San Diego State University�Student Outreach Event

Agenda

• Speaker Introductions
• Introduction to Project Controls / AACE
• Benefits of Membership
• Scholarship Opportunity
• Certifications
• Salary Surveys
• Project Controls Career Paths
• Upcoming Events
• Conclusion (Q & A)

SPEAKER INTRODUCTIONS

Speaker Introductions

• Phil Peterson, PSP
• Principal at Civic CM
• USC Alumni BA International Relations
• AACE Board Volunteer – Treasurer

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• Stephanie Lightner, PMP
• Senior Scheduler at CPM Partners, Inc.
• SDSU Alumni Green Energy Mgmt.
• BU Alumni MS Project Management
• AACE Board Volunteer – Website

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INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT CONTROLS & AACE INTERNATIONAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION

What Is Project Controls

• Element of a project that keeps it on track, on-time and within budget. Project control begins early in the project with planning and ends late in the project with post-implementation review.
• Each project should be assessed for the appropriate level of control needed: too much control is too time consuming (& costly), too little control is very risky (results).
• Controls systems are needed for time, cost, change, procurement, risk, quality, communication, and human resources.
• All of these components make up project controls. Individually, the most proficient specialist will not be effective.

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Roadmap to Effective Project Controls

The Key to successful projects is effective Project Controls.

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Effective project controls comes from a structured approach to developing the planning culture:

• Early Engagement is key (ability and cost to make changes always increases)
• Adopt Industry Best Practices (AACE, CMAA, CII)
• Recruiting, training, and mentoring personnel
• Maintaining competencies at all levels of the organization
• Commitment of all parties to quality – the right data at the right time to inform the right decisions

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Working Together as One

“Negative Domino Effect:”

One domino falls, then two, maybe all, presenting a project crisis.

“Positive Domino Effect:”

One domino stands up, then two, maybe all, causing project success.

Use an integrated approach to implement high priority work processes that will stand up multiple dominoes

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Attaining Strength in Controls

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Who is AACE

Our Mission

AACE members drive projects to complete on time, on cost, and meet investment and operational goals. We arm our members with the technical tools and expertise to support successful projects and programs

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Our Vision

To be the gathering place and source of thought leadership for professionals who drive successful project and program delivery.

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Where are AACE members?

7,492 Members | 91 Countries

+/-300

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Industry by Job Function

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Industry Sectors

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Benefits of Membership

• Discounted Student rate ($65 vs $215)
• Student Scholarships (Over $40k awarded annually)
• Part of a Community - Exposure to firms looking for internships
• Monthly Chapter Dinner Meetings / Conferences (Technical Skills/Networking)
• Publications (TCM Framework, Recommended Practices) are key components of body of knowledge
• Learning (Conference and Expo seminars, webinars) eLearning courses, Source Magazine, Certification Study Guides)
• Certifications - directly relatable to our work and demonstrable proof of value
• Online Communities (SIGs, Women in Project Controls, Rising Professionals)
• Mentoring and Career Development

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Scholarship Opportunities

• Marla Miller Memorial Scholarship
• Awards $2500 scholarships to students interested in Project controls.
• Must Be a Full-time student not graduating prior to award of scholarship
• We have awarded 6 scholarships to date and plan to give out (2) $2500 scholarships in 2026

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Scholarship Opportunities

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Scholarship Opportunities

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AACE Certification Program

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2024 AACE SALARY SURVEY

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2024 AACE SALARY SURVEY

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PROJECT CONTROLS CAREER PATHS

Exciting Career Paths

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Useful Skill Sets

Technical

• Engineering Economics
• Cost Estimating / Scheduling
• Business Law
• Financial Accounting
• Computer Applications
• Statistics and Probability
• Contract Administration

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Behavioral

• Leadership
• Excellent Written and Oral Communication
• Motivation
• Conflict Management
• Team Building
• Interpersonal Skills
• Self-Awareness

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Sample Member Projects

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LAX Bradley West Gate

LAX Automated People Mover

LA Metro

Intuit Dome – Clippers Arena

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Project Controls Sample Employers

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UPCOMING EVENTS

AACE SoCal Section Dinner Meetings

 Presenter: Noe Saenz, National Program Director, Burns & McDonnell

https://sites.google.com/site/aacesocal/

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2026 AACE International �Conference & Expo

https://web.aacei.org/conferences-events/

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2026 Western Winter Workshop

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Conclusion

• Project controls is a profession in very high demand.
• Exciting Challenges
• Competitive Salaries
• Multiple opportunities (Domestic & International)
• Become a member online
• Apply for scholarship on-line
• Participate in the local section activities & get Certified

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Questions

• Linked in Site – search “AACE Southern CA”
• Chapter Website - https://sites.google.com/site/aacesocal/
• AACE International – http://www.aacei.org
• Scholarship Application Use below QR Code��