I am in the process of transitioning from the field of education to project management. I am looking for ways to gain hands on experience in all things project management. Even volunteer postings are asking for years of experience. Does anyone know how I may be able to gain experience? I’ve even applied for internships but they are mostly geared toward recent graduates and I am only enrolled in a bootcamp for Technical Project Management through a university. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Rather than trying to get a volunteer project manager job, consider doing project management at a volunteer organization. For example, I belong to Toastmasters which has, every year, multiple events that need to be managed. I managed speech contests, conferences, and officer training like the projects they were.
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1 reply by Whitley Amos
Jul 07, 2022 3:43 PM
Whitley Amos
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That is a view I haven’t thought of. Thank you for your feedback
I made the same transition around 10 years ago. After many years working as an IB Educator and running numerous social/educational projects for the educational organizations I worked in, I had the opportunity to get involved in a project that intended to create an Intellectual Property Management office for an oil company in Mexico. Luckily, they needed someone with knowledge and experience in creating rubrics, evaluation tools and achievement levels (same as we implement in education). It gave me the opportunity to start a new life in project management and got me in touch with industries and companies beyond the educational world. I would suggest you to do some research on companies that run knowledge-based projects and that require personnel with academic experience/background and apply for jobs if possible. Volunteering seems a good strategy as well. Also, try to enroll on a course and get the 23 hours of project management education necessary to get the CAPM credential. That certification would be a good start.
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1 reply by Whitley Amos
Jul 07, 2022 3:48 PM
Whitley Amos
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Thank you! I was hoping someone with a background in education would be able to shed some light on the transition. I will look into knowledge based projects. Your response is greatly appreciated
Rather than trying to get a volunteer project manager job, consider doing project management at a volunteer organization. For example, I belong to Toastmasters which has, every year, multiple events that need to be managed. I managed speech contests, conferences, and officer training like the projects they were.
That is a view I haven’t thought of. Thank you for your feedback
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1 reply by Stéphane Parent
Jul 07, 2022 7:30 PM
Stéphane Parent
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My pleasure, Whitley. Remember that opportunities come in many shapes. Be bold and grasp them for what they are: a learning experience.
I made the same transition around 10 years ago. After many years working as an IB Educator and running numerous social/educational projects for the educational organizations I worked in, I had the opportunity to get involved in a project that intended to create an Intellectual Property Management office for an oil company in Mexico. Luckily, they needed someone with knowledge and experience in creating rubrics, evaluation tools and achievement levels (same as we implement in education). It gave me the opportunity to start a new life in project management and got me in touch with industries and companies beyond the educational world. I would suggest you to do some research on companies that run knowledge-based projects and that require personnel with academic experience/background and apply for jobs if possible. Volunteering seems a good strategy as well. Also, try to enroll on a course and get the 23 hours of project management education necessary to get the CAPM credential. That certification would be a good start.
Thank you! I was hoping someone with a background in education would be able to shed some light on the transition. I will look into knowledge based projects. Your response is greatly appreciated
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jul 07, 2022 3:41 PM
Replying to Whitley Amos
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Thank you for the advice. I will certainly look into project coordinator positions.
You're welcome - Good Luck Whitley Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Jul 07, 2022 3:43 PM
Replying to Whitley Amos
...
That is a view I haven’t thought of. Thank you for your feedback
My pleasure, Whitley. Remember that opportunities come in many shapes. Be bold and grasp them for what they are: a learning experience. Saving Changes...
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