Hey all,
I've been lurking here for around 3 years and I recently finished school with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Finance (I know it most likely won't be useful if I want to plan). I have a small amount of experience in construction/laboring, but nothing on a grand scale. (Mostly laying concrete in parking lots, putting up walls, etc.)
Where would be a good place to start if I wanted to look into planning? I currently live in Kansas City, MO.
I have used Primavera P6 before and I've taken a basics class on it around 3 years ago, what are some other softwares I should become familiar with? Is there a part of scheduling/planning that is strictly finance based, instead of processes?
Do you guys know any websites that have resources to jumpstart my learning in P6 and other planning softwares? I own a copy of P6 and can get Microsoft Project.
If there is anything else you all would like to add, I welcome any criticism or advice!
Hi Alex,
Firstly, i would say that most planners dont have civils degrees/masters, as there are planners in almost all industries, banking, IT, heavy engineering, heavy civils, production environments, defence, water etc.
Planners in the financial industry get involved in the roll-out of new initiatives, IT systems and all manner of projects so your degree can be utilised.
What i would say you need to learn is project management and in particular the scheduling aspects of it. I recommend some PRINCE2 training if you plan to try and get into IT/financial sectors (where contract rates can be higher than those paid in others) or some PMI/APM training if you plan on trying to get into other industries.
The best thing to do is look at the job specs advertised for the industries you would like to go into and then fit your skills to them!
HTH
Dear
Alex,
In case of Construction -Most of the Planning/ scheduling Engineers have 5/4 years bachelor degree in Civil Engineering , most of them have Masters in construction management/ or MBA. or PMB .
Software Experience in Primavera 3/6 will not make you a good planner/scheduler. For a good planning you need in depth knowledge of construction, especially reading contractual documents, preparation of cash flows, Analyze shop drawings , linking activities and sequence etc. Some time you have to do auto cadd drawings and costing
As an MBA Holder i can tell you the finance in Construction have lot of difference with the finance you studied in BBA,especially when you going to handle cash flow etc
Most of the Planners start their career from site as site Engineers or site supervisor , there is no problem for a fresh graduate to start planning Engineer job, but its very difficult to handle projects in independent way.
In USA, some companies , just looking graduates/high school graduates only , But Companies ,especially rated companies asking graduates in Civil Engineering/ Architectural Engineering.
If you looking a career in construction, i suggest you to join as a site supervisor or site engineer and practice quantity survey and costing etc from there you can develop your skills .
Most of the US opportunities in California, Texas and, New-York
In USA , what i observed is everybody want to become BOSS immediately and nobody want to learn basics. Scheduling is an very important job and need very serious approach while you taking this responsibility in your shoulder
Best of luck