Richard Keohane
Richard Keohane upskilled in his career by studying the IWFM Level 5 Diploma programme at Portobello Institute.
This 8-month course, delivered online through blended learning is designed for mid-level and senior facilities management professionals, to advance their knowledge and skills to excel in the next step in their career.
Richard’s decision to return to education after a long break was driven by a desire to formalise his existing knowledge and advance his career in facilities management. He found the transition back to the classroom initially challenging but ultimately rewarding and worthwhile.
“It was a shock to go back to a school system after all these years, but it was enjoyable, there was loads of information there I found the lecturers were very good and gave us the help we got was outstanding,” he said.
Richard’s graduation ceremony marked a significant achievement, not only personally but also as a positive example for his children, one of whom was also pursuing higher education simultaneously. He described a profound sense of satisfaction:
“It’s a big deal, I’ve three kids and one of them is going through college herself, it’s great to have the same feeling. I never thought I’d do it and I’d given up on education. It’s a great sense of satisfaction,” he said.
This sentiment highlights the transformative power of education and its ability to empower individuals to reach their full potential – especially later in life when you may have thought education was behind you. At Portobello Institute, we passionately believe in and support lifelong learning.
Richard’s educational journey didn’t end with the IWFM Level 5 Diploma. He leveraged the diploma to gain advanced entry into the third year of the BSc (Hons) Facilities and Workplace Management degree.
This strategic decision allowed him to pursue his level 8 degree in a shorter time frame, building upon the knowledge and skills acquired during the diploma programme.
“I’ve done the IWFM 5 diploma now I am onto the BSc (Hons) Facilities and Workplace Management. I work in facilities management and projects with CBRE already and I hope that this will help me to progress to higher jobs and promotions eventually,” he said.
The BSc (Hons) Workplace & Facilities Management degree is a 3-year programme with a blended learning delivery. Richard’s prior experience in facilities management and projects, coupled with his academic pursuits, positions him well for career advancement within this growing field.
Richard’s story illustrates the value of the IWFM Level 5 Diploma as a pathway to further education and career progression. Despite his initial doubts about returning to education, Richard now has the confidence to take on the BSc (Hons) Workplace & Facilities Management and reach new heights in his career.
