Explore Project Coordination as a Career?

Answer 1

Project coordinators perform an essential role in the project cycle of different industries and sectors. Nonprofit, federal and state government, building and construction, marketing and public relations, and communications and information technology are just some of the industries that hire project coordinators. These industries rely on these professionals to effectively organize and oversee their projects and activities. For example, nonprofit organizations often hire project coordinators to handle specific grants and programs related to their advocacy. An information technology company may assign their coordinators to work with IT services and customers. Building and construction project coordinators may be assigned to liaise with contractors, subcontractors, and vendors, and coordinate procurement of services and materials.

Project Coordinator Responsibilities

Project coordinators perform a variety of tasks related to the project cycle. Their main responsibility is to effectively coordinate project components with the intent of achieving goals and objectives within a specific timeframe. These components include activities, project funds, human resources, and other essential components. Aside from the technical aspects of the project, coordinators may be assigned to help with administrative details. These tasks may include scheduling of meetings, making travel and transportation arrangements, preparing forms, and maintaining project files. The project coordinator also documents meetings, prepares project reports, and monitors project updates and changes.

Basic Job Requirements

Project coordinator job requirements depend on the industry and sector. Basic to in depth knowledge of the project management cycle is an essential requirement. Knowledge and skill in operating project management and basic accounting software is also an advantage. Coordinators communicate and interact with other offices, customers, businesses, and organizations. Therefore, having strong interpersonal and communication skills is also essential in this line of work.

Although coordinator tasks are basically operational, most companies hire prospective applicants with industry-related training, education, or experience. For instance, nonprofits may require their applicants to have a degree or experience in social services, nonprofit management, and other related fields. Building and construction companies may require their applicants to have an engineering degree or equivalent experience and training. Likewise, a project coordinator working in the IT industry is expected to have a degree in computer science, or IT training and experience.