What Transportation Engineering Firms Really Look For In A Project Manager

Having worked as a recruiter in the Florida transportation industry for the past 5 years I can honestly say I get asked multiple times a week by young engineers what they need to do or tick off to optimise their chances of becoming a successful project manager in their career. So I thought I'd write a brief summary from what I've learnt over 5 years of helping Transportation Engineering Firms in Florida hire project managers and the criteria they use to decide who are the best.

Project management is a critical role in engineering design firms, as it requires managing complex projects, ensuring the timely completion of deliverables, and coordinating with clients, stakeholders, and team members. If you're a young engineer aspiring to become a great project manager, it's essential to understand what engineering design firms look for in a project manager. Here are some of the key criteria that firms use to hire project managers.

1. Technical Expertise

A project manager should have a deep understanding of the engineering principles and concepts related to the project, and be able to use that knowledge to make informed decisions, identify risks, and solve complex problems.

2. Leadership Skills

Engineering design firms look for project managers who have strong leadership skills, including the ability to delegate tasks, motivate team members, and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders in order to achieve project goals.

3. Project Management Experience

A project manager must have experience managing projects from start to finish, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource management. Whether that's as the project manager or working as their assistant. More often than not engineering design firms look for project managers who have a proven track record of successfully managing projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering quality work. However, sometimes they look for assistant project managers who are ready to take that next step and take the lead.

4. Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial in project management, as it helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project understands their roles, responsibilities, and deadlines. Engineering design firms look for project managers who have strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders and team members.

5. Problem-Solving Skills

Inevitably, projects face unexpected challenges and roadblocks. A project manager needs to be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently. Engineering design firms look for project managers who have strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze information, develop creative solutions, and implement effective strategies.

6. Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is crucial in engineering design, as even small errors can have significant consequences. Engineering design firms look for project managers who have a keen eye for detail and who can ensure that all project deliverables meet the highest standards of quality.

7. Flexibility and Adaptability

Project managers need to be flexible and adaptable, as projects can change course unexpectedly due to unforeseen circumstances. Engineering design firms look for project managers who can adapt to changing situations, adjust their plans as needed, and remain focused on project objectives.

In conclusion, engineering design firms look for project managers who possess a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, project management experience, communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and flexibility. As a young engineer, it's essential to develop these skills through on-the-job training, professional development courses, and mentorship opportunities to become a desirable candidate for project manager positions. By focusing on these critical areas, you can increase your chances of becoming a successful project manager and a highly desirable employee in future engineering design firms.