I'm wondering is anyone would have advice as to how to move from a non-PM position to a full-fledged PM job? I feel like my years of being a Sys Admin are coming to a close and I'm having trouble translating my mix of technical and project work into something that is digestible to a potential employer as a PM. Whether its your own experience, resume tips, or anything else, I would love to hear what you have to say - thank you! Saving Changes...
One way to make this jump is to leverage your domain expertise and look for a full fledged PM role leading a project in the systems administration space. This could be in an internal capacity or working in a vendor organization. Once you have demonstrated that you are able to apply PM practices and principles successfully on a couple of projects, your manager might be more open to your leading other types of projects.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Drew MercerSr. Project Manager, IT PMO| RTI InternationalRaleigh, NC, United States
I agree with Kiron, you could pull from the methodologies picked up from your PMP studies and apply it to current/future activities. For recent work, I have seen success from going back and summarizing how that work fit into the PMI practices so that you have a framework for talking about that with a PM perspective when going into interviews. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The point is to demonstrate your expertise in the field you will apply as PM. Adding to that to earn the PMP certification will help you a lot. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Conrad,
Consider your past work—what tasks could be seen as you working on a project, even if you have not been formally assigned as PM. Any upgrades, moves, or enhancements in your job role as Admin. Then analyse what you did as non-technical work in these tasks, like planning, organizing, coordinating, tracking - those could be seen as PM activities. Now you have a list of your PM experience you can put in your CV and use in applying for the PMP exam. Saving Changes...
Luis BrancoCEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, LdªCarcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Great question — and one that many capable professionals face when transitioning from technical roles into project management.
Having a background as a Sys Admin is not a drawback — in fact, it's a hidden asset. Many successful PMs come from technical roots.
The key lies in how you frame your experience and bridge the language gap between "doing the work" and "leading the work."
Here are a few tips that I've seen work well — both for professionals and in my own transition paths with team members:
1. Translate your contributions into outcomes.
Don’t just list tasks — highlight impact:
- “Led cross-functional upgrades that reduced downtime by 30%” sounds like project ownership.
2. Highlight informal project management.
Have you coordinated timelines, engaged stakeholders, balanced resources, or handled risk?
That’s PM work — even without the title.
3. Use the PM language.
Frame your resume and conversations using PM concepts: scope, schedule, risk, communications, stakeholders.
Match the mindset of a PM, not just the tasks.
4. Certifications help, but mindset matters more.
A CAPM® or a PMP® (if eligible) is a solid credibility boost.
But pairing that with a narrative of leadership, ownership and delivery will carry more weight.
5. Showcase business value, not just technical wins.
Employers want PMs who deliver outcomes aligned with strategy — uptime, compliance, user satisfaction, cost avoidance.
6. Consider roles like PMO Analyst, Technical Project Coordinator, or Junior PM
These can serve as bridges to full PM roles.
Final thought:
PMs are not just taskmasters — they’re enablers of value.
You already know how things work technically — now position yourself as someone who can lead others to make them work better.
Happy to connect further if you'd like a sounding board for your resume or positioning!
All the best on your journey — you’re closer than you think.
I transitioned from tech ops myself. Highlight leadership in cross-team tasks, planning, and problem-solving on your resume. Use words like “coordinated,” “led,” “delivered.” Consider a CAPM or PMP to boost credibility. Your tech roots are a strength!
Program Manager, PPM&PMO Specialist.| Coppel, Mexico.Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
Hi Conrad, from my experience, one way is to ask to be part of projects in your current job. Offer to support the Project Manager. This will give you more visibility and you can learn how projects are managed from the inside.
Another good way is to volunteer for projects outside of your work. This can be for a non-profit or community project. It helps you get practical PM experience. Then, you can use this experience to ask for PM opportunities in your company.
Apologies for my delayed response - I didn't expect to get such a wealth of advice! Much much appreciated and I'll let you know how it pans out.
In reflection, I think part of the struggle is moving from a very small organization where I'm half of the 2 person IT department. I certainly PM but I also have a dozen other roles. I think what this may entail is either a) seeking opportunities inside or outside my role where I can more fully represent project management or b) look to integrate project management into my next technical role. Many of the recruiters that I speak to applaud the work I did to get my PMP but see it as an enchantment to my technical skills and not necessarily and skill path onto itself. Perhaps I could use some realignment with what I'm searching for? Only time will tell - thank you all again! Saving Changes...
Community Champion
