David GasconStudent| Arizona State University OnlineBattle Ground, Wa, United States
Hello PMI,
For the past few weeks I have been searching for an entry level project coordinator or project manager position. I have seen a few positions but they all want experience or a PMP, which I have neither. I will have my Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies/Project Management in 3 months, but I am looking to get my first career in the field now.
I have been browsing different jobs sites and have applied for some positions. What was your career progression and how did you get started in the field? Would you have any advice for someone in a position like mine?
Thank you for any insight. I'm starting to get more involved with my local chapter and am hoping to start networking that way. Saving Changes...
I become to believe that PM is not a goal as once I heard from someone that this is a complementary skill and not necessarily a pure job. We are in a world of specialties and innovations where the experience, skills, and technicalities become more important. As understood from the new edition of PMBOK after integrating the agile that each member of the project is considered a PM for his own work whatever it is. However, no matter to contribute in voluntary works as advised by our partners here but I see that is better to work on what you stand out off. Then, the PM role will come anyway.
Good Luck!
Omar
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1 reply by Keith Novak
Apr 26, 2021 8:02 PM
Keith Novak
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While it is a skill people should practice in their careers regardless of their actual job roles, a PM is frequently a dedicated job assignment.
As team sizes grow larger and integrate many sub-teams, there needs to be higher level oversight over all the contributing stakeholders. Without that, schedules become disjointed and plans become sub-optimized to the goals of individual sub-teams rather than the larger team.
Focusing on your strengths will hopefully give your the positive visibility to gain more responsibility. As the responsibility expands however, you may have oversight of more technical disciplines in larger projects, as well as the vertical integration of the value stream. A PM may become involved in so many different aspects of projects that they leave behind much of their technical involvement.
Many people don't like that because they are leaving behind the fun technical part of the job, while others enjoy having a larger impact on larger accomplishments, and may become more of a "pure" PM role.
I become to believe that PM is not a goal as once I heard from someone that this is a complementary skill and not necessarily a pure job. We are in a world of specialties and innovations where the experience, skills, and technicalities become more important. As understood from the new edition of PMBOK after integrating the agile that each member of the project is considered a PM for his own work whatever it is. However, no matter to contribute in voluntary works as advised by our partners here but I see that is better to work on what you stand out off. Then, the PM role will come anyway.
Good Luck!
Omar
While it is a skill people should practice in their careers regardless of their actual job roles, a PM is frequently a dedicated job assignment.
As team sizes grow larger and integrate many sub-teams, there needs to be higher level oversight over all the contributing stakeholders. Without that, schedules become disjointed and plans become sub-optimized to the goals of individual sub-teams rather than the larger team.
Focusing on your strengths will hopefully give your the positive visibility to gain more responsibility. As the responsibility expands however, you may have oversight of more technical disciplines in larger projects, as well as the vertical integration of the value stream. A PM may become involved in so many different aspects of projects that they leave behind much of their technical involvement.
Many people don't like that because they are leaving behind the fun technical part of the job, while others enjoy having a larger impact on larger accomplishments, and may become more of a "pure" PM role. Saving Changes...
Cynthia TedderSr. Project Controls Administrator| Haley & Aldrich, IncBensalem, Pa, United States
I second a lot of what others have said. Look for project work in your current organization - you'd be surprised where you can find projects. I would also recommend taking the CAPM. Good luck. Saving Changes...
David GasconStudent| Arizona State University OnlineBattle Ground, Wa, United States
An update for those who responded! I landed a role as a project coordinator at a construction company. It has a lot of potential to grow and my manager has her PMP and sees the value in furthering my experience and education. Thank you all for the advice you gave!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
May 20, 2021 3:31 PM
Replying to David Gascon
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An update for those who responded! I landed a role as a project coordinator at a construction company. It has a lot of potential to grow and my manager has her PMP and sees the value in furthering my experience and education. Thank you all for the advice you gave!
Great, congrats David. I wish you all the best ! Saving Changes...
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