AFE: Th e facilities engineering profession off ers a diverse range of career opportunities. What do you consider your role to be in helping to educate college students regarding their career path potential, and how can AFE be instrumental in this regard? SN: Th e AFE Student Chapter 193, Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo provides a comforting environment and a familiar resource for the students where they can learn about professional opportunities. AFE must continue to be integral in expanding the education and professional development oppor-tunities for students and into their career life. Th e profession also looks to AFE to embrace and promote the need for future facilities engineering professionals, ensuring the profession remains vital, effi cient and relevant for future generations. AFE: Within the past 10 years, what changes have you ob-served in the facilities engineering profession and what do you perceive to be the emerging driving factors for the future of the profession? SN: Th ere appears to be an aging gap in the facilities engineer-ing profession. Older professionals need to encourage younger engineers and technical professionals from other industries to challenge their current career path towards the dynamic excite-ment of facilities engineering. Sustainability remains a huge factor for the profession. For example, there are many existing tools and processes that can be used to encourage process waste reduction and overall effi ciency. Th e facilities environment is never static and needs to continuously improve to be eff ective in servicing the customer. FEJ Stan Nakaso is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Industrial Technology Facility Management. He’s been employed with Lockheed Martin for over 20 years and has previous work experience as a technical consultant for Applied Materials, Seagate, KLA Tencor and Roche Bioscience. Nakaso is presently responsible for the facility projects of Lockheed Martin’s lease and fi eld sites located outside of the San Francisco Bay Area. Talisa Th omas-Hall is AFE senior director of membership and operations. One of her primary responsibilities is to serve as the staff liaison to AFE chapters and regions. She can be reached at 571-203-7236 or via email at TTh omashall@afe.org. March | April 2012 Q  Facilities Engineering Journal Q  www.AFE.org 29 Publication List Using a screen reader? Click Here |
