Jennifer ShetlandArts Facilities Manager| Rio Hondo CollegeCa, United States
I am a newly certified project manager with a background in higher education and entertainment. I have little to no experience in software, construction or defense - where most job postings seem to come from. How do I go about/where should I search for a project management role that fits my background & experience - not necessarily switching into a new industry. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Jennifer
Given that you don't have experience in those sectors, I highly recommend you look for Project Coordinator or Associate PM roles for starters so you can get your feet wet because each of the three industries you've mentioned, require some technical experience for you to be able to lead those projects, make sense of estimates, solve problems and so on. Many could argue that technical experience is not important, but I beg to differ. While you don't need to be a technical expert, yet, you need to have some technical experience especially in construction.
A project coordinator role will give you exposure to all aspects of project management including the technical side. This is my humble opinion.
To add to Rami's feedback, if you are currently working full-time for a company, let your manager know about your interest in learning more about technology or construction-type project work as I've found it easier to jump domains within a company than trying from the outside.
I'd also suggest looking into developing some domain knowledge - either via some courses or reading. Network with PMs who are in the domain you wish to join as they might be able to help you land that first role.
Large companies often have learning and development departments where the core competency is education rather than what is being taught. The training development specialists are paired with technical SMEs who understand the content.
I have seen those projects where either person could be assigned the PM role but often when there are major changes such as transitioning to newer software and tools, the training department will lead it as there are multiple classes and the technical SME is also working the technical integration. An entertainment background fits well with planning and orchestrating large product reviews or conference type activities sponsored at the executive level.
The jobs themselves may not be listed as PM titles so sometimes you have to broaden your search terms and read the descriptions. Likewise, jobs listed as PMs are often more administrative assistant type roles so you really need to scrutinize those job descriptions as well. Saving Changes...
If you want to search for a project management role that fits your background & experience, check Project Management job advertisements, and search about the Company that does the post. Apply to job positions of Companies involved in higher education and entertainment. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Jennifer,
any job title is subject to interpretation. And in many cases, companies are not look for pure PM jobs but at an industry-specific role, that might include PM skills and experience.
Think one way to proceed would be to analyse what you have done and how much that could be seen as project management. Building curricula, teaching classes, organizing events are all projects, even if they are not called as such.
Same with job offers, if they describe what they require: handling customer requests, reporting on status, supporting management all benefit from project management skills and mindset.
In the end, PM is about making things happen and reducing the insecurity in people involved.
I am sure that is what you did. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The point is, like some people predict on 2010 and before, "every company is a software company". I mean, software is a key driver for achieving the organizational objectives. For example, between 1995 and 1998 I was in charge of programs in Harvard University related to put in place the application and technical infrastructure. With that said, I was in charge of programs in lot of different domains but always because a software component was the driver for the change or for creating a solution. What I tried to said is you will find opportunities in education and mainly entertainment but I think it will have a software driver as a key component of the whole solution. My recommendation is taking a closer look to gain into skills in the agile domain just in case you did not it at this time. Saving Changes...
Bigger organizations have a project manager in their PR or Events team. LinkedIn will be your friend. Also check with your local chapter, maybe they can guide you in the correct direction. Saving Changes...
Rachel LeidenfrostExecutive Vice President, People & Projects| FeedMore WNYBuffalo, Ny, United States
Jennifer,
I spent the first half of my career in Marketing & Communications (including events, branding, crises communications / management, etc.). Today, I work in a large regional not-for-profit as a generalist PM and also a senior manager (with responsibility for a few unrelated departments). So, I am the internal lead on everything from program development, to new campus planning (with architects, etc.), mergers, crisis responses, etc.
Such jobs are far less frequent, may require an organization with a certain scale, and also may require additional management skills and/or seniority and/or personality, but I wonder if you might have an opportunity to look in non-traditional channels, potentially for roles with different titles but that would allow you to build PM experience. So, potentially given your background look at large not-for-profits, large ad agencies, etc. Often when you have a cross-over skill (such as the event aptitude) it can be easier to make a transition into a new field of work when you still to a somewhat similar line of business. Saving Changes...
Jessica AntonenHealthcare Systems Engineer| Johns Hopkins Health SystemMd, United States
I have a background in education and events. There are LOTs of project management roles in these areas, as more of us recognize the benefits and need for project management methodology. Higher education has been particularly slow to recognize the importance but is coming around. Feel free to connect with me and/or check out jobs posted by universities. Saving Changes...
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