Project Management

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Transitioning from Film Production to Project Management

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Maria Mirayo Lafoz Administration Manager| Alles Gute PTY LtD Gold Coast, Australia

I’ve recently started the journey toward professional certification. I hold a Master's in Executive Production, worked for 2 years in film and TV production, and along the way, founded an NGO. I wrote project proposals, developed methodologies for youth workshops, managed reporting, allocated budgets, and secured public funding.

Now, I’ve decided to take the next step: get certified and, hopefully, be mentored by experienced professionals. Oh, and I almost forgot, this career path also involved a +18,000 km move to Australia!

Here I am, exploring visa options and navigating how my experience fits into roles like Project Coordinator. I’d love to hear from others who have transitioned from entertainment or leisure industries into fields like construction, education, or telecommunications.

That doesn’t mean I’m leaving NGO work behind. On the contrary, becoming certified will only make my impact more effective. I would appreciate any feedback
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Luis Branco CEO| Business Insight, Consultores de Gestão, Ldª Carcavelos, Lisboa, Portugal
Maria Mirayo Lafoz

Your journey is truly inspiring — it beautifully illustrates how project management is less about industry and more about transferable skills, adaptability, and impact.
From leading youth initiatives and managing funding to producing creative content, you’ve already been practicing the core of what great project managers do: delivering value through structured execution.

Transitioning from film production to formal project management roles can be incredibly rewarding, especially with your NGO background — it gives you a human-centered, purpose-driven edge that many organizations value.
Certification will certainly add credibility, but don’t underestimate how much you already bring to the table.

Also, kudos for making such a bold move internationally — that, in itself, speaks volumes about your resilience and initiative.
You’ve got this!
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Maria, your background is truly solid. Your experience in production speaks volumes because it involves time, budget, and project management which are core skills that transfer directly into project coordination roles. Your NGO work adds even more depth, from grant writing and community engagement to budget handling and impact reporting. That kind of complexity is incredibly valuable across many sectors.

And let’s not overlook your international move to relocate to Australia which shows resilience, adaptability, and the ability to navigate multicultural environments. That’s a strength in any industry.

On a last note, you’re definitely on the right track pursuing certification. I'd also recommend exploring volunteer or mentorship opportunities through your local PMI Chapter. It’s a great way to build local connections and gain industry exposure.

Wishing you all the best on this journey!

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