What Enables Success in a Project Controls Career
Project controls is the key to successful project management. This unique field can mean the difference between a thriving project and a struggling one. Project controls is a growing area and we need plenty of smart people with new ideas to join this career path. Anyone from any background can jump into the world of project controls and excel; as we like to mention, having a seemingly non-relevant background can truly be an asset in this industry. So if it’s not specific education that makes one successful in project controls, what do you need to flourish in the field and help project teams succeed? We see four critical areas:
Adaptability
The number one skill that enables success in a project controls career? Adaptability. Even the best planned and strategized projects are guaranteed to go off track somewhere. Project controls is all about catching the small nuances that show deviations in budget and timeline and then shifting course as needed. Additionally, projects frequently have multiple stakeholders who have different wants and needs. Project controls analysts need to be able to pivot when things change and when multiple opinions must be considered.
2. Communication skills
Balancing multiple stakeholders and their needs calls for strong communication skills. Project controls analysts need to be people oriented and able to understand different communication styles. The biggest component of effective communication is listening; project controls analysts will need to ensure they get the full picture and clearly hear what’s being said before deciding. They also need to be able to share their thoughts and expertise confidently and clearly, understanding that everyone has different communication and listening styles.
3. Willingness to keep learning
You certainly don’t need to know it all when you get started! While you don’t need a specific background to enter the field, you do need a lifelong learner mindset. Technology and programs analysts use frequently change, and new solutions come to market all the time. Plan for certifications and additional education as you progress in your career and be open to learning new and better ways to do things.
4. Broader understanding of project controls
The most common challenge a project controls analyst faces is a lack of understanding about what they do and the value. Those of us in the trenches know the positive impact project controls makes on a team and organization, but not everyone on your team will be familiar. Practice explaining your role quickly, touching on the benefit to different project roles. You may need to advocate for yourself more than you’d like. However, the more often project controls analysts share the importance of the field, the sooner we’ll achieve a broader understanding of what we do.
Success in project controls rests on your ability to adapt, communicate, and learn. As a project controls analyst, you can positively impact projects in a major way. As long as you look to continuously grow, see setbacks as opportunities, and have the confidence to advocate for your role, you’ll be on the road to long-term career success.