Both experienced and aspiring land professionals need to know what makes them attractive prospects, especially in today’s job market. That’s why professional development for land professionals is one of our core values at Part & Parcel. Below, we’ll look at ways you can secure (and keep) a land professional job – no matter the industry – during a boom or bust economy.
As of the end of 2021, the renewables and oil and gas job markets are highly competitive. There are more land professionals than there is work available. Fortunately, the recently passed infrastructure bill means water pipelines, power lines, roads, and other infrastructure projects will need to be updated. As a result, there will be an increased number of jobs, making it crucial for land pros in the job market to remain ready for these opportunities.
Developing a diverse set of transferable skills that span across various industries is a critical component to the success of today’s land pro. The future of the land pro is all about versatility –– soon, land pros will no longer identify themselves by industry, but by the profession itself.
This identity-shift to an industry-agnostic land pro will create unity and consistency across all industries. It will also make the job search experience much easier for land pros and promote cross-training as an important form of professional development.
Of course, proper cross-training involves more than just researching other industries, it involves learning the nuances of each industry and being able to speak to any landowner with confidence. At Part & Parcel, we provide cross-training through courses and educational materials.
Without proper preparation and training, it can be difficult for a land pro to effectively transition from, say, oil and gas acquisitions to solar or wind. As mentioned earlier, there would be a whole new set of industry terms and processes to learn. Here are several tips and resources for becoming more versatile:
- Take courses and study resources provided by the International Right of Way Association (IRWA);
- Study educational and professional development resources provided by AAPL;
- Study trade publications for various industries;
- Study the websites of companies within the industry you’re interested in and take note of the terms they use;
- Network with individuals who are already working in the industry that you’re interested in, and;
- Leverage the resources that we provide at Part & Parcel.
Beyond the knowledge that’s required for your transition, it’s also important to have good soft skills like punctuality, effective communication, and relationship-building. Many landowners have a lot on their plate, which makes accountability and punctuality non-negotiable traits for land professionals.
Managing the nitty-gritty details of your project will help keep you in good graces with landowners and your manager(s). Building trust, conducting negotiations, and closing deals are also skills that will help you be successful in any industry. Lastly, a willingness and ability to learn new technologies will give you a great advantage when transitioning to a new industry. All of these important skills define what’s needed in the future for land professionals. Don’t get left behind.
In Conclusion
Flexibility and a diverse set of transferable skills are at the foundation of a successful career for land professionals…especially within such a competitive job market. Follow the tips within this article if you want to secure and maintain a land professional job during a boom or bust economy. Contact our team at Part & Parcel if you need more help with professional development and career guidance. We can’t wait to hear from you!