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Job outlook for engineering project coordinators in the United States
Engineering project coordinator job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected engineering project coordinator job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 1,800 new jobs for engineering project coordinators are projected over the next decade.
Engineering project coordinator salaries have increased 9% for engineering project coordinators in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,647 engineering project coordinators currently employed in the United States.
There are 112,985 active engineering project coordinator job openings in the US.
The average engineering project coordinator salary is $73,371.
Are engineering project coordinator jobs in demand?
Engineering project coordinator job and salary trends over time
Engineering project coordinator jobs over time
Engineering project coordinator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,647 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 7,339 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 7,502 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 7,377 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 7,182 | 0.00% |
Average engineering project coordinator salary over time
Engineering project coordinator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $73,371 | $35.27 | +3.7% |
| 2025 | $70,775 | $34.03 | +1.4% |
| 2024 | $69,787 | $33.55 | +0.9% |
| 2023 | $69,134 | $33.24 | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $67,613 | $32.51 | +0.4% |
Engineering project coordinator jobs by state
Most common states for engineering project coordinators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 415 | 60% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 463 | 44% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 322 | 43% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 376 | 39% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 617 | 36% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 453 | 34% |
| 7 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 279 | 32% |
| 8 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 627 | 30% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 389 | 29% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 287 | 27% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,770 | 26% |
| 12 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 472 | 26% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,367 | 25% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 1,215 | 25% |
| 15 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 735 | 23% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 448 | 23% |
| 17 | Alaska | 739,795 | 170 | 23% |
| 18 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 131 | 23% |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,268 | 22% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 639 | 22% |
Most common cities for engineering project coordinators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Menlo Park | 2 | 6% | $105,205 |
| 2 | Redmond | 3 | 5% | $89,583 |
| 3 | Bay City | 1 | 3% | $79,817 |
| 4 | Burlingame | 1 | 3% | $105,489 |
| 5 | Grants Pass | 1 | 3% | $95,080 |
| 6 | Newark | 1 | 3% | $72,064 |
| 7 | Lewisville | 2 | 2% | $74,981 |
| 8 | Moorhead | 1 | 2% | $78,023 |
| 9 | Clearwater | 1 | 1% | $57,088 |
| 10 | Eugene | 1 | 1% | $92,331 |
| 11 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $74,085 |
| 12 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $87,745 |
| 13 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $73,071 |
| 14 | Kansas City | 1 | 0% | $53,346 |
| 15 | Minneapolis | 1 | 0% | $78,255 |
| 16 | New York | 1 | 0% | $76,519 |
| 17 | Orlando | 1 | 0% | $56,977 |
| 18 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $83,668 |
| 19 | Scottsdale | 1 | 0% | $83,690 |
Engineering Project Coordinator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of engineering project coordinator experts
The University of Texas at Arlington
University of Connecticut
University of Alabama at Huntsville
Weber State University
Pennsylvania State University
University of Michigan
Northern Michigan University
California Lutheran University
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Lubbock Christian University
Gulf Coast State College
University of Minnesota Crookston
University of Kansas
Luther College
Illinois State University
Franklin and Marshall College
Colorado School of Mines
Coastal Carolina University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
University of Pittsburgh
What Engineering Project Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bijan Shapoorian: Staying up to date with the new software and available technology remains as one of the major challenges in this industry. Most software offer online tutorials.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Bijan Shapoorian: Construction Management as a profession involves performance of several different tasks such as Cost Estimating, Planning and Scheduling, Supervision and Inspections to name a few. Some tasks such as cost estimating and planning and scheduling can be conducted remotely while some tasks such as supervision and inspection remain face to face. Recent pandemic along with the increased usage of technological tools have influenced the method of conduct for many professions and businesses. However, construction management will not be going through a transition as fast as some other profession such as Engineering and Architectural services. This is due to the nature of this profession.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Project Coordinator?
Bijan Shapoorian: In most Construction Management programs, Internship courses prepares the students for the job market and the industry. Those CM students who have obtained a degree in CM but lack work experience are recommended to search for internship opportunities if finding employment becomes a challenge. Students are advised to be flexible and willing to relocate to geographical areas with higher demand for this profession.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Roger Travis: I would imagine the only enduring impact of Covid on graduating majors in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies would come in the form of the changes to the workplace with which the pandemic seems likely to leave us. For those few continuing on to teach Latin or another humanities field, that could mean a greater emphasis on innovative approaches to delivering the material. For those seeking any of the multitude of other career paths open to a classics major, it will mean sharing the changes with which all their peers are also coping in the workforce.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Roger Travis: The BA in a humanities field continues to mark a candidate who know how to think and how to write. A BA in classics will continue to distinguish a candidate as having particularly strong skills in critical thinking.
What will help Engineering Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Roger Travis: Those choosing a teaching career should consider seeking certification through a concurrent enrollment program that can get them a Masters in Education soon after graduation with the BA.
Michael Anderson
Department chairUniversity of Alabama at Huntsville
Department of civil and environmental engineering
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Michael Anderson: Obviously the Fundamental of Engineering Exam is vital. Senior Design course and the role of the individual is important. During an interview the ability to speak to your contribution on the project, both technical and management is key to impressing a potential employer.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Michael Anderson: The biggest trend is employers want motivated employees. Given the pandemic and the inability to work in typical office settings, employers need employees that have the self-motivation to work remotely.
How have salaries changed over time for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Michael Anderson: They have risen. Civil Engineering salaries for entry-level positions have almost doubled in the last 25 years.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: The effect of the pandemic on the electrical engineering job market heavily depends on location, since some industries are thriving and others are struggling. However, more companies than ever are moving towards automation, machine learning, and AI driven solutions. Electrical engineers are well suited to all of these positions, particularly for those with graduate degrees. Recent surveys have indicated that the pandemic has been a bigger influence on technological innovation inside of companies than any other factor, so expect rapid growth in electrical engineering careers, limited more by the lack of graduates than a lack of jobs.
Additionally, for better or worse, expect the work environment to change as companies re-evaluate whether they really need as many applications engineers as they have. On a brighter note, expect more work from home positions to be created. Whether these positions stick around is yet to be seen, but I side with the majority when I say I think they will. It's hard to get skilled workers to live where land and taxes are cheap, but not so hard to convince them to work from home.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Locally (and I suspect nationally), we're seeing a boom in the demand for systems engineers: those that can bring together a diversity of skills and manage a project. These positions have traditionally gone to skilled engineers with a decade of experience or more, but the shortfall in experienced systems engineers has resulted in new grads working in these positions. Getting a certification in systems engineering will allow students to capitalize on the opportunity.
What will help Engineering Project Coordinators increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Getting a master's degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings. My recommendation is to tailor your MS degree to the specific field you're interested in working in, because employers really want to see candidates that are passionate about the field, and very few people survive a graduate degree without at least a little passion. Available salary data indicates that if you choose an affordable program (let's just say Weber State University), it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost, increases starting salaries, and dramatically improves long-term earning potential. Moreover, you can find electrical engineers with MBAs at C-level positions all over the country. It turns out being an EE makes you a good candidate for business leadership.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Any job when you are getting out of college is a good job. Government, consulting, small organization, large organization-each of these provide valuable experience for the engineer just starting out in a career. There is something to be learned from each of these fundamentally different kinds of experiences. In government service, you get great exposure to the regulatory side of the field. In consulting, you get to experience the business aspects of engineering and client relations. In a big organization, you get to bore down and develop some very specific expertise in a technical area. In a small firm, you get to do a little bit of everything.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: One of the biggest trends that we will see is lesser reliance on brick and mortar office space for hosting workplace activities. While this will be a general trend, this will be particularly true in the civil engineering field since infrastructure is "outside," which already oriented many civil engineering activities toward "field" work. Further, as many engineering planning and design activities are solitary pursuits, working remotely on those tasks makes a great deal of sense. Design review, public involvement, and the like are activities that require social interaction. These undertakings will be better practiced in group settings like an office or public meeting space.
What technical skills for an Engineering Project Coordinator stand out to employers?
Martin Pietrucha Ph.D.: Given this trend, employers will be looking for the usual superior engineering knowledge and skill sets, but they will also be interested in those who can prove that they are excellent self-starters and time managers. Being able to demonstrate one's "flexibility" and an ability to think on one's feet will also be highly desirable.
Brian Denton Ph.D.
Professor and Department ChairUniversity of Michigan
Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering
What soft skills should all Engineering Project Coordinators possess?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: Communications, both written and verbal, are always important. So is leadership training, teamwork, and resilience. We expose our students to all of these topics, often referring to them as "essential skills" to make it clear how important they are.
What's a day at work look like for an Engineering Project Coordinator?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: It really depends on the specific job, but a common theme for grads from our department would include analyzing data to understand operations of an industrial system, working with non-engineers to develop an understanding of business goals, and developing a data driven model that can be used to support decision making.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Brian Denton Ph.D.: The job market remains strong for our students. Perhaps there will be less hiring in areas most affected by the pandemic (e.g. sports, events management, restaurant chains, airlines and other transportation companies). On the other hand, our students are often hired to work on opportunities for creating greater efficiencies, and reducing costs, so opportunities may still be strong in these areas.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Dr. Jim Marquardson: In the short term, the job market may be tough. Companies may be unsure about their financial situations and therefore hesitant to hire right away. But I am already seeing a lot of companies start to post more job openings. All businesses know that they need better cybersecurity solutions, and they need good people to implement those solutions, so those projects cannot be delayed until we're completely past the pandemic. Criminal activity is not slowing down just because of COVID-19. Job seekers may have to be flexible in where they move, whether they are willing to work remotely, or what kind of company they want to work for starting out in their careers. But the great thing about cybersecurity is that a degree, some certifications, and a few years of work experience make you extremely marketable. Long-term career prospects are excellent.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Dr. Jim Marquardson: For cybersecurity students, the CompTIA Security+ certification is one of the most advanced certifications students can get. Many of the more advanced certifications, like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) require years of job experience before taking the certification exam. Cyber students should plan to earn those certifications eventually to increase their career prospects and to remain up to date with the changing industry.
What soft skills should all Engineering Project Coordinators possess?
Dr. Jim Marquardson: Employers want professionals with strong communication skills. They want people who are comfortable in the data center and the board room. Cybersecurity professionals must be able to speak the language of business. Cybersecurity problems must be framed as business problems if professionals are to make impacts in their organizations.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
George Owens: I think for one, the concepts of "where" we work given the acceptance of technology will be one of the biggest trends. Many industries and companies knew the value of technology as well as flexibility in terms of "where" work occurs. For many who had not see the light, the pandemic has solidified the thought that we can be present in our jobs and be successful with the use of technology. In my opinion, there will now be more opportunities to work remotely and we will see a permanent acceptance of the role of technology.
As far as the trends in the overall job market, we may see a shift in how we recruit. If I am running a business and I am comfortable with certain roles being entirely remote or majority remote, I have much greater flexibility in how and where I can recruit. There will be in turn, more opportunities for applicants comfortable with remote work and technology. Bottom line is there will be more opportunity for those new graduates who are comfortable working in flexible environments.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
George Owens: It is my belief that the future will belong in large part to those who can match their interests and career goals to the types of roles the market is looking for. Whether you are interested in a career in marketing, sales, finance, etc. Those men and women who can demonstrate an ability to leverage their education and interests will be sought-after. The ability to write and express one's self effectively will continue to be critical.
General business knowledge (like that found in an MBA program) may continue to have a profound effect on the opportunities one is viewed as qualified for. However, these basic skills will be seen as "table stakes" the foundational element of success. The real key will the ability to build meaningful relationships, demonstrate a willingness and desire to promote an open, diverse organization and the drive to be successful while recognizing the importance of corporate responsibility. Graduate study may be a foundation, but a desire and drive to maintain one's skills in communications, interpersonal relationships, technology, diversity and corporate ethics will be critical.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Project Coordinators?
George Owens: A good job out of college is one that will provide you basic skills and practice in the real world in your areas of interest. Pick a job and an organization that matches what "you think you want to do" and ensure you will be receiving training and mentoring because you will need to understand how to put your knowledge into action. In your first job out of college be realistic about what you may be asked to do and be realistic about compensation. Money won't matter if you can't leverage your first job and learn.
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.
Assistant professor, Healthcare administration Program DirectorSaint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Master of Healthcare Administration, Business and Leadership Department
What technical skills for an Engineering Project Coordinator stand out to employers?
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.: Technical skills have never before been so in-demand as they are now. With many companies still working fully remote and other companies still handling large parts of their networking remotely, skills on how to navigate cloud computing competently have never been more important. Complementing that skill set, employees who have the ability to run data analysis and act as a project manager will be able to set themselves ahead of other applicants. Graduate school can be a great place to fine tune career goals and build the skill sets necessary for meeting them.
What's a good job out of college for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.: I often advise students to think about what they want from a job and what they want from their next job. You want whatever you're doing right now to be an asset in getting you that next position. A career path does not need to be a clear and simple road, it can have twists and turns that lead you in directions you had not expected. What someone should be able to do is find something from each position that they did well and helped to contribute to their larger skill set. This is what other employers will want to see.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Ruiz Ph.D.: When looking at specific fields, like healthcare, there are unusually high stressors right now that are bringing about higher than average turnover. This changes the job market for qualified candidates who are looking for work, making it easier for applicants to find a position than during previous economic downturns. Other industries will see a more permanent shift in their hiring, people who were employed in entertainment, travel, and dining for example are seeing a shrinking job market. Employees from those areas are pivoting to more stable industries to find work again, through entry level positions or going back to school for a new bachelors or master's degree.
Brian Starr Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of EconomicsLubbock Christian University
School of Business
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Brian Starr Ph.D.: I suspect so. As a child growing up in the 1970's, I was always confused by the wariness of people, like my grandparents, towards the flu, an affliction I deemed uncomfortable but largely innocuous. I learned later that their generation had been profoundly impacted by the 1918 pandemic commonly called the Spanish flu. So 50 years from now, I would expect young people to be hearing stories from their elders about being locked up in quarantine, switching to online learning modalities, losing a beloved older member of the family, and waiting for a vaccine.
What's a day at work look like for an Engineering Project Coordinator?
Brian Starr Ph.D.: In some ways, it will look like a typical workday before the pandemic began. Practices refined and inculcated in the workplace over the past few decades will not all go by the wayside. But I suspect some things in the post-pandemic world will look significantly different. More people will work from home, as employees substitute a bit more work or leisure time for the commute and as employers look to reduce rent payments on office space. More meetings will be held online, particularly those which would be logistically challenging or financially costly to host in person. This will bring the benefit of flexibility to a new generation of workers, but it will also challenge them in new ways to find an appropriate balance between work and leisure. Those distinctions can blur when your home is also your office.
What technical skills for an Engineering Project Coordinator stand out to employers?
Brian Starr Ph.D.: Employers will continue to seek out sharp, hard-working employees who possess strong skills well-suited for the job at hand. A good mind and a good work ethic never go out of style. But as work shifts away from an office-centric base, employers will benefit greatly from those employees who embrace connecting technologies and have the focused discipline to get jobs done without being micromanaged. The former trait can be a competitive advantage for our emerging graduates. They are digital natives and many of them connect through technological platforms as naturally as they breathe. The challenge for them will not generally be the use of technology. They challenge will be developing the emotional intelligence to know which modality to use in each circumstance. A text, an e-mail, a phone call, a virtual meeting with the webcam off, a virtual meeting with the webcam on, and a trip across town to meet for lunch each have their place, and it takes wisdom to know which is best in each instant case. This will take some time and experience to master, but I suspect the emerging generation of graduates will soon discover fruitful paths. And those who mature quickly into the kinds of workers who can be trusted to get a job done timely and properly will find themselves advancing quickly through the ranks.
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto
Associate Professor/ Entrepreneurship Program ManagerGulf Coast State College
Business & Technology Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto: The short answer is yes. Although it is early, some reports of PTSD cases have been seen in healthcare workers, which will affect the way administrators develop, motivate and manage their teams. Creating a safe work environment and organizational culture will be crucial to prevent triggering those affected.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Engineering Project Coordinators?
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto: Our recent experience has shown that doing internships, shadowing programs, and even COOP education courses can increase exposure to real-life situations and how to handle them. Healthcare administrator licenses and other management or quality management credentials are a plus to any manager. Still, a recent trend has been seen in preparing managers with project management and even agile development to create in-house tools (mostly software) that could help create efficiencies in the current systems used by the employers.
What soft skills should all Engineering Project Coordinators possess?
Emmanuel Hernandez Agosto: Even though it may sound redundant, but punctual, proactiveness, cordial to others, and desire to learn about other cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds is an asset in the new generation of managers. Employers always look for these, but it is impressive how many work environments don't have managers interested in developing these soft skills.
What skills stand out on Engineering Project Coordinator resumes?
Rutherford Johnson Ph.D.: Well, familiarity and proficiency with the technology I just described is now important. I also always promote language as a highly valuable skill -- and if you are working internationally, even remotely, it is a definite skill that makes you stand out. Even though English is now the main international language, do not just rely on that if that is your main language. Knowing the language of your clients, for example, even just a little of it, can pay off and make you get noticed. It also helps you understand the culture and people of that country a lot better.
What soft skills should all Engineering Project Coordinators possess?
Milena Stanislavova Ph.D.: Working and collaborating in groups, presenting to different audiences, writing technical reports, grant applications and researching new topics are all essential soft skills. Much of today's world relies on data, so collecting, summarizing, organizing and presenting data is also an important soft skill that is becoming quite fundamental.
What Engineering Project Coordinator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Thomas Johnson: If you can take a gap year, I recommend building up some financial funds and then traveling as much as possible so you can gain a greater understanding of the world around you, which in turn will help you consider how you want to live your life, as well as how you will serve the common good.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Project Coordinator?
Dr. Thomas Johnson: Two trains of thought. If you want to live in a particular location, prioritize that by moving there and shaping your career around that place. If you want to have a particular career, put it first by seeking it out and being flexible in where it might take you in terms of location.
Randy Jacobs
Instructional Assistant Professor, Construction Management, Professional Practice CoordinatorIllinois State University
Department of Technology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Randy Jacobs: I think the answer for Construction Management, for the short term; recent graduates need to be diligent in their effort in finding employment. They must remain in contact with companies constantly to prompt an impression how companies foresee the amount of work they will have in the next 8-10 months. I believe we will know within that time period how the economy stabilizes.
My only proof: I teach the Capstone Course, with senior students, in our program at Illinois State. In semesters prior to SP20, over 50% of the senior students would have accepted employment; in previous semesters as many as 90% of seniors had accepted offers prior to graduation. Often students have accepted a job offer from a company they had a previous internship. Internships are very important to a graduate of our program; they learn the qualities they have in relationship to job experiences offered by the internship.
At the beginning of the SP21 semester less than 40% of senior students had accepted job offers.
What type of skills will young Engineering Project Coordinators need?
Randy Jacobs: Many of the skill sets will remain the same: problem solving, communication and leadership. CM graduates are accustomed to being mobile moving from job to job and working at off-site locations. But some of those skill sets will be put to the test as the need for more "digital presence" is required of companies and construction projects.
What experience really stands out on Engineering Project Coordinator resumes?
Randy Jacobs: I see a lot of resumes, but I am no expert in this area. I think for our CM majors it is no different than most college majors. Employers want to see experiences on a resume that show growth, involvement and an investment in their academic choice.
If a student shows advancement and learning in an internship from one summer to the next, I think that is important. If a student has worked through college and maintained a solid GPA or has been involved in college student organizations in some manner is key. The Construction Management student organization at our university is strong and has developed many opportunities for students to volunteer in the community.
If all these experiences show up on a resume: commitment to academics, student/community involvement and evidence of a strong work ethic; that is a student our employers should be interested in.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
Nicole Jones Young Ph.D.: One big trend we will see is the continuation of working from home. It may not be for all employees every day, but I think that is definitely here to stay. Many employees have been asking for this benefit for years. After almost a year of working from home, many employers that were reluctant in the past have likely realized that employees can still be very productive and they can decrease expenses related to office space.
Another is related to the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion related efforts. While the majority of the country was quarantined, we all witnessed the same horrific murder of George Floyd, and there was nothing else to distract us from finally directly addressing issues related to race in this country. Many employees of color, and particularly Black employees, are no longer interested in making everyone else around them feel comfortable. Organizations that issued statements and initiatives in the spring will likely be held more accountable than ever before.
Another trend may be the elimination of jobs in their previous iteration. Many companies that have survived, or even thrived, during COVID likely did so by adapting. As such, these organizations may not return to their prior ways of doing business, which may require employees and applicants to increase or highlight a different skill set.
M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.
Professor & Department HeadColorado School of Mines
Mining Engineering Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Engineering Project Coordinator job market given the pandemic?
M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.: The pandemic has caused slow-downs and some shutdowns as a result of COVID infections; but otherwise, the robust market for metals and minerals continues to be strong. This is due to several factors, the most news-worthy has been the continued strength of Chinese demand in the shorter term and from the energy transition and need for critical minerals in the longer term. I believe the job market for upcoming graduates who want a career in the mining and mineral exploration business will be strong in 2021.
See this recent article:
reuters
What skills stand out on Engineering Project Coordinator resumes?
M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.: The most important thing that stands out in resumes is past job experiences, particularly student internships in relevant companies. This demonstrates a student's ability to work safely and effectively in the workplace. The companies that employ our students expect them to have a fundamental proficiency in the basic sciences and mathematics as well as in the principles of engineering. Although this is necessary, it is not sufficient for most companies. They prefer graduates with demonstrated strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills. They also want to see evidence that graduates can integrate and analyze multidisciplinary datasets, and they would really like to see computer coding and modeling expertise. On top of all of these attributes, companies also want to hire leaders and those who have a fundamental understanding or societal issues that impact their industry. This is a lot to expect. Students can get some of this from coursework and active participation in student clubs and other organizations.
Additionally: Presentation skills - written and oral. Management skills - CSM mining engineers have 3 to 4 courses focusing on management (mine operations, safety, construction and project mgt.), plus opportunities to work as crew fore(wo)men at the Edgar mine, where they get to lead small teams of junior classmates and assume responsibility for safety and job completion.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Engineering Project Coordinators to find work opportunities?
M. Stephen Enders Ph.D.: All states have some type of mining operations even if they are quarries for sand & gravel operations. The states that have very strong mining industries include: Nevada, Arizona, California, Texas, Florida, and many others.
In the U.S. mining industry, there are >2 jobs for each mining engineering graduate. This has been about the same for the past 10+ years and is not expected to change in the foreseeable future. Similar situations exist worldwide.
What general advice would you give to an Engineering Project Coordinator?
Matthew Gilbert: The unique circumstances caused by COVID-19 have impacted every area of our lives. New graduates will likely find themselves in a more challenging situation than was the case previously. Given this, I encourage graduates who are just beginning their careers to be ACES: adaptive, communicative, effective, and supportive. ACES is a slang term meaning being highly regarded; in the context of the suggested acronym, consider the following explanation.
Adaptive: Remain open to top unexpected opportunities. Venturing into a new normal requires flexibility and openness; this could mean taking a job that wasn't considered, but recognizing it could yield skills, connections, and experience that could be useful in future endeavors.
Communicative: Leverage LinkedIn to network professionally and politely for opportunities, but don't connect with someone and immediately ask for a job. Call your contacts and catch up without a specific agenda; you never know what ideas might emerge. Email individuals, you respect for insights and advice.
Effective: Make use of your time to learn new skills or acquire certifications that demonstrate the value you can add to an organization. Consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart; it makes you feel better, but you could connect personally and/or professionally with new people.
Supportive: Finding a job in a normal year is challenging enough, but in a pandemic, it's an entirely different experience. Keep in contact with your friends and fellow graduates; even a short message asking how they're doing or inviting them to a social distance coffee together could brighten a day you didn't know was dark for someone else.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Engineering Project Coordinators in the next 3-5 years?
Matthew Gilbert: Marketing is at the intersection of creativity and technology, so it is difficult to identify an individual initiative that could be crowned king for the next 3 to 5 years. However, a list of technology, tools, and techniques at the forefront of marketing includes artificial intelligence, augmented reality, automation, big data, blockchain, chatbots, interactive content, geofencing, social commerce, and video search.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Engineering Project Coordinators, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Matthew Gilbert: Starting salaries for marketing students will vary by role and region, but a reasonable range is mid $40,000 to mid $50,000. According to Indeed (Link ) "this is lower than general business degrees, but major marketing salaries rise to the top at the master's level, earning around $86,318."
Generally speaking, engineering, computer science, and math-related majors have higher starting salaries and perhaps greater potential for earnings. However, marketing salaries remain well above those for students in the arts of humanities.
Certainly, with the present economic predicament in which we find ourselves, these estimates might be irrelevant as companies downsize in the wake of economic shutdowns and changing economic outlooks. Nevertheless, marketing remains a relevant degree with a reasonable return on your investment.
Lynn Hoffman
Professor of Management and EntrepreneurshipMetropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Management
What experience really stands out on Engineering Project Coordinator resumes?
Lynn Hoffman: A clear, well-written resume tailored to that job is crucial. The writer should list all of their job experiences on a piece of paper. Then, if they are looking for a sales job, explain what the experience was, what they learned about sales and proficiency. If they are looking for a management job, they should take each experience and explain what, who, how they managed in that experience.
2. Explain their job experiences and skills carefully.
3. Practical experience really stands out, such as jobs, internships, etc.
How do you envision technology impacting Engineering Project Coordinators in the next 5 years?
Lynn Hoffman: 1. The pandemic and technology have accelerated the move to remote work, less commuting time, supervising remotely, and developing relationships remotely.
2. Technology will continue to disrupt some industries and enhance others.
3. Successful businesses will need to be able to pivot, be flexible, and change what they are offering.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Engineering Project Coordinators?
Lynn Hoffman: 1. They need to look ahead and determine which industries will survive in the new normal, whatever that is, and the new technology, and hopefully start careers in those industries that will survive.
2. They will have to become proficient in remote job searching and interviewing remotely.
3. They need to continually learn and be "technologically agile," or their skills will become obsolete much quicker than past generations.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Engineering Project Coordinators to find work opportunities?
Dr. Jeanette Lehn: Staying in dialogue with collaborators is the first thing that comes to mind. We have to work together in today's economy, and staying connected allows graduates to find ways to get folded into larger opportunities. I also think that critical thinking and critical theory transfer to almost any context. I encourage students to think in terms of "skills stories," to demonstrate to others what they are capable of, in a variety of contexts, through the power of their personal experiences and narratives. The skills learned while gaining a degree, such as the ability to get specific, speaking through example, and considering larger contexts, are needed everywhere, so graduates shouldn't limit their searches to only one circle or area of work. The traditional places to find jobs can't be excluded, like search engines, but I think if you are good at considering what an audience wants, needs, thinks about and is influenced by, you can apply anywhere.