How important is it to be from IT background in order to be successfull IT project manager? Can a project manager with mechical background try the new area of work?
How important is it to be from IT background in order to be successful IT project manager? Can a project manager with mechanical background try the new area of work? Saving Changes...
Justus NScrum Master| BCBSTXArlington, Tx, United States
Its very beneficial to have some sort of background or awareness. I have been in involved in different IT projects for over 10 yrs & some IT projects are extremely tricky especially anything related to infrastructure, databases and back-end services.
For these,(and other not listed) having a PM with some kind of technical background will provide great lift for the project. Saving Changes...
Joshua RenderProduct Owner| CognizantHarrisville, Ny, United States
I think you would have an easier time with some technical background, but not impossible without it. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Thanks, Vivek for the housekeeping of linking the related thread :)
Pallavi, there are many facets to a decision such as that, and certainly not binary. From my experience, IT Project Managers do generally have an IT background of some sort / level.
That said, an individual can be competent in technology with work outside of their primary profession which would provide enough to move toward that career path. And to note, why restrict to 'IT project management'. Not all PM's in IT are IT project managers. As Justus notes the typical focus areas, there are other areas in IT that could offer possibilities.
So, taking a step back. What is it about IT Project Management that interests you?
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1 reply by Pallavi Vittala Rao
Aug 22, 2018 8:39 AM
Pallavi Vittala Rao
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Thank you for your response Andrew, I understand what you are explaining & I was looking for options where a mechanical engineer can fit in as a IT project manager.
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Poonam JainProject Manager| Morgan StanleyHicksville, Ny, United States
Having a related background is always an edge and working without any previous background related job is challenging but not that tough.
I am from IT background, I always have an additional confidence while working on my IT projects but I would also say that I have worked with managers from electrical and electronic background who were no less than others. Saving Changes...
Nicolle BourgetProject Manager| University of the Fraser ValleyAbbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
I am in a similar position as I am a former IT PM now taking on construction projects. It can be challenging, but it is possible. You may want to do some additional research into the technical area you are working in to become familiar with the language. You may also want to find a subject matter expert or two that will work with you. Never be afraid to ask a question. Saving Changes...
As far as I have seen, at least in English speaking countries, the IT background is not important when trying to get a job as an IT PM. I know PMs that have started their PM careers straight from University. They were not "in charge" of projects right away but in a short while after they had graduated.
These PMs would have to work with technical leads that often are more senior than them and who in practice lead the project teams.
If you are managing internal IT projects with no IT background you may end up being just a paper pusher. If you "manage" projects that deliver something to external customers then your role would be more important and your contribution to the success much more important. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
It is possible but would be very challenging in the beginning. You need some technical background to make sense of the plans, progress, estimate and timelines.
If you were going from IT into Construction, I would say it would be challenging all the way in the first couple of projects. Saving Changes...
Domain knowledge always helps more than it hurts. Saving Changes...
Simon TamPM Consultant| Global Business Mangement ConsultantHong Kong, Hong Kong
As you are the IT project manager, you would need to quickly learn the domain knowledge of the project you are leading. This shall able to build up confidence and creditability as you are being the project manager. At the same time, the mindset of empowering the team and relying on your subject matter expert is equally important to ensure knowledge is shared among the team in the high performance team environment. Saving Changes...
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