Should Project Managers 'Go Temping'?

Jay Hicks is an author, instructor and consultant with over 30 years of business and government planning and leadership. He advises commercial and federal organizations on the planning, development and leadership of project management organizations, delivering viability and value. With a special kinship for military personnel, Jay provides guidance on successful civilian career transition. He is the co-founder of Gr8Transtions4U.com, where advocating the value of hiring military personnel is the key focus.

  Career Development  

It can be a challenge finding a project management job in a tough economy, especially if you are just starting out. A friend of mine recently asked, “It seems unfair. How do I get the project management experience needed to apply for the job when no one will hire me without experience?”

Most everyone will have their own set of employment challenges during their career. It has become increasingly difficult in recent years to get started in the project management career field. We want to have a good, consistent resume with solid work experience with no short-term anomalies, but that is becoming difficult to accomplish.

Many young project managers are resourcefully finding solutions to this challenge through the use of a temporary agency. Do not exclude the idea of finding a temporary position while looking for the right (sometimes seemingly illusive) project management job. Here are a few reasons you may want to visit a temporary agency:

1. A temp agency is paid by filling positions. You will have someone assisting your job search the moment you walk through the door. If you are willing to accept the job and the pay, you can go to work quickly. Keep in mind, if you are not satisfied, find another temporary position and agency if needed.
2. A temporary job will get you out of the house, stimulating a feeling of …

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.