Are engineers better than other professionals in project management?
Posted by hardhatindustry on August 7, 2009
Why I post this? When you go through job advertisements for project managers in the building industry, most of the construction companies require the qualification of the managers to be civil and structural engineering. Why not in architectural or mechanical engineering or building technology?
I’ve asked a few clients and even head-hunters the same question but none of them could give me a satisfactory answer. Most of them said that they just followed the industry norm.
Perhaps a C&S engineer is required for the initial foundation and structural works but what about the subsequent architectural or M&E works? By having engineering knowledge, does it actually make you a better project manager? I would have thought that an architect should be the candidate for a better project manager since architectural studies cover design, structure, materials, history and M&E components. Architects are generally all-rounded and have some knowledge of other disciplines too, that’s why they head the consultants team.
Unless the job entails mainly infra works or structural works, openings for project managers should not be restricted to C&S engineers, it should be a fair competition. Many architects and M&E engineers are equally as competent and should also be given the opportunity to apply for the positions.
kiat blues said
That should be the way all trades are capable especially an architect but what about me in this industry for most of my working life like 30years but no cert where we climb the coperate ladder from the bottom
hardhatindustry said
The level of importance using qualifications to judge a person actually depends on the type of company and trade. In my opinion, for a construction company, the most important criteria is experience and qualification is only secondary. But unfortunately, many companies especially in the advance countries use certificates as one of the pre-requisites to filter candidates for job interviews and some even use it to determine your salary.