I can finally admit that I am frustrated with find a PM role. I got my certification almost 2 years ago and have yet to land one. I will be transparent in saying that I have accepted 2 program manager roles because it seemed easier to pivot given my background. While I have seen a huge jump on salary, I still want a PM role. I had a few small level projects in my current role. Maybe I am not leveraging my experience correctly. I don't know but all advice is welcome. I have been told to look into project coordinator roles, but I honestly cannot take that decrease in salary. Saving Changes...
Project & PMO Manager | Research & Enterprise Mentor| GFB HoldingSouth America, Brazil
It's understandable to feel frustrated after not landing a Project Manager (PM) role despite having the certification and experience in program management. To strategically position yourself, consider developing a business plan with "Dainelle Bolden as a company". Start with a SWOT analysis to identify your Strengths (e.g., program management experience, salary negotiation skills), Weaknesses (e.g., lack of formal PM experience), Opportunities (e.g., leveraging small projects, networking), and Threats (e.g., competition, salary expectations). Define your values (e.g., growth, excellence, integrity) and the benefits you offer internal (current employer) and external (future employers) clients, such as efficient project delivery, increased ROI, and strong stakeholder communication. Map the gaps between your current skills and PM requirements, and structure a roadmap to achieve success by focusing on targeted skill development, strategic networking, and effectively communicating your project experiences to align with PM roles without compromising your salary expectations. Saving Changes...
Consultant| Canarys Automation LtdBangalore, Karnataka, India
Thank you for sharing so openly—it takes courage to admit this frustration, and I’m sure many of us can relate. From what you describe, I don’t think your journey has been a “wrong turn” at all. Program management and project management are closely connected, and the skills you’re building are absolutely transferable. In fact, many organizations view program management as a natural progression from project management.
A few thoughts that might help:
Leverage What You Already Have: The “few small projects” you mentioned in your current role can be reframed as project management experience. Even if they weren’t your primary focus, highlight them in your résumé and interviews as examples of applying PM skills.
Showcase Transferable Skills: Scheduling, stakeholder management, reporting, risk analysis—all of these are core PM skills you’ve likely been using in program management. Position them as strengths, not gaps.
Target the Right Roles: Instead of coordinator roles (which may feel like a step back), look at mid-level PM roles where your program experience will be seen as added value. Hybrid or matrix organizations often appreciate candidates who can think beyond a single project.
Networking & Storytelling: Sometimes the difference isn’t in the certification or the résumé, but in how you tell your story. Reach out to PM peers, mentors, or recruiters, and frame your narrative as: “I’ve successfully managed programs and now I’m ready to focus on delivering at the project level with the bigger picture in mind.”
It sounds like you’re much closer than you think. Keep positioning your experience strategically—you already have the foundation, now it’s about framing it in a way that hiring managers connect with. Saving Changes...
Working as a Program Manager pays more than working as a Project Manager. However, job fulfillment is beyond financial rewards. If I were in a similar situation as Danielle, I would keep my job as a program manager while searching for a volunteer or part-time PM role (preferably online) that is the exact type of PM role I wish to do. While working as a PM, you can continue to look out for a full-time position that pays enough or close enough to your current rate as a program manager, but I guess that would be almost impossible to achieve. Goodluck! Danielle Bolden Saving Changes...
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