We surveyed 1,259 controllers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical controller. Here are the results.

How much intelligence is required as a controller?

Low

High

Working as a controller typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.

Can I learn to become a controller?

Intrinsic Talent

Acquired Talent

A career as a controller typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.

Is it easy to get a job as a controller?

Easy

Hard

It’s typically difficult to find a job as a controller.

Info

Do controllers work full-time or part-time?

95% of controllers work in full-time roles while 5% work part-time.

Is being a controller stressful?

Low

High

Stress is not uncommon amongst controllers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.

Is being organized important as a controller?

Low

High

Some level of organization is generally required to be a controller.

How competitive is the workplace for controllers?

Low

High

Competition at work is not common for controllers.

Does being a controller require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?

Low

High

Controllers will have to sometimes face time pressure on the job.

Are controllers allowed to express themselves creatively?

Low

High

Controllers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.

Do controllers have control over the direction of their work?

Low

High

While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally controllers will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.

Is being a controller physically demanding?

Low

High

Work as a controllers is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.

Are controllers exposed to a wide variety of work?

Low

High

Controllers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.

Does being a controller require attention to detail?

Low

High

As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for controllers.

Does being a good controller require compassion and empathy?

Low

High

The ability to be compassion and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a controller.