Will the widespread adoption of prompt engineering commoditize project management skills, or can it help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value?
Director, Learning Design & Development| PMIAsheville, NC, United States
Hi PMI Community! I’m Sarah Philbrick, and I work as a Product Manager at PMI with a focus on our learning offerings. As we go on this skill-building journey together, I’m excited to engage in meaningful conversations, explore trending topics, and learn from each other.
Reflecting on one such topic, GenAI and prompt engineering, I am interested to hear your perspective on commoditization vs. differentiation.
Will the widespread adoption of prompt engineering commoditize project management skills, or can it help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value?
AI enhances the abilities of those who already have expertise. However, it doesn't necessarily create inequalities—it reveals or amplifies them. For junior project managers, AI can be a powerful learning tool if used wisely, as a complement to hands-on experience rather than a substitute. Saving Changes...
AI represents a major opportunity for developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It can help bridge expertise gaps more quickly, automate complex tasks, and accelerate the upskilling of young professionals. Rather than causing marginalization, AI can democratize access to advanced project management tools—provided it is supported by proper training strategies and tailored guidance that reflect local realities. Saving Changes...
The widespread adoption of prompt engineering doesn't necessarily commoditize project management—it reshapes it. PMs who learn to integrate AI and prompt engineering effectively can automate routine tasks, gain better insights from data, and focus on higher-level strategy. Rather than reducing their value, it offers a chance for PMs to evolve their roles, become AI-literate leaders, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive field. Saving Changes...
Hi Sarah,
I do believe that the widespread adoption of prompt engineering commoditize project management skills for those people who use the tool if they do not evaluate the output from AI and provide the answers as-is.
Prompt engineering can help PMs differentiate themselves and command higher value by using the answers as a foundation for our work product. We should evaluate the AI output, make adjustments based on our knowledge, and then provide solutions using this combined approach. Saving Changes...
Yann André KonéProject Management / PMO| Air liquide Engineering & ConstructionParis, France
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
I think the role of portfolio, program, and project managers has evolved with AI, like many others. However, in my opinion, we still need a project manager to lead, structure, and bring a human dimension to the project. AI is a support for execution. Saving Changes...
Yann André KonéProject Management / PMO| Air liquide Engineering & ConstructionParis, France
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
I think the role of portfolio, program, and project managers has evolved with AI, like many others. However, in my opinion, we still need a project manager to lead, structure, and bring a human dimension to the project. AI is a support for execution. Saving Changes...
Subash BalabhadranProject Manager| Kyndryl IndiaBangalore, Karnataka, India
!--StartFragment --When prompt engineering becomes a ubiquitous skill, project management can go one of two ways: routine tasks can get commoditized, or expert PMs leverage the capability to stand out and command premium value. !--StartFragment --By combining advanced prompt engineering techniques with unique domain experiences and human leadership, we’ll ride it to new heights in project management.!--EndFragment --!--EndFragment -- Saving Changes...
Anonymous
!--StartFragment --When prompt engineering becomes a ubiquitous skill, project management can go one of two ways: routine tasks can get commoditized, or expert PMs leverage the capability to stand out and command premium value. !--StartFragment --By combining advanced prompt engineering techniques with unique domain experiences and human leadership, we’ll ride it to new heights in project management.!--EndFragment --!--EndFragment -- Saving Changes...
Silvia CastroCommercial Manager| GENPROSão Paulo, Sp, Brazil
May 24, 2024 5:41 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
With the new generation of generative AI portfolio/program/project manager and business analyst role "are dead" at least in the way they were originally defined. I think a good source to understand that are the two courses on generative AI delivered for free by the PMI, mainly if you see the 3 layer model.
Changed, not dead Saving Changes...
Silvia CastroCommercial Manager| GENPROSão Paulo, Sp, Brazil
May 24, 2024 7:55 AM
Replying to Md. Golam Rob Talukdar
...
While prompt engineering may streamline certain aspects of project management, skilled project managers who combine technical knowledge, soft skills, and strategic thinking could be continue to command higher value.
PMI Team Member
