Career Choices During Ongoing Uncertainty (Part 2): The Mid-Career PM

Following 20 years at a large Canadian telecommunications firm, Bruce established the project management consulting firm Solutions Management Inc (SMI). Since 1999, he has provided contract project/program management services, been a source for project management support personnel and created/delivered courses to over 7,000 participants in Canada, the United States and England.

  Career Development  

Uncertainty is a certainty. Whether it be global health concerns, geopolitical issues, economic cycles or personal situations, the future of project management is no different than any other profession: uncertain

In Part 1 of this four-part series, suggestions were made regarding how an individual new to project management may be able to mitigate the affects of uncertainty. A three-step solution was suggested that involved maximizing the value the project manager brings to an organization, always improving, and acquiring certifications and accreditations.

Part 2 explores suggestions for the mid-career project manager and is intended to simulate thoughts for those that find themselves in this stage—and encourage feedback from those that have perhaps passed through it.

The mid-career project manager
Perhaps you have had a number of technical and entry-level management roles and found yourself somewhat settled into the role of the “accidental” project manager. (That is to say, you may have fallen into the position, perhaps out of organizational necessity.) You manage smaller to mid-sized projects and have a track record of success. The people served by your projects are generally very satisfied. You have attended some formal training and have been able to adapt the skills you were taught in a way to apply them within the projects you manage.

Although…

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