Project Management

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Project Management Career Recovery Question

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Anonymous
I have been a loyal employee of a government company for 20 years now. My job involves implementation and management of civil works projects. In recent years, I was designated to project manager roles wherein I successfully lead a team to accomplish various key projects. Despite the lack of proper training in project management the team that I lead was able to successfully complete projects through collaboration, close monitoring, effective decision making, coordination with stakeholders and guiding my team to achieve a common goal. Eventually, I was designated to a bigger role, higher than the Project Manager role equivalent position in an entirely separate team in another location. Unfortunately, a few months in my new acting role, I made a big mistake which lead to unnecessary exposure to the social media of a certain informal event in the office which offended my superiors. Naturally, the office condemned me in the media to save the reputation of the company and I was outright stripped of my designation, excommunicated by my superiors and mentors but at least I was fortunate enough to retain my original job and was assigned back to my original place of assignment. I admit that the mistake was entirely mine, I misjudged the situation and I took full responsibility of my actions. I was just lucky that I was not fired immediately which retained my opportunity to provide for my family.

Now, a few months after the unfortunate event, I am back to my original technical job. I don’t have authority anymore over my team, I am now a mere team member trying to collaborate with the team I used to lead. I now report to a team leader before I make any decision. I work on every instruction given to me without questions.

Because of the incident, I strongly believe that my opportunity for promotion in the company is very slim and impossible. Though my superiors are considerate enough to let me keep my job to decently provide for my family and for that I owe them big time with much gratitude.

My experience made me seek other options for self development and stumbled upon PMI. I invested in subscribing to PMI membership hoping to acquire new knowledge and skills to develop myself and hopefully muster the courage to finally go to a company or job where I can impart my skills and knowledge and create value in the tasks I provide. For now, I’m still working on getting a PMP and PMP-CP certification.

So, I would like to ask the project management experts, potential mentors, and leaders. Where do I go from here? Can I sign up to online volunteer work to improve my skills? Can I apply for any part time project management jobs online where I could earn a modest income? What advise would you give me to progress from my present predicament? I am really hopeful that I can gain much wisdom from you.

I am mid 40s with 14 years of experience in implementing civil works projects through contracts with contractors. I am not really involved in the actual cash flow management of the actual works but I evaluate accomplishments  for the processing of payments to billing requests of contractors.

I apologize for the lengthy thread. I’m pretty much confident that you are the best people to understand. Thank you. 
 
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Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani Manager, Quality and Continuous Improvement| Hörmann-TNR Industrial Doors Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
You better pay your local Chapter a visit. You can speak to PM professionals and get some advice.
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Sorry to hear that you're going through this. Mistakes happen and I am glad your company were considerated and you were able to keep your job because by the sounds of it, looks like this was a very serious privacy exposure.

In terms of your question, getting the PMP and PMI-CP are first great steps. On the other hand, I highly recommend that you touch base with your PMI Local Chapter and check with them for any volunteer opportunities as this, in many cases, can open more doors for you and valuable opportunites.
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Kiron Bondale Retired | Mentor| Retired Welland, Ontario, Canada
Given the public exposure of the mistake made and the likelihood that potential employers and recruiters would do a quick online search whenever seriously considering a candidate for a role, you will likely need to look at a "warm introduction" to a hiring manager by someone who knows your work and can speak with knowledge about the value you can bring rather than a cold application.

In preparation for that, pursuing credentials and continuing to show that you are reliable, trustworthy and capable of delivering value is all you can do...

Kiron
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Fabian Crosa
Community Champion
PMO Leader | Speaker & Mentor | Content Leader – PMOGA Latin America Hub| Catholic University of Uruguay Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
I am sorry for what happened to you but one of the important characteristics of a leader is resilience, being positive.
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Fabian Crosa
Community Champion
PMO Leader | Speaker & Mentor | Content Leader – PMOGA Latin America Hub| Catholic University of Uruguay Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
My advice to you Don't wait any longer! Join your local PMI chapter and start reaping the rewards of membership:
Attend events and workshops: Participate in networking activities, conferences and workshops where you can learn from experts and expand your network.
Develop your leadership: Run for leadership positions in your local chapter and contribute to the growth and development of the PMI community in your region.
Get recognized: Participate in competitions and awards that recognize excellence in project management and leadership.
PMI is your partner for professional success!
Invest in your future and join PMI's global community. Together, we will build a brighter future for the project management profession.
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Anonymous
Thank you very much for the responses... I would try to reach out to my local chapter hoping for a positive result.. I very much needed all your inputs, at least I am more enlightened now... Very much appreciated...
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States

It sounds like you've been through a tough time, but it's great that you're looking for ways to move forward. Everyone makes mistakes, and what's important is learning from them and moving on.



Just like viral incidents from the past, people will eventually move on from this.

Consider joining PMI for networking and mentorship opportunities. Volunteering for online projects or seeking part-time / contractor project management roles can also help you gain experience and income.



Keep focusing on self-development and staying open to new opportunities!

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