Noel MakagutuArchitect & PM| Self employedNairobi, Kenya
Hey all.
I have been practicing architecture for the last years during which time I have been managing projects of different complexities but I would want to transition to purely project management or product management. I am thinking of either working with a contractor or a manufacturer and I would be grateful if I could get some direction on where to start.
Thank you. Saving Changes...
I'd suggest taking a foundational, non-certification PM fundamentals course, joining your local PMI chapter and networking with the other members there. If you are currently working in a company which has PM roles, I'd let your leadership know about your interest in a career switch as well.
Good luck!
Kiron
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1 reply by Noel Makagutu
Nov 14, 2021 1:23 AM
Noel Makagutu
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Hello Kiron,
I have recently got my PMP certification so I was wondering what other course you had in mind? In the meantime I have been using resources available on PMI to improve on areas that I think I have gaps.
Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Hi Noel,
Congratulations on getting your PMP.
You can continue on the technical route and work on your project management skills, leveraging the formal processes you have learned through your recent studies. After leveraging full process-based project management (in your current role), you can then be in a better position to separate yourself from the technical delivery domain, and work on getting planted in a “project manager only” role.
However, there is a place for hybrid project managers, that is, a PM who can equally traverse multiple PM segments with full respective domain knowledge, e.g., 1) technical project management, 2) technical delivery project management, and 3) domain specific business project management. Although, you will find many who would philosophical disagree with that premise.
Regards,
George
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1 reply by Noel Makagutu
Nov 14, 2021 1:24 AM
Noel Makagutu
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Greetings George,
Thank you very much for these insights. I will see what I can do.
Saving Changes...
Noel MakagutuArchitect & PM| Self employedNairobi, Kenya
Nov 13, 2021 3:04 PM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Noel -
I'd suggest taking a foundational, non-certification PM fundamentals course, joining your local PMI chapter and networking with the other members there. If you are currently working in a company which has PM roles, I'd let your leadership know about your interest in a career switch as well.
Good luck!
Kiron
Hello Kiron,
I have recently got my PMP certification so I was wondering what other course you had in mind? In the meantime I have been using resources available on PMI to improve on areas that I think I have gaps.
...
1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Nov 14, 2021 8:05 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Noel -
In that case, unless you feel there's more domain/business knowledge you'd want to gain within the industry in which you want to manage projects (e.g. construction engineering, information technology), I wouldn't suggest taking more courses but instead focus on networking heavily to increase the odds of "getting your foot in the door".
Volunteering with your Chapter is a good opportunity to showcase your skills to potential influencers or (even better!) hiring managers.
Kiron
Saving Changes...
Noel MakagutuArchitect & PM| Self employedNairobi, Kenya
Nov 13, 2021 4:16 PM
Replying to George Freeman
...
Hi Noel,
Congratulations on getting your PMP.
You can continue on the technical route and work on your project management skills, leveraging the formal processes you have learned through your recent studies. After leveraging full process-based project management (in your current role), you can then be in a better position to separate yourself from the technical delivery domain, and work on getting planted in a “project manager only” role.
However, there is a place for hybrid project managers, that is, a PM who can equally traverse multiple PM segments with full respective domain knowledge, e.g., 1) technical project management, 2) technical delivery project management, and 3) domain specific business project management. Although, you will find many who would philosophical disagree with that premise.
Regards,
George
Greetings George,
Thank you very much for these insights. I will see what I can do. Saving Changes...
Hello Kiron,
I have recently got my PMP certification so I was wondering what other course you had in mind? In the meantime I have been using resources available on PMI to improve on areas that I think I have gaps.
Noel -
In that case, unless you feel there's more domain/business knowledge you'd want to gain within the industry in which you want to manage projects (e.g. construction engineering, information technology), I wouldn't suggest taking more courses but instead focus on networking heavily to increase the odds of "getting your foot in the door".
Volunteering with your Chapter is a good opportunity to showcase your skills to potential influencers or (even better!) hiring managers.
