What a Project Manager at SoCalGas Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Energy Industry
Michael, a Project Manager at SoCalGas, learned that successful project management often goes unnoticed, with the focus shifting to "unwanted attention" when issues arise; this unexpected aspect of the role, where "the whole world rains down on you," is something he wishes he'd known beforehand.
Project Management, Problem-Solving, Stress Management, Overcoming Challenges, Industry Realities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Andrawis
Project Manager
SoCalGas
University of California, Riverside 2012
University of California, Los Angeles - Anderson School of Management
Engineering - Chemical
Energy & Utilities
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. The Project Manager role demands more attention when things go wrong than when things go right. Success is often expected and less noticed.
2. Be prepared for intense scrutiny and questions from senior management when projects face unexpected challenges or setbacks.
3. Develop strategies for managing unwanted attention and pressure when problems arise on a project
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
That's pretty funny. One thing I wasn't properly prepared for was that as a project manager, if you do a good job, you've done your job.
It's like, okay, you hit schedule, you hit cost. That was the expectation. But if something unexpected or poorly happens, the whole world rains down on you. Your vice president, your senior vice president, your director will ask you all these questions.
Sometimes I wish I had been prepared for situations where a lot of unwanted attention comes your way when something happens. So yeah, pretty interesting.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/michael-andrawis