Veronica ProctorPortfolio Manager| Kroger Technology & DigitalCincinnati, Oh, United States
I have the credentials and experience as an IT Project Manager, however, I'm looking for a career change. Are there jobs other than Project Manager that use the same or similar education and experience? Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Ahh, reading your profile gave me some hints.
Internal Audit firms might be another option. IA is older than PM and will continue to grow. A project management and IT background is helpful. IT security audits will blow up. Saving Changes...
Since you want set work schedule jobs, you could try for the following positions - PMO, Solution / Product Delivery Management roles, Business Analyst, Product Owner. Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
The PMBOK Guide proposals for project management apply to the management of projects in multiple sectors of activity or to different projects.
Ex:
Project implementation of lean methodologies in the industry.
Construction project (Build one each, dam, port, airport, roadway, works of art, etc.)
Face-to-face or e-learning training
Consulting Saving Changes...
Ashleigh Kennett-SmithICT Project Manager| Australian Red Cross LifebloodAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
Understanding the motivation for the change I would agree with suggestions from other posters. Moving into training and development roles is definitely something to consider (if you don't mind public speaking). Another option would be coaching and project review consultant (drawing on your experience). I would also suggest (if you haven't already) that you actually write down the key elements of your working life that you really enjoy and those not so much (MoSCoW ;) ). And then answer the "where do I see myself in 5, 10, 20 years" question (so that you still have an eye on the future). These might throw up some interesting options. I'm a great believer in work/life balance so go for it! Saving Changes...
After shortlisted the career/jobs, can consider researching the company's organizational structure to evaluate the type of commitment required for projects.
Usually, the more mechanistic structure has centralized hierarchy with power typically lies with functional manager. Hence, project is likely to follow SOP with more standardized schedule.
The more organic structure has decentralized hierarchy with power typically lies with project manager. Hence, project is likely to require higher flexibility in coordination with the need to adapt swiftly to constant changes. Saving Changes...
Alok PriyadarshiProject Manager| Tata Consulting Engineers LimitedJamshedpur, Jharkhand, India
Hi Veronica,
Interesting question and it is really a very good discussion.
Answers given by all participant are great and very useful and helpful.
Thanks a lot and all the best for your new endeavour ! Saving Changes...
Has anyone considered moving from PM to a sales role? There seems such an overlap on the skills set- communication with people at all levels, developing and working to fixed goals, planning and organising, presentating, team leadership, user requirements analysis, procurement, contracting, finance, and so on.
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1 reply by Wade Harshman
Sep 19, 2018 11:30 AM
Wade Harshman
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Tim, I've run into issues with this. As a PM, I have to be transparent with all project information, good or bad, so our team can make sound decisions. Communication needs to be thorough, rational, and honest.
There's definitely a different way sales people communicate. I'm not saying they "lie," but they may present information that is incomplete, and they excel at connecting on emotional levels. I have a lot of respect for some of the sales professionals I've worked with, but personally, I could not transition from project management to sales. I simply lack the skills.
Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
Sep 18, 2018 10:01 AM
Replying to Veronica Proctor
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Thank you for responding to my question. In my city and surrounding area there are plenty of PM positions available. In my case circumstances have changed in which I need to be more available at home and have a better work/life balance. This means a set work schedule, less travel, less deadline driven late nights and weekends, etc. Basically, becoming an individual contributor to a team rather than leading and being responsible for the project.
Believe it or not, I enjoy the structure, organization and compliance aspect of Project Management as well as working with and learning from team members. Keeping that in mind I have been looking for Project Admin/Coordinator positions, but I thought I would present my question to community to see if they had other suggestions.
Veronica,
If you enjoy project management but need a better work/life balance, have you considered remote PM positions? Specific positions may or may not get you closer to what you're looking for, and it may come with a slight pay cut, but so would taking a job as a project coordinator.
Also, have you considered transitioning out of IT and into another industry? IT is exciting, but commonly plagued with "hero culture" where team members are expected to work late nights and weekends to meet unrealistic deadlines. You could use your same project management skills in another industry that's less tied to pizza and energy drinks. Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
Sep 19, 2018 6:41 AM
Replying to Tim PM
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Has anyone considered moving from PM to a sales role? There seems such an overlap on the skills set- communication with people at all levels, developing and working to fixed goals, planning and organising, presentating, team leadership, user requirements analysis, procurement, contracting, finance, and so on.
Tim, I've run into issues with this. As a PM, I have to be transparent with all project information, good or bad, so our team can make sound decisions. Communication needs to be thorough, rational, and honest.
There's definitely a different way sales people communicate. I'm not saying they "lie," but they may present information that is incomplete, and they excel at connecting on emotional levels. I have a lot of respect for some of the sales professionals I've worked with, but personally, I could not transition from project management to sales. I simply lack the skills.
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1 reply by Tim PM
Sep 19, 2018 12:22 PM
Tim PM
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Hi Wade, yes that's exactly a concern I have personally, salespeople tend to communicate in their own way, to be polite!
Tim, I've run into issues with this. As a PM, I have to be transparent with all project information, good or bad, so our team can make sound decisions. Communication needs to be thorough, rational, and honest.
There's definitely a different way sales people communicate. I'm not saying they "lie," but they may present information that is incomplete, and they excel at connecting on emotional levels. I have a lot of respect for some of the sales professionals I've worked with, but personally, I could not transition from project management to sales. I simply lack the skills.
Hi Wade, yes that's exactly a concern I have personally, salespeople tend to communicate in their own way, to be polite! Saving Changes...
