1. Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Industrial, or related field).

Certifications (Preferred but not always mandatory)

Certifications in Project Planning (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-SP, or Primavera P6 certifications) validate expertise in scheduling, risk management, and project controls, making candidates more competitive in industries like oil & gas and construction. While not always mandatory, they demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard tools (e.g., Primavera P6, CPM, EVM) and methodologies, which employers value for complex, high-stakes projects. Some roles explicitly require certifications—especially in EPC firms or government contracts—while others prioritize hands-on experience. The decision to pursue certifications depends on career goals: early-career engineers benefit from structured learning and credibility, whereas seasoned planners may rely on proven track records. In regulated or international markets, certifications often become essential for advancement.

PMP (Project Management Professional)

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®. It validates a professional's expertise in project management, including knowledge, skills, and experience in leading and directing projects.

PRINCE2 (Foundation/Practitioner)

PMI-SP (Scheduling Professional)

The PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)® certification is a specialized credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI)® for professionals who excel in project scheduling. It validates expertise in developing, maintaining, and analyzing project schedules using best practices. To qualify, candidates need a secondary degree, 40 months of scheduling experience, and 40 hours of scheduling education (or a bachelor's degree with 28 months of experience). The exam covers schedule strategy, development, monitoring, and closeout, aligning with the PMBOK® Guide. Earning PMI-SP enhances credibility for scheduling-focused roles in industries like construction, IT, and engineering.

Want to know more about PMP® and other PMI certifications visit www.pmi.org.

2. Technical Skills

Planning Software Proficiency:

• Primavera P6 (Most critical in oil & gas)
• Microsoft Project
• SAP PS (Project Systems)
• AutoCAD/Revit (Basic understanding for integration with schedules)

Scheduling Techniques:

• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Risk Analysis (Monte Carlo simulations)

Industry-Specific Knowledge:

• EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) workflows
• Understanding of ASME, API, ISO standards (if in oil & gas)

3. Experience

Hands-on experience in:

• Developing WBS (Work Breakdown Structures)
• Creating baseline schedules and progress tracking
• Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, process, electrical)

4. Soft Skills

• Analytical thinking (to foresee delays/bottlenecks)
• Communication (to align stakeholders, contractors, clients)
• Problem-solving (mitigating schedule risks)

5. Industry-Specific Add-Ons (For Oil & Gas)

• Familiarity with offshore project phases (FEED, Detailed Design, Hook-up).
• Knowledge of permitting processes and HSE regulations.

Career Progression & Experience

• Entry-Level: Junior Planner, Assistant Planning Engineer → Uses templates under supervision (Could be entry level position but 1-2 years of industry experience especially site execution is preferred).
• Mid-Level: Project Planning Engineer → Owns full project schedules (Experience range 5+ years).
• Senior-Level: Sr. Planning Engineer – Lead Planner/Planning Engineer → Oversees portfolio-level planning (Experience range 10+ years)