A practical approach to improve your planning career

In today’s world, our expectations are often met quickly – we can order food for delivery or a new phone and receive it within hours or days. However, acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a career, such as mastering software or producing effective reports, is not an instant process. It takes time, effort, and a willingness to make mistakes and refine one’s methods over time. Unfortunately, many planning engineers make the mistake of seeking instant gratification, investing in their knowledge and skills for a few months and then giving up when a better career opportunity does not immediately present itself. However, building a successful career is not like a midterm exam that can be prepared for in a short period of time. Rather, it is a continual process of self-improvement and development, regardless of when opportunities may arise. It is important to remember that an interview is not an exam, but rather an opportunity to demonstrate one’s knowledge, skills, systems, and processes across different areas, such as progress monitoring and delay analysis. Excelling in these areas takes years of patience and continued investment in oneself.

Being proficient in P6, like many other engineers, is not sufficient to stand out among the competition of thousands of engineers. It is necessary to be among the top 5% in terms of knowledge and skills to add value and distinguish yourself from others. In my view, the below areas must be considered to accomplish this goal.

The primary focus should be on gaining knowledge, followed by mastering the software. To differentiate yourself from the competition, you must become proficient in various project control frameworks like CPM and EVM. You will also need to acquire skills in data analytics and Power BI to enhance your value. Additionally, understanding contract management, delay analysis, and claims is crucial for planning engineers and can set you apart from others.

Obtaining industry certifications such as PSP or PMI-SP can be beneficial for your career. These certifications validate your knowledge and skills, and having the certification initials after your name can help you get noticed by potential employers. Preparing for the certification exam may take some time, but once you pass, you will be certified for life, making it a valuable investment in your career. However, you may still need to collect professional development units (PDUs) or continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain your certification, which is typically an easy task.

When I say “networking”, I don’t just mean adding people on LinkedIn. Rather, by performing at your best and demonstrating your talents in your job, you will be viewed as a reliable and skilled individual. It’s common for people to switch jobs frequently, and a colleague may recommend you for a position at their company. However, no one wants to risk recommending the wrong person. Even if your current work environment doesn’t allow you to fully utilize your abilities, it’s still important to showcase your talents for two reasons. Firstly, you have the opportunity to learn and establish systems that you will continue to use throughout your career while getting paid for it. Secondly, you can establish yourself as a qualified individual among your colleagues, build your reputation, and expand your network. While building a reputation and network takes time, the investment will pay off in the long run. Most job openings are not posted on the internet, so your connections and relationships are valuable resources.

4- Starting your career