S6E13923 October 2022

S6E139: The Post-Pandemic Job Market in Projects with Chirag Shah

S6E139

S6E139: The Post-Pandemic Job Market in Projects with Chirag Shah

0:000:00
100%

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Chirag Shah to discuss the post-pandemic Project Controls job market.Chirag is a passionate Project Controls Recruitment Expert. His mission is to deliver clients the best quality Project Controls and PMO professionals, who are trusted to bring projects in on time and within budget.Chirag does this by digging that little bit deeper, to understand the client's story and what they are trying to achieve. He has more than 17 year's recruitment experience, having built an extensive network and is a trusted advisor.Most recently, Chirag has been moving the project community forward through LinkedIn and by bringing people together through networking events. He is the London Ambassador for the Project Connect Group and is promoting other leading industry events such as Project Controls Expo Many youngsters are choosing to move abroad to take advantage of major infrastructure investment in Australia and the Middle East The shift towards hybrid working has made it harder for early careers staff to gain softer skills such as resilience, influencing and networking The UK Project Controls job market is buoyant. People should not worry about whether they can leave a “safe job” There has been a greater diversity of experience in the project controls market Don’t be a “quiet quitter” – be passionate about what you’re doing! Recruiters try to look for examples of resilience in candidates based on the type of experience during their career Many recruiters advocate references and testimonials into CV’s to stand out from the crowd UK Project Controls salaries have increased by c.10-15% since the start of the pandemic Join us next week when we speak to Susan Rooney-Harding to discuss the inability to evaluate complex and multiple truths as one of the greatest threats For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: https://www.justdo.com/ https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

Guest

Chirag Shah

Chirag Shah

Project Services Team Leader at TRS

Chirag is a passionate Project Controls Recruitment Expert. His mission is to deliver clients the best quality Project Controls and PMO professionals, who are trusted to bring projects in on time and within budget. Chirag does this by digging that little bit deeper, to understand the client's story and what they are trying to achieve. More than 17 year's recruitment experience, having built an extensive network and is a trusted advisor. Over 750 contractor & permanent placements and experienced almost every recruiting scenario possible. Most recently, Chirag has been moving the project community forward through LinkedIn and by bringing people together through networking events. He is the London Ambassador for the Project Connect Group and is promoting other leading industry events such as Project Controls Expo and Project Controls Summit. He is experienced in providing entire Project Control's teams on multi-billion-pound projects for Rail and Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Mining, Defence and Renewables. Recent major project experience includes: HS2, Crossrail, TFL, Heathrow, TCO, Hinkley and Seagreen Wind Farm. Outside of work, Chirag is a dedicated father to an 8-year-old and 1 year old. The pandemic helped Chirag focus on changing from a fixed to a growth mindset or so he likes to think. Avid gym goer who loves a nice drink in particular a whiskey.

Connect

Related Episodes

More conversations on similar topics

S9E205

S9E205: Replicability of the Montreal REM Model with Riccardo Cosentino

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and the implications of risk management and return calculations. The conversation delves into the importance of early stakeholder involvement, the challenges of public opinion, and the potential for replicating this model in other sectors. Throughout the discussion, the significance of governance, long-term perspectives, and the necessary skill sets for project professionals are emphasized, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in infrastructure projects and PPPs. Takeaways The REM project is a unique public-private partnership model. Risk management is crucial in financing infrastructure projects. The obligation to repay investments can shift from taxpayers to private entities. Calculating returns involves considering ridership and land value capture. Contingency planning is integrated into the rate of return. Early involvement of stakeholders leads to better project outcomes. Governance structures can significantly impact project success. Long-term perspectives are essential for managing infrastructure investments. Curiosity and risk-taking are important traits for project professionals. The REM model could be applied to other sectors beyond transportation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) 06:11 The REM Project Overview 08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project 11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture 14:33 Governance and Project Delivery 17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management 22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management 24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects 26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models 29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects 31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures 33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery 35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals 37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges 39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability

Listen Now
S8E200

S8E200: AI and the Job Market: Myths and Realities with Chirag Shah

Proudly sponsored by Deltek.com In this episode, the hosts celebrate their 200th episode with guest Chirag Shah, discussing the evolving job market, the impact of AI, and the importance of networking and mentorship in career growth. They explore the expectations of candidates in today's market, the significance of soft skills, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation emphasises the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the project controls industry, while also addressing the challenges of recruitment and the changing dynamics of workplace culture. Takeaways AI is not here to take jobs but to create new opportunities. Networking and mentorship are crucial for career advancement. Candidates should focus on soft skills alongside technical abilities. Understanding market trends is essential for job seekers. The importance of being present in the workplace for early career development. Expectations around promotions should be clearly communicated by managers. Building a personal brand is vital in today's job market. Flexibility in work arrangements is becoming norm. Candidates should actively manage their career growth and expectations. The project controls industry is evolving, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.

Listen Now
S8E197

S8E197: Engaging the Next Generation of Risk Managers with Seyi Daniyan

This episode proudly sponsored by Deltek. n this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale and Martin welcome Seyi Daniyan, a project risk manager, who shares her career journey from chemical engineering to risk management. The conversation explores the importance of attracting young talent to the field, the fundamental concepts of risk management, and the skills necessary for success in this profession. Seyi emphasises the need for curiosity, effective communication, and the ability to influence others. The discussion also touches on the future of risk management roles and the evolving nature of the profession in response to technological advancements. In this engaging conversation, Dale and Seyi explore the evolving landscape of risk management, emphasising the need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions effectively. They discuss the concept of reference class forecasting, the challenges of navigating financial discussions in risk workshops, and the lessons learned from the pandemic that reshaped risk management practices. The integration of AI in risk management is highlighted as a transformative tool, while the importance of engaging younger professionals and gamifying risk management processes is also addressed. Seyi shares insights on making risk management relatable and fun, ultimately encouraging open dialogue and mentorship in the field. Takeaways Shaye Danian transitioned from chemical engineering to project risk management. There is a significant lack of young professionals in project risk management. Risk management involves managing uncertain events, both positive and negative. Effective risk management can lead to projects being completed on time and within budget. Curiosity is a key trait for successful risk managers. Communication and influencing skills are essential in risk management. Graduate schemes should provide a solid foundation in project management. Risk management roles may evolve with advancements in technology. Understanding the different facets of project management is crucial for risk managers. Everyone engages in risk management in their daily lives. The need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions. Reference class forecasting can enhance decision-making. Risk workshops should involve the right stakeholders. The pandemic highlighted gaps in traditional risk management. AI can revolutionize risk management practices. Engaging younger professionals is crucial for the future of the field. Gamification can make risk management more relatable. Food and informal settings can ease risk discussions. Understanding the difference between risks and issues is vital. Mentorship is important for newcomers in risk management.

Listen Now

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe to never miss a conversation with project experts