Deer in the Headlights Here - No experience and got a huge job.

Rachel -

Start simple focusing on small changes which will create the biggest benefits. Once those changes have "set" then introduce something new.

I would also suggest taking a foundational course in PM which has some actual hands-on exercises. A CAPM course focuses on just knowledge to pass the exam whereas what you need is assistance in applying that knowledge to your situation.

I'd also recommend networking in your local PMI chapter and try to find a seasoned PM in your field who is willing to mentor you.

Kiron

Everybody starts somewhere. I even describe my core competency is quickly becoming a temporary expert on things I know nothing about.

To start out, listen far more than you speak. Learn about the work and how it's done. Learn about how they currently manage the work even if it doesn't look like PMI typical project management. To help you learn, figure out who you can trust and is willing to answer your myriad of questions.

I really avoid trying to really change everything until I understand the current state. Try managing the way they're doing things now for a bit as you learn the background, and you'll figure out what doesn't work. Don't understand the schedule? Start to build a better one. Don't understand the flow of work? Draw your own flow diagrams. Can't figure out how information is managed? Work up a simple communication plan with who needs to get what information and how. Can't figure out who does what? Create your own basic WBS and OBS.

If it's an established company, some of what they're doing now probably works fine. Some of it may seem strange and/or inefficient. Don't interfere with what works, but start getting a handle on what doesn't because that's why they're looking for help to organize and manage it.

Rachel congratulations on your new opportunity! I don't have years of experience like many others here, but I have been through your exact same situation. When I was hired on for my current position the company had never had a PM before, two years later and I'm still the only PM in the company managing anywhere from 2-7 projects at a time across multiple provinces in Canada.

Here are some of my initial thoughts and I hope they help:

- Contact your local PMI Chapter and see if you can find a volunteer mentor. Maybe you could even reach out to PM's you find online here and ask :) Your mentor doesn't even need to be in the same industry, it's just great to know that someone has your back.

- Do not be afraid to fail, just make sure to learn from it.

- Go with your gut! The CAPM and PMBOK theory is great on paper, but a lot of the time you have to find the strategies, techniques, and tools that work for YOU. For instance, I tried MANY Project Management tools over the past few years. But time and time again I've fallen back to excel spreadsheets (schedules, checklists) and just plain pen and paper to keep myself and my teams organized.

- Do your very best to understand your companies expectations of you. Figure out exactly WHY they want a PM, what they expect the PM to do, what results and outcomes they expect of the PM, what your responsibilities are, and what you have control over. My job title is PM, but I also manage operations, I'm the coordinator for all of my projects, and I'm heavily involved in bidding and estimating. I'll be honest, I didn't see that coming until I dove into my position and I had to quickly adjust. I wish I had knew more in the beginning to better prepare myself.

- I think this can be said for any profession but of course never stop learning and asking questions, don't be afraid to say "I don't know", and remember that there are always others out there willing to help.

I don't know if these suggestions will help you prepare for day one when it comes, but this is just what came to mind right off the bat for me. If anything else comes to mind I'll make sure to add it to the list.

Kiron, do you have any suggestions for hands on PM courses?