Chapter 1 - When Opportunity Knocks

Abstract

Project engineers are integrating forces in modern industrial society because they link the people who envision work to the ones who do it. Project engineers tackle a job and do what it takes to make plans into reality. A company or organization consists of departments and groups that specialize in engineering, purchasing, construction, manufacturing, accounting, and other skills. Within those departments and groups are specialists such as process engineers, machinists, accountants, and ironworkers. On the other hand, project engineers have the overall responsibility for a certain part of the work or maybe even a small project. They add value by coordinating and integrating everyone's contribution into an end product. There are three things that need to be done to start a career as project engineer: (1) identify the boss, (2) identify the boss's wants and requirements, and (3) do the required work. With knowledge of the bosses and with an agreed set of objectives, life on the project becomes easier, and then all attention can be focused toward getting the work done.