Starting a career in planning can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re transitioning from another role or just beginning your professional journey. In this articel, I share some strategic steps you can take to find your way into this field.
1. Find a Way to Earn the Title
Your skills might be impressive, but it is challenging to convince potential employers without the right job title on your CV. Hiring managers often look for candidates who already work in relevant roles, making it difficult for beginners to break into the field.
So, how do you earn the title?
Start with Your Current Company
Begin by asking for opportunities to work as a planning engineer within your organization. However, don’t approach this request as a favour; instead, demonstrate your readiness.
Prove You’re Prepared
Learn the basics and demonstrate that you can show some value – Learn how to prepare a baseline schedule, update progress, and generate reports. Show your department managers that you’re capable before asking for the role. When they see your commitment and skills, they’re more likely to give you a chance.
Without the title, applying for external planning positions becomes much harder. So focus on earning the title, even in small steps, before you look elsewhere.
2. Improve Your Skills
Career growth requires delayed gratification. The rewards of hard work in your career don’t come immediately. Here’s the truth that nobody often talks about. You can work tirelessly for years without seeing results, but one job application, one interview, or even one conversation with the right person can change everything.
Stay Consistent
Keep improving your skills in scheduling, progress monitoring, and project controls software. Learn tools like Primavera P6, Power BI, or Excel reporting. The better you are at these, the more you stand out.
Patience Pays Off
Your persistence will pay off. It might take time, but consistent effort always yields results.
3. The Golden Rule: Work Hard Regardless of Circumstances
If there’s one piece of advice that’s never let me down, it’s this:
Work hard on yourself, no matter how you feel or what your circumstances are.
You can’t always predict life, and careers don’t follow a straight path. You might also face setbacks:
- Colleagues may mock your ambition that doesn’t pay off.
- Your efforts might seem unrecognized within your organization.
- You might feel stuck in a role you’ve become overqualified for.
Trust the Process
Imagine stepping into a dark room with a flashlight. You can’t see the whole room, but each step forward reveals more of what’s around you. That’s how your career unfolds. Take small, actionable steps in the right direction and trust that opportunities will come as you move forward.
Key Takeaways
I am still doing my best everyday. I’ve also made mistakes and had setbacks but I don’t have any regrets because I either grow or learn from them. You may not start your planning career today. It might take years, but that’s okay. The journey is part of the process.
Remember, you don’t need all the answers now. Just take the next step, and clarity will come.
Regards,
Osama Saad, MBA, PMP, PSP, CCP, PMI-SP
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