Switching Domains As a Project Manager

 

Abdul asks:

I have a burning question that may or may not only affect me and my job searching experience. I have a PMP, and a higher education that includes a degree with a focus in project management. However my work experience has not been in the IT area and I have not been able to break this mold. Do you have any suggests on how to highlight cross transferable skills? I have worked in construction but not in the commercial area. It is not that I would not feel comfortable managing an IT project only most lean towards someone with a degree in computer science or someone that is considered an expert in the field. Please advise.

I think it's true that in order to successfully manage projects in a particular domain the PM must have at least a foundation of technical knowledge about that domain.

Someone who had only experience in IT but none in construction would be hard pressed to land a construction PM job, for example.

Depending on the area of expertise, you can focus your efforts to maximum benefit. If general IT infrastructure projects are what you are going for, look into ITIL and use the process of studying to become more knowledgeable about IT. You may have to do something like I did when I moved into the Aerospace field - take a step down in responsibility in a role that is more of an analyst or coordinator role first to get your feet wet in the new domain - then in a year or so you'll be much better placed to transition to an IT PM role if you've done a good job of networking internally and proving your value.