Defying the Odds: Hot Growth Markets for Project Managers

  PM Network  

With the economic crisis cutting across industries and borders, the thought of finding a new job can be a little scary. But it may not be as tough as it seems—at least for project managers who know where to look.

From oil exploration efforts in Brazil to construction megaprojects in the Middle East, career opportunities are plentiful for project managers willing to open themselves up to new locales and industries.

Brazil defies the times

Like much of Latin America, Brazil is not just surviving but thriving in the economic slump. It may be the only one of 34 major economies that avoids recession in 2009, according to a recent study by the Paris, France-based Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development. “Brazil is riding the current crisis better than many developed countries,” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva told Time in March.

In the telecom industry, Telemar Norte Leste S.A.’s 2008 takeover of rival Brasil Telecom Participacoes S.A. is fueling project growth, says Nelson Rosamilha, PMP, a São Paulo, Brazil-based senior project manager at Convergys Corp. and director of the PMI São Paulo, Brazil Chapter. All the major players are ramping up development of new products and services in the fight for market share, says Mr. Rosamilha, who is also the South America chair of the PMI IT & …

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