Civil Engineering Contract - Essay Example

Civil Engineering Contract I thoroughly believe that contracts are one of the most important components of any civil engineering project. Accordingly, contracts and procurements are the initial, yet incredibly important, steps of any project. The reliability of a project and the avoidance of possible conflicts depend highly on the initial contractual aspect of civil engineering. One of the most important parts of the civil engineering contract is the ability to analyze various types of risks which may arise during the initial phase of a given project. I have decided to pursue this career path at this point in my life because I am incredibly passionate about civil engineering. I am committed to being engaged in a specialized career which has value and also makes a difference in people’s lives. A hard worker and someone who is always striving to improve himself, I want to be of value to the organization I choose to work for and prove that I am asset worth investing in. Accordingly, I am greatly interested in contractual matters since they form the basis of any commercial or professional partnership. I am also greatly interested in risk management, cost escalation and conflict resolution. As a civil engineer, I would like to go beyond the developmental parameters of a given project and ensure that the projects I undertake proceed smoothly. I feel passionately about this career and also want to be a part of the decision makers within my organization. Eventually I hope to be a Senior Contract Manager and believe that a specialization in civil engineering contracts will give me the tools I need to attain this goal. As a Senior Contract Manager I hope to be able to take a holistic approach to project management and understand the various dynamics at play. I believe that this requires not only technical insight but also a firm understanding and appreciation for contractual matters. My interest in risk management, risk mitigation and conflict resolution demonstrate my passion in this particular field. This is why I have chosen to be an expert on the contractual negotiations of civil engineering. My SWOT Analysis for my Continuing Professional Development Strengths: Loyalty: I am an incredibly loyal person and dedicated employee. When I believe in something, I stick to it. For me, my loyalty within an organization does not waiver and I put the interests of my company at the forefront. I am pleased to report that loyalty is one of my biggest strengths and is something that I take with me wherever I go. People Skills: I have excellent communication and human interaction skills. I am also a people person who enjoys interacting with others. Since the role of Senior Contract Manager involves high levels communication and sometimes intense negotiation, I am committed to bringing my extensive communication skills to this new role. Negotiation Skills: A seasoned negotiator with extensive experience in a variety of realms, I bring heightened negotiating skills to the role of Senior Contract Manager. Whether a negotiation takes place on paper, in person or in a formal gathering, I am adamant and passionate about the work that I do. I am not a stubborn person and this will certainly be an important attribute in my role as negotiator. Flexibility: I am a flexible person and am incredibly adaptable. Willing to adapt to different situations, I remain focused on the end result and always strive towards attaining my goal. Accordingly, my personal flexibility makes me an ideal contract specialist and a perfect candidate for this new role. Weaknesses: Lack of Experience: Admittedly, I do not have a lot of experience. This is perhaps my greatest weakness. Along with this, my international experience is nascent but I hope that it will grow. Accordingly, I presently do not possess enough experience to fully utilize my potential within international market. I understand that it is only after a few years of on the job that I can fully gain the experience required to perform at my full potential. Despite the fact that my international experience is a weakness, I believe that I can become a really good leader in a multicultural setting and have the patience and will to understand people from different cultures and in different social settings. I truly look forward to gaining this international experience and becoming a leader in a diverse, multicultural organization where I can lead people through personal initiative. Opportunity: Projects of Large Scale: After immigrating to another country, I feel that the world is my oyster and that opportunities abound. Accordingly, I look forward to working in companies of large scale. For me, large projects are opportunities to showcase my abilities and talents. Threat: Political Situation: The civil engineering realm in international markets is not as secure as it once was. Economic instability could prove to be a downside to a career in this domain. Accordingly, a precarious global economic situation remains one of the most important threats within the near future. Continuing Personal Development Developing Contract Skills Although I have extensive civil engineering skills, I need to polish up my contractual skills and become well-versed in international standard and documents. I will be attending seminars, training workshops and will delve into literature which deals with contractual matters. Globalization has resulted in more complicated contractual terms and conditions that need to be considered such as the FIDIC. I need to be well-versed in all of these issues so that I am in a position to apply my technical civil engineering knowledge to the contractual component of future projects. I need to continue writing and develop my skills so as to fine tune my abilities as a potential civil engineering contractual expert. Read More