The project control officer bears responsibility for defining clear roles and accountability measures on an IT team. Working under the direction of senior project managers, this mid-level manager oversees the project’s list of action items and briefs the team on weekly or monthly progress. The project control officer may also monitor budget and risk management priorities to ensure that the project stays on track financially. Project control officers typically provide the link between project managers and technical specialists, so a working knowledge of both business administration and information technology is essential.
A computer science or information technology degree is the typical starting point for a project control officer career. A bachelor’s degree offers a solid foundation, with a comprehensive curriculum combining core communication and analytical skills with computer training. Control officers can advance into project management with an MBA or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Recommended Reading: Webopedia’s list of Computer Certifications for Students and IT Professionals.
