Hello, I am working with a mentor through my local chapter on developing a personal development plan. Please suggest what could be the goals and objectives for me, I am planning to start a new career in the field of project management.
Only you can answer that question, Rajni. It depends on what your near and mid-term goals are and where you are starting from.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Let this be your first project. The deliverable is to attain some status in the project management world - conceptualise, plan, implement and deliver. You are the client, the sponsor, the PM, the major stakeholder, the do-er and the validator. Should be easy to arrange progress meetings. Your mentor can be a backboard for your plans and actions. Good luck Saving Changes...
Without knowing where you are today and where you want to get to, your question is very difficult to answer. Some questions you can ask yourself that will help clarify your situation are:
- What is your vision - what does success look like?
- What are your current commitments, interests, and activities? Which are required/optional? Which support your vision of success? Which are neutral to your vision? Which block your vision?
- What are your current skills and experience? What skills and experience do you need to develop?
- What new activities do you need to pursue to achieve your vision? When, in relation to current activities? Are there things you need to stop doing in favor of starting things that are more critical to achieving your vision?
- Is your commitment/activity level balanced? Try and do to much and nothing gets done. Do too little and you risk losing interest and getting distracted.
- Is your vision meaningful enough, to you, that you can stay focused and committed to it?
- Are you setting SMART goals to achieve your vision?
- Who can keep you accountable for achieving your goals?
Looking at it more simply, if your goal is just to become a project manager, and you live in the US, you will likely need to get your PMP to establish a career as a project manager. Look at the requirements to be able to apply to take the PMP exam. If you don't meet those requirements, figure out what you need to do to achieve them.
Maybe you need to get a more entry level credential to get started on the path, like CAPM or CSM. If you're trying to get started in the field of project management, you'll also likely need to build and leverage your local network and watch for job openings for positions like project coordinator. Look for opportunities at your current employer to manage small projects. Talk to your manager/supervisor and let them know your interest (maybe, this doesn't always work out - you're a better judge of your situation than I am).
It really comes down to being honest with yourself about where you are, where you want to be, and what it will take to get there. You're starting to ask the right questions, but if you want specific answers you need to ask specific questions. Saving Changes...
I think you should answer that question yourself. Saving Changes...
Bill DowPMO Director| University of WARenton, Wa, United States
I have been using their personal plans in my PMOs for years, I love them and have used them for career settings, for training options and to understand where a person wants to go in their career. All good suggestions, I would look at things in 1, 3 and 5 year plans, but 5 years these days seems long with this ever changing world we live in. :) Saving Changes...
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