I'm transitioning from a 20+ year sales career to Project Management. I'm looking for information and suggestions on how others have done this in the past. Thanks in advance for your help. Saving Changes...
Pench BattaEnterprise Lean Agile DevOps Coach /SAFe Program Consultant (SPC6)| Capgemini, Inc.Bentonville, Ar, United States
Chris, start with PMBOK guide. It will give complete information about project management. www.pmi.org has excellent information. Spend more time on going through the concepts. Most of the chapters have mentors. They can provide some help. Saving Changes...
Chris, I've been in a similar situation. It's been a process and you need to develop a strategy. My first question is why are you making the change and second question is why you would be interested in Project Management. As far as experience goes -- I am sure in your sales career you've done projects without realizing it. Still a good starting point might be doing the CAPM. After doing the CAPM, I came to realize that I have far exceed the minimum of Project Management hours for the PMP, which is a goal for next year.
Learn Agile and Scrum techniques -- Kanban, XP, BDD, TDD, etc. Download the Meetup App and go to Agile groups in your area. Volunteer as you learn more and find ways to apply it in your strategy. Saving Changes...
What's driving the desire to transition? You might want to start by job shadowing a PM to confirm that this is in fact the right career move for you. Having done that, I'd suggest taking a foundational course in PM aligned with the PMBOK. Then, try to land a role as a project administrator/coordinator/control officer supporting a PM on a mid to large-sized project as that will help you gain a lot of valuable experience to improve your chances of landing a role as a PM on a small, low complexity project. Finally, make sure you are networking effectively within the PM community - start with your local PMI chapter!
Wow Chris I'm in a similar situtation I have spent the majority of my years in security/law enforcement, but for me I have a strong background in engineering/land surveying which has given me some basic knowledge of project management. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
I am not a seller but I have been trained in sales methods like Solution Selling (SPIN Selling), LAMP, Power Base Selling. When you see that methods and you take the PMBOK into account you will find you have performed project management. As a seller you have lot of soft skills incorporated that will help a lot. Saving Changes...
Tricia MooreDeputy Program Manager| Tetra TechVentnor, Nj, United States
Hi Chris, The PMBOK and your own PMO office would be a great start. Find a great mentor. There is an art to project management that only grows with experience. Saving Changes...
Chris, Start with PMBOK. I also suggest reading a book like Head First. Saving Changes...
Lenka PincotChief of Staff to the CEO| Project Management InstituteParis, France
Hi Christopher, such in long career in sales surely mastered you communications, listening and organizational skills. These are all very valuable assets for any project manager. Apart from getting more into the both traditional and agile methods, I would recommend to look for assignments in your company (or as volunteer) where you start practising. But if you find opportunities with your company it will show your skills and increase the probability to transition to another job. Volunteering is very good source of learning, but may not have direct impact in terms of your recognition at your current business management.
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1 reply by William Washinski II
Oct 30, 2018 11:28 PM
William Washinski II
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This is another excellent point. So much of Project Management and Product Ownership is so much communication and "sales" of a different type. These skills are very transferable, especially if you have been a Sales Manager.
Saving Changes...
Gonzalo Jimenez YamasakiCo-founder - Body Language Trainer/Coach| Ready To Jump .ProCoquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
It depends! If you are an outstanding salesperson, you probably have outstanding communication skills. Use that as the foundation for your transition. Cheers! Saving Changes...
Hi Christopher, such in long career in sales surely mastered you communications, listening and organizational skills. These are all very valuable assets for any project manager. Apart from getting more into the both traditional and agile methods, I would recommend to look for assignments in your company (or as volunteer) where you start practising. But if you find opportunities with your company it will show your skills and increase the probability to transition to another job. Volunteering is very good source of learning, but may not have direct impact in terms of your recognition at your current business management.
This is another excellent point. So much of Project Management and Product Ownership is so much communication and "sales" of a different type. These skills are very transferable, especially if you have been a Sales Manager. Saving Changes...
