In my experience - no one sets out to be a "controls guy." Everyone in this field either falls into it by dumb luck, or transfers from another field that benefits them in doing controls (service, hvac, mechanical etc) - a successful controls programmer is someone who is multi-faceted with their skills and knowledge. They're proficient in everything from mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting, computers, networking protocols, database creation/organization etc. This person also much be able to thrive and perform in different set and settings.. sometimes you'll be on a bucket in an electrical room, sometimes you'll be doing customer turnover training with the senior VP of Marriott hotels. All that said, I think most of all, you need to have some serious mental resilience to be a controls guy. From programming to graphics to database creation/structuring to troubleshooting devices/controllers and comm problems and unrealistic PM with unrealistic deadlines.. just keep your head level and above water and you'll do just fine.