LF: Jr. Project Control/Project Managment Position

[flipstah]

I'm trying everything I can to land a career for myself and well, hey! Beyond is here! Maybe it can help (what can't Beyond do), so I'll take a stab at it.

----------

I am an Applied Energy Economics student at the UofC and I'm currently looking for a junior position in either Project Management and/or Project Controls.

This degree taught me a lot that can be fully utilized at the workplace such as cost-benefit analysis and economic modelling, to name a few. I have experience writing economic reports and gathering data for extensive statistical analysis, which can be demonstrated by various term papers I have written for my Energy Economics classes. My academic experience made me think out-of-the-box, have a creative mindset to solving problems, and showed me how the oil & gas industry works as a whole.

My former internship at a major Canadian Oil & Gas company gave me exposure to Project Controls, which is something that I truly want to become experienced at. Being a part of scheduling, cost forecasting, budgeting, estimation, etc. is something that truly interests me and the fact that I love budgeting for my personal life kicks it up a notch. Through my internship, I learned how to do requisitioning, invoicing, use SAP, and was exposed to the nitty-gritty of Project Controls. It was a brief exposure; a slight taste of what it takes to oversee and complete a project successfully, hence it's giving me the urge to learn more about it.

I have extensive IT experience from my current position as a student analyst for the UofC, providing me with the knowledge to fully utilize important tools such as Microsoft Office suite. This position helped me prioritize time management and how to handle strict deadlines; aspects that are key to effective Project Management.

In general, I'm well-spoken, adaptive at the workplace, approachable, a team player but able to work independently when needed, and willing to do field work if it means to further enhance my knowledge.

If there are any open positions available, PM me and I'll be more than happy to provide my resumé/CV.

Otherwise, thanks for taking the time reading this and have a pleasant tomorrow!

Cheers!

:thumbsup:

[FraserB]

Try looking at AMEC, Worley, Stantec, really any of the large EPCMs. Some of the larger oil and gas companies have departments too.

Shoot me a PM tomorrow, there is a seminar this weekend that you might like. I'll check with my boss to see if its open to others.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by FraserB
Try looking at AMEC, Worley, Stantec, really any of the large EPCMs. Some of the larger oil and gas companies have departments too.

Shoot me a PM tomorrow, there is a seminar this weekend that you might like. I'll check with my boss to see if its open to others.

I've been looking at the EPC places I know; AMEC, Worley, Stantec, Fluor, Jacobs etc. Same case with the O/G companies, but either they're not looking or it's mostly senior positions.

I'm still looking hard and thought I'd give Beyond a shot to exhaust all options available.

I'll definitely PM you tomorrow. Thanks! :thumbsup:

[adidas]

Looking for PM positions myself and its definitely hard to come by, especially when you are a Jr. probably best bet is just to work your way up to such a position, at least thats what ive come to realize.

[93VR6]

I have friends at DPH Focus and Flour, I'll ask them what they have going on these days.

Neither of these offices are downtown, is that an issue?

[flipstah]

Originally posted by 93VR6
I have friends at DPH Focus and Flour, I'll ask them what they have going on these days.

Neither of these offices are downtown, is that an issue?

I know that Fluor is in the South (Sundance) so that's not an issue. :)

[me_dennis]

Try kiewit

[flipstah]

Originally posted by me_dennis
Try kiewit

I hope you mean Kuwait...

[me_dennis]

Originally posted by flipstah


I hope you mean Kuwait...


Nope. Kiewit Energy.

http://www.kiewit.com/careers/overview.aspx

[Anton]

These guys are hiring:

http://spheregroup.ca/

[flipstah]

Originally posted by me_dennis



Nope. Kiewit Energy.

http://www.kiewit.com/careers/overview.aspx

Oh, my apologies! I checked out Kiewit and they are quite a reputable firm. They are all looking for Engg jobs, which is quite tricky but thanks anywhos :)


Originally posted by Anton
These guys are hiring:

http://spheregroup.ca/

Looking for managers.

:(

[Anton]

Oops, sorry man!

Din't realize that, just have some of their guys on LinkedIn and remembered seeing that they're looking for people.

Edit: Doesn't hurt to throw your resume out there anyways! They work with some major O&G companies so they might be able to point you in a direction. You never know until you try.

[l/l/rX]

We're looking for more PC people. Nexen.

[Cos]

.

[turbotrip]

try snamprogetti

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Anton
Oops, sorry man!

Din't realize that, just have some of their guys on LinkedIn and remembered seeing that they're looking for people.

Edit: Doesn't hurt to throw your resume out there anyways! They work with some major O&G companies so they might be able to point you in a direction. You never know until you try.

Guess you're right; have nothing to lose, really. Will start another round of hunting tomorrow morning!


Originally posted by Cos
I am a PM for an large engineering company. It seems like you just graduated so my advice is based on that. Do NOT get into PM right away. You need to understand what your projects are like. Even our major PMO has specialists. You dont need to be able to engineer the line (in my case) but I need to know what can and cannot be done in regards to:

- Design
- Materials
- Engineering
- Construction

and the possible delays it could face, why my delays or cost variances are happening, and not look like a total retard in front of the client. A PM is responsible for the following 4 major things:

- Risks
- Schedule
- Cost
- Scope

If you cannot speak intelligently or communicate clearly to your stakeholders you will go insane.

Not sure what you could get in your degree but most PM's that make it are called the accidental PM (PMI's wording).

Edit: I just realized my post seemed negative. It was not meant to be. You could become a Project Assistant or in Project Controls but it will take a long time to become a Project Manager and I dont know how successful you could be to become a Program Manager (a PM's overarching boss in a PMO or big project). It is very likely that you COULD become successful I am just letting you know what me and my fellow co-workers face.

Edit 2: Also if you have experience in IT I would say 70% of my PMP classes were filled with IT guys. That seems to be a large portion of the Project Managers right now. Probably 70% IT, 20% Construction, 10% random other stuff. A lot of the people are either in Engineering in O&G or in the finance sector amazingly enough.

If you want more info I am happy to speak to you a bit. My schooling is in Electrical Engineering and my business is Utility engineering so it will obviously different than you. If you want to chat more PM me or let me know.

:D

Cos

Thanks for the insight, Cos. I realize that diving into PM right away will be strenuous, but my internship as a PC Assistant gave me exposure to have this 'want' to learn more. I'm definitely looking for a junior position (mostly cost) to further learn the ropes and plan to work my way up, but everyone (that I've looked for) are looking for intermediate/senior positions. The search continues!



Originally posted by turbotrip
try snamprogetti


:thumbsup:

[Cos]

Originally posted by flipstah

Thanks for the insight, Cos. I realize that diving into PM right away will be strenuous, but my internship as a PC Assistant gave me exposure to have this 'want' to learn more. I'm definitely looking for a junior position (mostly cost) to further learn the ropes and plan to work my way up, but everyone (that I've looked for) are looking for intermediate/senior positions. The search continues!

In that case I am going to PM you my company. If anything interests you (we are looking for peps on our O&G side for sure) let me know and I will hook you up with a referral.

Cos

[flipstah]

Thanks again for all your help, everyone! Until 'the' job has come my way, I'm still pulling out all the stops to apply. =)

[Cos]

.

[me_dennis]

somewhat off topic, but what sort of backgrounds do people in project controls have?

I generally thought it was more of an engineering background, but i've seen some people with physics degrees, business degrees, etc.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by me_dennis
somewhat off topic, but what sort of backgrounds do people in project controls have?

I generally thought it was more of an engineering background, but i've seen some people with physics degrees, business degrees, etc.

From what I experienced, it's mostly Engineering and Business/Accounting degrees.

[me_dennis]

yeah that's the general consensus i get too.

i was just offered a position at kiewit for project controls engineer but I don't think I will be accepting it as I'm looking for a position in town.

I know you said that the website is looking for mostly engineers, but if you don't mind being in the field, and have prior experience, then it might be worth a shot.

From my interview, they seemed to be getting really busy in the coming year.

Good luck!




Originally posted by flipstah


From what I experienced, it's mostly Engineering and Business/Accounting degrees.

[mrsingh]

Hey Don,

As you know I work in Project Controls, you will find that people come from a variety of backgrounds, business, engineering and the trades. Personally, I studied Civil Engineering Technology and started in PC in estimating, from there I moved onto quantity surveying working closely with the planners. I moved onto Cost after that and that is where I have stayed for the last few years.

This field has been both interesting and financially rewarding, but be warned you will have to spend a fair amount of time at site. I have worked in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and in Calgary. I know you are a motivated young guy and a hard worker and have no doubt you will do well in the field, and as you know I have reached out to some in my network to try and help you out. So far no one I have spoken to is looking for a junior person just yet. Keep your head up and keep on trying with all the companies that have been mentioned above, work is picking up a lot and you will get your chance.

As for project management role, the typical path is through field engineering, to project engineering and then onto a PM role. It is a little more difficult to get there without an Engineering or Technology background. I have known many who have made the jump from a Project Controls Manager to a Project Manager though, so that always is an option down the road.

Good luck and stay in touch bud!

[flipstah]

Originally posted by mrsingh
Hey Don,

As you know I work in Project Controls, you will find that people come from a variety of backgrounds, business, engineering and the trades. Personally, I studied Civil Engineering Technology and started in PC in estimating, from there I moved onto quantity surveying working closely with the planners. I moved onto Cost after that and that is where I have stayed for the last few years.

This field has been both interesting and financially rewarding, but be warned you will have to spend a fair amount of time at site. I have worked in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and in Calgary. I know you are a motivated young guy and a hard worker and have no doubt you will do well in the field, and as you know I have reached out to some in my network to try and help you out. So far no one I have spoken to is looking for a junior person just yet. Keep your head up and keep on trying with all the companies that have been mentioned above, work is picking up a lot and you will get your chance.

As for project management role, the typical path is through field engineering, to project engineering and then onto a PM role. It is a little more difficult to get there without an Engineering or Technology background. I have known many who have made the jump from a Project Controls Manager to a Project Manager though, so that always is an option down the road.

Good luck and stay in touch bud!

Thanks for the support! I'm definitely soldiering on and continue to look. :thumbsup:

[bjstare]

Originally posted by me_dennis
yeah that's the general consensus i get too.

i was just offered a position at kiewit for project controls engineer but I don't think I will be accepting it as I'm looking for a position in town.

I know you said that the website is looking for mostly engineers, but if you don't mind being in the field, and have prior experience, then it might be worth a shot.

From my interview, they seemed to be getting really busy in the coming year.

Good luck!





A little off topic, but good for you - you dodged a bullet there. Its a special breed of people that work for Kiewit... I did an internship there during my engineering degree, and it was basically a cult of people who put work ahead of everything.... and don't get compensated very well. Also, they put the title "engineer" behind just about every position, but that company doesn't actually do much engineering. Interesting.


Also, good luck OP. EPC is a good industry to be in right now.

[flipstah]

Originally posted by cjblair


A little off topic, but good for you - you dodged a bullet there. Its a special breed of people that work for Kiewit... I did an internship there during my engineering degree, and it was basically a cult of people who put work ahead of everything.... and don't get compensated very well. Also, they put the title "engineer" behind just about every position, but that company doesn't actually do much engineering. Interesting.


Also, good luck OP. EPC is a good industry to be in right now.

Thanks! :thumbsup:

Well, the new year is here and I'm getting calls for interview. Yay!

[flipstah]

It's official! With a new year comes a new opportunity!

Just signed today and HR received my signed contract. I am now employed in a Project Controls position!

Thanks again everyone for all your help and well wishes.

See? What can't Beyond do!? :clap: :bigpimp: :thumbsup:

[me_dennis]

congrats! which company did you sign with?

[mrsingh]

Hey Don I am very happy to hear that the lead panned out. Good luck!