Planning Engineer Career Direction

How about cost engineer?

I too have been wondering about direction.



I have been in Project Controls in a number of roles (Cost Engineer, Planning Engineer, Claims Manager etc.) for about 10 years now.



A variety of industries has kept the interest alight, and there is always the satisfaction of knowing that I earn more cash than my Project Manager.



But that seems to be the rub, I have two choices; Functional Management or Project Management. I have dabbled with both, the third option of remaining a contract planner is not a bad option. I’d rather be a good planner than a bad Project Manager.



Anyway, I just joined today and this is my first post so hello everyone.



Andy

Charlie,



You’re most WELCOME and BEST OF LUCK.



Regards.

Thanks Andrew...



I’ll consider that (I mean it)...Really, I know a place where people do that...they still have that "Word of Honor"...I think Charleston knows that place too.



Sorry Charlie, we’re out of the subject...but I still think a Politician really suits you...



edgar

Hi Charles,



I think you should be considering something bigger than what you can imagine with your experiance and knowledge.



Try getting onto the management side like CEO, Director (Operations), etc.



Regards,

Edgar,



You can try - the problem is that of proof should the other person dispute it - your word against his and all that.



If it was said in a meeting or somewhere there were witnesses that would back up what was said then you may have the source of proof you need. If it was something said in a meeting and not in the minutes then get it added to the minutes.



It’s also a very good reason to keep a diary and note down any of these types of conversation for future reference.



If it is a client instruction then write to the client confirming it.



ie, if the client tells you to do something don’t let it go completely unrecorded even if it’s aonly a note in your diary - you never know when it mightcome in useful.

Hi Andrew,



You really mean that? If then, can you place a claim on it even without the necessary documents?

(I mean just a normal day to day happenings in the construction world).



Thanks,



Edgar

Charles,



Planning & Control Manager (Project Controller) is best suited for a REAL PLANNER.

1) Experience : Planner will master in schedule, contract and site work (productivity).

2) Advice : Able to coordinate and advise Project Manager, Contract Manager and Engineers on site progress, cost, resources and mitigation.

3) ETC i.e. involves in VO finalisation, communication with contractor, .......



Regards.

Edgar,



Depends what the subject matter was as different rules apply to different things but legally binding contracts can certainly be made by oral means only.

Hi Orbe



Contract Claim Consultant that suits as per your experience

Hi there,



Andrew, that’s a virus. I won’t consider that, thanks anyway.. Well, you’re a contract expert I presumed....If I may ask...? Do you consider a verbal agreement in any form..

(something that happened on site or in a meeting) but not documented in any way... an informal contract? or something?

Edgar,



Your equation is right but how about this one:



No planning + An ability to lie + zero integrity = leading politician

Hi Charles,



How about Politics? if I may suggest....



You are a good Planner...you can make use of that...



Please consider this:



Planning + Honesty + Integrity = Good Politician

If your still to plan I’d say goverment based.

Easy life, good hours, half decent pay if on contract, long term usually (defence,nuke etc..) and a safe bet as the world economy is about to suffer due to increasing fuel costs.Pref a job in China/India?

Charlie,



You are the person who knows you best, and which of the four alternatives you listed would best suit your knowledge and experience. There are, however, two sets of factors, intrinsic and extrinsic, which you should also consider before making your choice.



Intrinsic factors are those things that we give ourselves when we do our work; job satisfaction, self-esteem, enjoyment and so on. Extrinsic factors are what we get from the employer; remuneration, working conditions, fringe benefits, location and the like.



The importance attached to these factors varies enormously between individuals so you are the only person who can decide what is important to you. The only advice I can give is think about what you want from your work, which of the alternatives you listed, and any others you may be considering, is going to match what is important to you and go for it.



It sounds simple, but please believe me, it will mean a lot of hard work for you to do it thoroughly, and not doing it thoroughly could mean ending up working at a job you hate.



Best of luck.



Chris Oggham