I'm looking to make a career change into the project management field. I'm a bit lost as to what my first steps would be in doing so and gaining some project management experience. I've started to take a couple courses on PM and I'm studying to take the CAPM. Happy to have any suggestions as to further actions to landing that first job! Saving Changes...
I'd echo Sergio's feedback to join the chapter (Toronto? Durham Highlands?) which is closest to you geographically with their events. I did that back in 1999 when I decided to switch into the profession, and the networking and volunteering opportunities I took advantage of helped to accelerate my transition into the field.
I'd also recommend a good, pragmatic foundational course. Too many courses take a one-size fits all or process-heavy approach - what you need is one which which will provide tailoring guidance and bring the theory to life through a number of immersive, practical exercises.
Finally, find yourself a good, seasoned PM as a mentor who has the time to help you on an ongoing basis.
Kiron
Kiron
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1 reply by Raymond Li
Oct 28, 2020 8:47 PM
Raymond Li
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Hi Kiron,
Thank you for replying!
I'm currently taking the CAPM Prep Seminar by Joseph Phillips and it's been engaging so far. Would there be something else that you would recommend?
Regarding your point for finding a mentor, how would you propose doing so? I would assume it would be something along the lines of networking through the local PMI chapter?
Raymond
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Raymond,
welcome to your new profession and community. Here is a good forum with many experienced and skillful project managers.
How about getting a mentor to help you get your thoughts together and giving you some security for your first activities.
Landing a job is a different topic though, as you are new to the field and many requestors look for experience. As Sergio suggested, you might find a volunteer role in a PMI Chapter which can serve as a place to try your first project. For me, Chapter volunteering served as a sandbox.
Thomas
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1 reply by Raymond Li
Oct 28, 2020 8:50 PM
Raymond Li
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Hello Thomas,
Thank you for your warm reply!
How about would you go on finding a mentor? Would you use LinkedIn or go through a local PMI chapter and message people directly?
I'll definitely be looking for volunteering opportunities with the local PMI chapters. Appreciate the feedback!
If you need to gain some practical experience and knowledge my recommendation is reaching your local PMI chapter.
Hey Sergio,
Thank you for your reply! I have joined two different PMI chapters and will be reaching out to them shortly.
Raymond
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Oct 29, 2020 6:24 AM
Sergio Luis Conte
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You are welcome. To be honest, no matter I am working with some chapters in different countries, the degree of excellence and "open doors" varies. But still I think is your possibility to be involved in internal projects and interact with project managers.
I'd echo Sergio's feedback to join the chapter (Toronto? Durham Highlands?) which is closest to you geographically with their events. I did that back in 1999 when I decided to switch into the profession, and the networking and volunteering opportunities I took advantage of helped to accelerate my transition into the field.
I'd also recommend a good, pragmatic foundational course. Too many courses take a one-size fits all or process-heavy approach - what you need is one which which will provide tailoring guidance and bring the theory to life through a number of immersive, practical exercises.
Finally, find yourself a good, seasoned PM as a mentor who has the time to help you on an ongoing basis.
Kiron
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
Thank you for replying!
I'm currently taking the CAPM Prep Seminar by Joseph Phillips and it's been engaging so far. Would there be something else that you would recommend?
Regarding your point for finding a mentor, how would you propose doing so? I would assume it would be something along the lines of networking through the local PMI chapter?
Raymond
...
1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Oct 29, 2020 7:31 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Raymond -
A CAPM prep course will help you pass the exam - no more, no less. What you need is something which will actually help you manage projects - a comprehensive, foundational course which is not tied to any certification would be one approach to achieve that. I deliver such courses but there are a number of other reputable providers out there!
Yes, I'd recommend searching for a mentor via your local Chapter as you'd get the benefit of a local resource rather than someone who might be in a different region. Ideally, you'd want someone who is in the same business domain or industry as yourself.
welcome to your new profession and community. Here is a good forum with many experienced and skillful project managers.
How about getting a mentor to help you get your thoughts together and giving you some security for your first activities.
Landing a job is a different topic though, as you are new to the field and many requestors look for experience. As Sergio suggested, you might find a volunteer role in a PMI Chapter which can serve as a place to try your first project. For me, Chapter volunteering served as a sandbox.
Thomas
Hello Thomas,
Thank you for your warm reply!
How about would you go on finding a mentor? Would you use LinkedIn or go through a local PMI chapter and message people directly?
I'll definitely be looking for volunteering opportunities with the local PMI chapters. Appreciate the feedback!
Raymond Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
How to find a mentor?
- define for yourself what you need a mentor for
- search for mentorship programs in Chapters
- search for public mentorship platforms
- identify mentor candidates you might be comfortable with in business platforms like here or LinkedIn
- ask people - real leaders will reply, just do not expect 100% positive replies Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Oct 28, 2020 8:42 PM
Replying to Raymond Li
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Hey Sergio,
Thank you for your reply! I have joined two different PMI chapters and will be reaching out to them shortly.
Raymond
You are welcome. To be honest, no matter I am working with some chapters in different countries, the degree of excellence and "open doors" varies. But still I think is your possibility to be involved in internal projects and interact with project managers. Saving Changes...
I'm currently taking the CAPM Prep Seminar by Joseph Phillips and it's been engaging so far. Would there be something else that you would recommend?
Regarding your point for finding a mentor, how would you propose doing so? I would assume it would be something along the lines of networking through the local PMI chapter?
Raymond
Raymond -
A CAPM prep course will help you pass the exam - no more, no less. What you need is something which will actually help you manage projects - a comprehensive, foundational course which is not tied to any certification would be one approach to achieve that. I deliver such courses but there are a number of other reputable providers out there!
Yes, I'd recommend searching for a mentor via your local Chapter as you'd get the benefit of a local resource rather than someone who might be in a different region. Ideally, you'd want someone who is in the same business domain or industry as yourself.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Mike HaltomSenior Project Manager| JLLRound Lake Beach, Il, United States
Volunteer.
Find a not-for-profit that has a local event in the future and volunteer to manage it. Use the skills that you are gaining through your training for the CAPM and follow the PMI processes. Document everything just as you would a project that you are paid for.
Working for a not-for-profit has its challenges since most of the people you interact with are unpaid and have a different motivation. There are pros and cons.
You will likely have to manage this volunteer project virtually which will become valuable experience in the coming years. Learn how to use free tools to manage the project and document your plan. Saving Changes...
