Patrick DiceyManager, Customer Project Management| CentralSquare TechnologiesOrlando, Fl, United States
Alright I've been firing on all cylinders for two years in a PMO Manager role. Feel like I got the job clocked and wanting to really try and position myself for the next move to the director level.
I would be curious to hear any tips/tricks, particularly from anyone who has made it to that next level or hires at this level. How did you position yourself for the move? What is best to highlight on the resume? Are additional certifications even useful at this point (ex: upgrading my PMP to the new PMP with Agile Hybrid Project Pro Microcredential). How did you conduct your job search?
Demonstrating a strategic mindset and showing your ability to effectively connect the dots across a large portfolio are a couple of ways to do this. Certifications or more education is usually not going to be the clincher. A proven track record of delivery success with progressively larger and larger portfolios will trump those any day.
The real question to answer is why are you pursuing the higher role? Is it for more $, the job title or something else as you might find a different path to get there...
Anticipating the direction of project management would be beneficial either in your current position or a future one...make sure you review the new edition of the PMBOK (7th) - be aware of the significant changes from the 6th. Definitely research, train/learn agile methodology, with or without a corresponding certification. And Value Stream - workflows to improve productivity...I personally believe these are key to the future direction of project management for the next 5 years, at least. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Patrick,
a level change up means more politics, influence, responsibility. Your PMO can help you by widening up its scope, e.g. to portfolio management and benefits management and strategy management. PMI certifications that support these areas are PgMP and PfMP.
Director is used in many ways, like in Board of Directors, director of a business unit (P/L) or just a title to impress customers (if they really are impressed is another story). We also know breakfast directors. So be aware of what you are looking for.
You can even get a diploma as a director, e.g. from IoD, and the curriculum says only few things about projects (but a lot about finance, governance, strategy, marketing and such).
Thomas Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
I'm not too sure the difference between between these positions: Project Manager, Project Management Office (PMO) Manager, Project Director, Program Manager. etc. Its going to vary company to company, even industry to industry.
I also don't see two years as all that much exposure when one considers that a large complex project may take three to five (or more) years to deliver. I have a hard time understanding that you have mastered all the project management elements in that time.
Given that, I would define the different roles within your world in order to identify the gap you are trying to jump.Following that you need to develop the skills set necessary to fill the gap while making yourself attractive to employers (internal and external) that have that requirement.
Typically your growth should be in tune with project growth - larger and more complex projects require greater management skills. Your company should recognise that and offer you (or require from you) bigger roles - they grow, you grow). Saving Changes...
Rama K GoberuProgram Manager| Appfire TechnologiesHyderabad, India
If you want to be a Director, think like one. Incorporate the next-level job duties as much as you can in your present role. A typical Director in a PMO set up leads other PMs, does P/L, tracks metrics and leverages them for the business unit's benefit, etc.
And yes, go through the new PMBOK 7th edition that has some new editions, though I felt the erstwhile PM Knowledge areas were diluted. Identify the niche areas of PM challenges you tackled and highlight them on your resume along with other important contributions. Saving Changes...
