Keith MifsudAsset and Facility Management Consultant| ArupCork, Ireland
I have been over 4 months actively searching for a project-related job (assistant PM, Junior PM, etc.) globally (but mainly EU) with 0 luck so far. I have a bachelor's in marine engineering, experience in the shipping industry, and about to graduate with a master's in industrial management with first class. My resume is optimized, and I have my CAPM certification along with others in PM tools. Regardless of ticking off all the requirements in a job description, I still haven't been able to land an interview. Giving up is definitely not going to happen, but it is becoming frustrating. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help please? Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Keith, its a tough market these days especially if you're looking for jovs overseas. Try looking for a Project Coordinator Role - It is more common for new PMs thant Assistant or Junior PM.
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1 reply by Keith Mifsud
Mar 04, 2024 10:59 AM
Keith Mifsud
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Hi Rami,
Thanks for the advise. I'll surely look into it.
Keith
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Keith, your situation is quite common, I know several people have problems getting an initial PM job.
Looking in the EU is additionally difficult, as many jobs e.g. in Germany require local language skills. You might extend your search beyond the marine industry. Many industries in EU are small/medium who do not understand or appreciate the role of a PM, separately from that of a subject matter expert, so maybe look for larger employers who indeed look for PMs.
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1 reply by Keith Mifsud
Mar 04, 2024 10:33 AM
Keith Mifsud
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Hi Thomas,
Thanks, and yes, I've come to realize that. I am in fact in the midst of learning Spanish as it will open opportunities. Many thanks for your feedback!
Keith
If you still have contacts in the companies you worked at earlier in the shipping industry, can you see if they might be able to put you in touch with any managers they are aware of in those companies who might need PM assistance?
Kiron
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1 reply by Keith Mifsud
Mar 04, 2024 10:26 AM
Keith Mifsud
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Hi Kiron,
The previous company I worked for is a small family-run company with no PMO/project-related department. However, I do maintain a really good relationship with senior management so there is no harm in asking whether they have relatable connections. Thank you! :)
Keith
Saving Changes...
Keith MifsudAsset and Facility Management Consultant| ArupCork, Ireland
Mar 04, 2024 7:16 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
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Keith -
If you still have contacts in the companies you worked at earlier in the shipping industry, can you see if they might be able to put you in touch with any managers they are aware of in those companies who might need PM assistance?
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
The previous company I worked for is a small family-run company with no PMO/project-related department. However, I do maintain a really good relationship with senior management so there is no harm in asking whether they have relatable connections. Thank you! :)
Keith Saving Changes...
Keith MifsudAsset and Facility Management Consultant| ArupCork, Ireland
Mar 04, 2024 3:40 AM
Replying to Thomas Walenta
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Keith, your situation is quite common, I know several people have problems getting an initial PM job.
Looking in the EU is additionally difficult, as many jobs e.g. in Germany require local language skills. You might extend your search beyond the marine industry. Many industries in EU are small/medium who do not understand or appreciate the role of a PM, separately from that of a subject matter expert, so maybe look for larger employers who indeed look for PMs.
Hi Thomas,
Thanks, and yes, I've come to realize that. I am in fact in the midst of learning Spanish as it will open opportunities. Many thanks for your feedback!
Keith Saving Changes...
Keith MifsudAsset and Facility Management Consultant| ArupCork, Ireland
Mar 04, 2024 12:08 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Keith, its a tough market these days especially if you're looking for jovs overseas. Try looking for a Project Coordinator Role - It is more common for new PMs thant Assistant or Junior PM.
Hi Rami,
Thanks for the advise. I'll surely look into it.
Keith Saving Changes...
Hi Keith, Sometimes it is all about timing, but you might considering opening up your search parameters and looking at large companies to find your entry point.
As the lead engineer of a PM team at Boeing working on production problems, I would love to have you on my team with the credentials that you describe. That doesn't mean that I could hire you, or keep you if I could.
Typically the way it works is we hire people to fill the needs in my department. HR is the first filter and they don't understand my job. Then you spend about 3 months going through all sorts of mandatory training and job shadowing to see how things currently work in our production system. By the time you have enough knowledge about how things really work and all your necessary computer accounts, you get moved to another job where your skills are a better fit.
Don't be afraid to take a job that's not the best fit if there is opportunity to transition to a better job. In 27 years of engineering PM, I have changed jobs many times. Often, I wasn't sure the job was the right fit, but within a few months I can display enough talent that we find a better fit and I typically move into a lead PM position within 3 months to a year.
To me, a masters degree tells me that someone can learn new subjects and demonstrate competency in 3-4 months. If you expand your search parameters, you might find someone looking for talent but not sure how they will use it yet. Keith Saving Changes...
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