Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
I see many PMs out there with various career paths which lead up to being a PM. Many have worked their way up through experience. As the importance in acquiring a PMP certification grew, many aspiring PMs, or those working as PMs were able to attain the certification. Others fell into the role by starting with a professional degree like engineering or construction, etc. These days many folks have opted for a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD and/or a certificate in Project Management. The paths to a PM vary.
Would be great to hear what your path to becoming a PM was, and why you took that path? Saving Changes...
I started in IT and after leading a few technical projects as an "accidental PM", my manager at the time had the wisdom to see that I'd likely do well as a "real" PM and insisted (overriding my initial resistance) that I attend a foundational PM course - I am grateful for his persistence to this day that I took his advice as I found working with people to be much more interesting than working with technology.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
Thank you Kiron, for your summary. Much appreciated. Saving Changes...
Ashleigh Kennett-SmithICT Project Manager| Australian Red Cross LifebloodAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
As for Kiron! But very (?) late start. Was in my early 50's before being "tapped on the shoulder". My mistake (?) was to successfully manage delivery of a number of project work packages in the 10 years prior. Was a somewhat unhappy transition (in that all of a sudden I knew nothing, nothing seemed to work, often didn't make sense, and then there were "people"), but I must be doing something right because I keep being given projects... Saving Changes...
Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
Began in the US Navy as sonar technician, college for Computer Science, a FORTRAN and Assembler developer for 10 years, started a software development firm and had to be the P.Manager out of necessity for all our developers. Sold the company after 15 years, too young to retire, and thought P.Management across multiple verticals, 20 companies and 20 years, and counting, would provide a great perspective and it has. Wouldn't do it any other way. Saving Changes...
Mark LotspaihIT Project Manager / System Administrator| K12 Public EducationMiamisburg, Oh, United States
My story is very similar to Kiron's. However, I still work in IT and perform IT specific functions, but over the course of several years I gradually became the "unofficial IT project manager". When larger more complex IT projects were needed, it eventually lead to me being given more time, authority, and control over all IT related projects.
Initially, out of necessity, I developed my own methods for handling projects. When those personal methods began to show deficiencies as project complexity grew, I turned to the PMI body of knowledge and began self study and training in various traditional and agile project management methods. I've learned a lot over the past 10 years and continue to learn more from every new project. Saving Changes...
Before I migrated to Australia, I was Cisco and Checkpoint Certified Security Engineer but in Australia, you have to be a citizen to work as a Security Engineer. I struggle to manage a job but by the end work as Project Coordinator then PM. Now I am the Technical PM for Microsoft
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Ryan WomboldSenior Operations Program Manager | PMP | SSBB| Total Loan ServicesMonroe, Oh, United States
I started as an operational manager in a sales group. Gradually I made my way through leading groups in other disciplines like credit risk, funding, titles, business analysis, etc. Over time I accumulated enough experience leading operational programs/projects and process improvement initiatives that it became a pretty significant part of my daily activity. Once the company I had been at for 14 years folded, it was a natural next step for me to move into program management full time. Saving Changes...
I probably have one of the more "unique" paths. I graduated with a BS in Biology and used to work in a pharmaceutical research lab. I got tired of lab life and went into clinical trials and worked my way up to leading parts of the trial. At that time I then did my MBA in pharmaceutical management and then after got my PMP. I also have certifications in clinical research along with my CSM, CSPO.
I tend to fall more on the science technology area now - namely how can technology and new methods be adapted to meet scientific problems. Saving Changes...
Michael AndrewsProgram Manager| Muse Semiconductor LLCSan Mateo, Ca, United States
A tops-down decision to change my title to "project marketing coordinator" kick-started my entry into the project management profession. My company was acquired in 2005, and the acquiring company could not figure out what to do with me! Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
These responses are wonderful to hear. Much appreciated.
