How do you approach applying for new PM roles in an unfamiliar industry?

Shamilla Wiley-Roberts

As Rami Kaibni rightly pointed out, I recommend developing a foundational technical understanding that aligns with the project management role you're pursuing. Beyond being able to speak the industry's language, having baseline knowledge of the field can significantly enhance your effectiveness. You can achieve this by connecting with a subject matter expert (SME) who’s open to mentoring, volunteering with an organization in that industry, or enrolling in short courses to build your foundational knowledge.

I began my project management career in the water and wastewater treatment engineering sector, primarily serving remote Indigenous communities. While my engineering background provided a solid starting point, it was the mentorship from an SME—who was also my supervisor—that truly accelerated my growth. I supplemented this with self-directed learning through YouTube, industry articles, journals, and by reviewing archived project files. Working closely with operators, technologists, and office staff also played a key role in helping me get up to speed quickly.

I hope you find this helpful, and I wish you all the best in your new journey.

Akin