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ADVICE FROM YOUNG PROJECT ENGINEERS

Let’s start with some advice from two highly respected young project engineers who are just starting their careers. The first, “How to Approach the Job,” is a direct quotation from a young woman serving as a project engineer at a fabrication site.

How to Approach the Job
As a recent new-hire project engineer, I offer three pieces of advice:

• Use the time to learn.
• Come prepared.
• Stay organized.

First, just being on a project will result in learning experiences, so really use the time to learn. Try new things, meet new people, and go outside your comfort zone. While on the project you should also find a mentor, who can answer questions and provide guidance when you need it.

Second, come prepared. The contracting strategy employed on the project will dictate the level of involvement with the contract. On the project on which I’m currently working, the lump sum contract has required me to know every detail of the contract to ensure the contractor provides everything we require. The specifications in the contract also must be adhered to and require familiarity.

Last, being organized can be a great asset, especially if you do it right from the start. I have found it is best to keep as little paper as possible because I have had to move around on the project. Most all files can be kept electronically. Meetings can be a great way to get things accomplished, but they can also waste time. Come prepared to the meeting, have an agenda, and stick to the (time and subject) limits. A final recommendation for organization is to cut down on emails when possible. We sometimes forget that phone calls can often be a more efficient means of communication.