How do you approach starting a new PM role in an unfamiliar industry or business area?

Career Development

Eduard Hernandez

Community Champion

Product Operations Program Manager Barcelona, Cataluña, Spain

When starting a new project / program management role in a sector you not fully familiar with, should you invest time in due diligence before day one or is it better to rely on onboarding to learn what’s truly relevant? What works best for you?

Posted: Jun 23, 2025 11:00 AM

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Aaron Gillespie

I would try and Identify key SME's you will be working with and ask them for some quick 1;1 catch ups or coffees to pick their brains on the industry and how the company does things.

Posted: Jun 26, 2025 11:42 AM

Maria Hrabikova

Community Champion

Ricany U Prahy, Prague, Czechia

The source of my inspiration is Michael Watkins and his book, The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter, Updated and Expanded.

https://www.amazon.com/First-90-Days-Strat...d/dp/1422188612

a) First 30 Days: Lean & Observe

- Meet individually with team members and stakeholders
- Observe team dynamics, communication styles, and the team's and the company's culture
- Study current projects and company structure

b) First 60 Days: Align & Contribute

- Clarify expectations with the manager and key stakeholders
- Provide input into ongoing projects with a fresh perspective (a newcomer's perspective)
- Begin shaping your leadership presence within the broader team
- Align with the company's strategic priorities and ways of working

c) First 90 Days: Lead & Integrate

- Take ownership of key initiatives and project deliverables
- Strengthen cross-functional relationships beyond the direct team
- Establish routines for performance tracking and team development
- Promote transparency, feedback, and engagement in line with the company's culture

Posted: Jun 26, 2025 11:43 AM (Updated by author: Jun 26, 2025 11:45 AM)

Amanjeet Oberoi Quality Analyst| Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd. Bangalore, India

Better you can get domain knowledge (with self exploration) on new field before you jump start in new field. All the best.

Posted: Jul 1, 2025 5:43 AM

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How do you approach starting a new PM role in an unfamiliar industry or business area?

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