Jen Werner graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Facility Management. She now works for Custer Office Work Environments, Inc. as a Healthcare Specialist at the corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI.

Jen’s role is to cultivate the relationship between Custer and the area’s largest healthcare customers.  “In partnership with our customers’ facilities, design, and construction teams, we’re providing furniture and custom workspace solutions for both renovated and new construction projects.”  Jen’s current projects range from simple, single room renovations to multi-story, new construction, patient care facilities.

The most valuable lesson Jen learned at Ferris was a solid understanding of facility management and the valuable role facility managers play within an organization.  “The FM program provided me with a solid understanding of what facility managers do and what they are responsible for. In my work, most of my customers and clients are in facilities roles, understanding their needs assures that we’re providing them with the best possible service and experience.”

A part of the FM program’s solid foundation Jen valued the real-world experience that the summer internship provided.  Jen’s favorite memory of her time at Ferris was completing her internship at the GM Powertrain Plant in Flint, MI. “My time there provided me with the opportunity to learn about a wide range of facility responsibilities, including workspaces and furniture.”

Jen chose Ferris because she grew up in Ferris, regularly attended Ferris hockey games throughout her childhood, and both of her parents attended and worked at Ferris. “Deciding where to earn my college education wasn’t a question for me, I’m a Bulldog, through and through.”