Neville Walsh
With a background in printing and a degree in business management, Neville Walsh moved into the facilities management (FM) sector around 10 years ago, where he works as Regional Occupancy and Space Planner for JLL at LinkedIn EMEA HQ Dublin.
While he already held multiple qualifications, it was a personal and professional goal of his to hold an undergraduate degree specifically related to facilities management.
Like many of his colleagues at JLL, he chose to study his BSc (Hons) Workplace and Facilities Management at Portobello Institute. Upon completing his final year he is now confidently positioned to take the next step in his FM career.
Making the Move into Facilities Management
Neville began his professional journey as a trade-qualified printer, completing his apprenticeship in 1998. When it came to evolving his career to move with changes in the world, his skillset was strong to move into workplace and facilities management.
“I made a career change from printing to FM and have been in the industry since. I already held a BSc in Business and Management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied FM, but I wanted to round out my formal education with a recognised FM degree,” he said.
This change has proven to be the right one for Neville, who enjoys the variety and unpredictability that working in FM brings.
“I feel the career change has been very positive and I enjoy the non-routine of our work in FM,” he said.
Why Further Study Was the Right Move
Neville has always valued self-development and believes that learning, both formal and informal, is essential to growth.
“Studying formally or informally is always a good thing to do. Self-development is important and studying is just one element of that.
“Having an industry recognised qualification will never do a career any harm and the time and effort put into studying to get the reward is always very satisfying in the end. I was determined I wanted a degree in FM.
“I did it mainly for me and to prove to myself I could do it. In my role I am part of the wider FM team but not directly involved in day-to-day FM operations so gaining the qualification demonstrates I have the all-round FM knowledge,” he said.
Choosing Portobello Institute
Portobello Institute came highly recommended through his employer, JLL.
“Portobello are the preferred organisation of choice for JLL employees in Ireland wishing to pursue company-funded study,” he said.
The course structure and delivery also suited his learning style and professional commitments.
Support and Flexibility as a Student
Studying while balancing a busy work schedule and life is a challenge, but Neville credits Portobello’s structure and support with helping him succeed.
“It was a very intense final academic year of the three year course, balancing work with studying and life in general. The support, guidance and resources were excellent to help maintain focus and to stay on the right path during assignments and the research project,” he said.
One standout aspect of the experience was the approachability and dedication of the faculty.
“The lecturers are all very approachable, willing to help, and some made themselves available outside of scheduled lecture times to assist with exam preparation,” he added.
He feels the degree reflects more than just academic achievement.
“It complements my current role and shows I can prioritise, commit, and work hard to achieve a goal. It demonstrates work ethic and application.”
A Future with a Formal FM Degree
Neville has achieved his goal of holding a degree in workplace and facilities management, he is looking forward to seeing where it takes him.
“I want to see how the qualification helps me to get where I may want to go in my career. The BSc caps my formal FM education at undergraduate level and it can only be a positive if I choose my next step.
“I feel I have a good career but it certainly compliments what I am doing and by achieving it, demonstrates work ethic, application and prioritisation skills,” he said.
If you are interested in advancing your career in Facilities Management, visit our faculty here.
