Rachel MProject Manager| NoneRichmond, Va, United States
This is my first post! I am brand new to project management but have received my CAPM about a month ago in hopes of switching careers.
A family friend reached out to me and is looking for a PM for their established company of 6 employees. I would be their first PM, and by the sounds of it, they have no project management in place at all. The field is in high profile interactive 3D animation. I was previously a graphic designer, so this field sounds exciting to me.
I think they will hire me, and I think I could help get some organization in place with what I learned from getting my CAPM, but I'm pretty nervous. The future would look like managing 3 projects over the next 6 months.
Any ideas or help for someone in my situation?
Bonus question - Salary Related: I am entry-level and have a lot to learn, however it seems like a big challenge without much internal support/mentorship. When they ask what I want for salary what would you say is fair? See *Update #2.
*Update - I just got more info and it looks like they want me to hit the ground running. At least 1 big project that will take 6 - 12 months and the first meeting with the client is next Tuesday. They want me to be there. I haven't accepted the job yet. Yikes
*Update #2 - They want me to send an offer this morning. They wouldn't give me a range and said they had "no budget in mind" so I wrote this email below, what do you think?
"Thanks for taking the time to speak with me yesterday, XXXXX! I have spent some time considering the position and the situation. You have several barriers to organizational success on which I can help you.
This includes: • creating a custom management strategy that works for the team • assessing the current situation and observing the team’s natural response to tasks • building remote comradery and communication • nurturing projects and clients for success • defining projects, budgets, risks, and quality • monitoring and controlling the progress of projects, teammates, and management style • creating documents and reports for each task and a lessons learned file • maximizing all resources for future growth
I have looked over several data resources, and I have found that the market for this position can reach $103,000 a year based on my skillset and the data below.
Here are my sources: Glassdoor = $85,232 Richmond, VA (75% percentile) Indeed = $85,762 National Average PayScale = $80,560 Richmond, VA (75% percentile) PMI Annual National Salary Survey - See Attachment Page 302: Annualized Salary by Years Worked in Project Management US = $103,000
However, I am very eager to work with you guys, and I am willing to offer my service for: 35.82 per hour or 74,499 salaried
I also include healthcare costs because it won't be provided and a quick start date of November 24th. I also want to clarify that I am willing to negotiate as I understand each company has its budget. I am open to negotiating pay for expanded PTO, flexible hours, education in the field, or other ideas you might have, even if specified for the future. However, if this number is good with you, I’m on board!
I should mention I am currently speaking with two other companies interested in hiring me, but you’re my top pick, so let me know. I am looking forward to your reply and again, thank you so much for the opportunity!" Saving Changes...
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Congrats Rachel on this....
Everybody has a start... You'll learn all the way in the process Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Alex.
Most of us got into project management by accident and with no clue what to do. My advice:
1. project management means make it happen. Whatever it takes. Be passionate about the project. Did you plan for a birthday party before?
2. you cannot do it alone, you need people helping, their knowledge and their power. We call it stakeholder management. Get to know the key people and and what their interests are.
3. Communicate. Some say a project manager communicates 90% of the time. Formally in meetings, reports and presentations. Informally by engaging with key stakeholders. Being the translator between different opinions and backgrounds (includes conflict management and establishing a common language).
Learn active listening.
4. the core of project management is making people feel safe. There are questions like whats our joint goal? What is my part (roles)? How do we get there (approach)? What if xx happens (risk management). Give or promise answers.
Thomas Saving Changes...
Rachel MProject Manager| NoneRichmond, Va, United States
Well, everybody, I got the job and for only $1,000 lower than requested. We've agreed to finish off the year as part-time so I can assess and formulate some plans. Thanks for all your input! I'll be here checking out your posts!
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2 replies by Christina Heath and Thomas Walenta
Nov 22, 2020 10:07 PM
Christina Heath
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I wish you the absolute best!...amd will be also channeling ypur effort and willfulness to deliver. I must say it was was so refreshing to read your post, and thw advice that came after. I am about to embark on a similar "deer" moment...and im surrounded here by professionals who all seem to have delivered projects for many years...and so to hear about your thougjts concerns and plans...was really helpful. We are all humans. Carpe diem! Rachel! You are going to deliver!
Nov 23, 2020 3:51 AM
Thomas Walenta
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Congrats for the job, Rachel.
This went quick, quicker than for most, I guess your open communication style contributed to this.
Why not keep us informed how it is going and which roadblocks you encounter?
Well, everybody, I got the job and for only $1,000 lower than requested. We've agreed to finish off the year as part-time so I can assess and formulate some plans. Thanks for all your input! I'll be here checking out your posts!
I wish you the absolute best!...amd will be also channeling ypur effort and willfulness to deliver. I must say it was was so refreshing to read your post, and thw advice that came after. I am about to embark on a similar "deer" moment...and im surrounded here by professionals who all seem to have delivered projects for many years...and so to hear about your thougjts concerns and plans...was really helpful. We are all humans. Carpe diem! Rachel! You are going to deliver!
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1 reply by Rachel M
Nov 23, 2020 8:17 AM
Rachel M
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Thank you, I wish you the best as well!
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Nov 22, 2020 9:51 PM
Replying to Rachel M
...
Well, everybody, I got the job and for only $1,000 lower than requested. We've agreed to finish off the year as part-time so I can assess and formulate some plans. Thanks for all your input! I'll be here checking out your posts!
Congrats for the job, Rachel.
This went quick, quicker than for most, I guess your open communication style contributed to this.
Why not keep us informed how it is going and which roadblocks you encounter?
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1 reply by Rachel M
Nov 23, 2020 8:18 AM
Rachel M
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Thank you! I will do that!
Saving Changes...
Rachel MProject Manager| NoneRichmond, Va, United States
Nov 22, 2020 10:07 PM
Replying to Christina Heath
...
I wish you the absolute best!...amd will be also channeling ypur effort and willfulness to deliver. I must say it was was so refreshing to read your post, and thw advice that came after. I am about to embark on a similar "deer" moment...and im surrounded here by professionals who all seem to have delivered projects for many years...and so to hear about your thougjts concerns and plans...was really helpful. We are all humans. Carpe diem! Rachel! You are going to deliver!
Thank you, I wish you the best as well! Saving Changes...
Rachel MProject Manager| NoneRichmond, Va, United States
Nov 23, 2020 3:51 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
...
Congrats for the job, Rachel.
This went quick, quicker than for most, I guess your open communication style contributed to this.
Why not keep us informed how it is going and which roadblocks you encounter?
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