I have been in Software Industry and worked in different role as Software Engineer, Lead Engineer, Project Facilitator and Project Coordinator. Since I m from a technical background my most of the work experience lies in Technical Area.
People generally ask me why I m making a career shift , what are the reasons behind it ? Saving Changes...
Ganesh SrinivasanGanesh PMO (PMP, PMI-SP, ITIL-F)| MNC BankChennai, India
Hi Anil,
I feel its not career shift, its career progress !!
I feel if you like project managment side, you should consider developing more experience project management by various roles that comes on your way.
Not sure you are PMP / CAPM ? You can aspire for that credentials.
All the best and set your goal and walk towards it !
Thank you.
Kind Regards,
Ganesh Saving Changes...
Rebecca BraglioCommunity Engagement Specialist II| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, Pa, United States
Hi Anil!
Great question - I had the same experience (but in different industry). A lot of people are just curious as to what motivated you to try something new (especially when you've been in one industry/area for a long time).
I usually told them that I was looking for a new challenge and that I was growing my skills.
Thanks Ganesh. Thanks Rebecca for taking a bit of your valuable time and giving advice. your suggestions has made my thinking now more organized.
Saving Changes...
Dominic LawProduct Manager| PCCW GlobalHappy Valley, Hong Kong
Hi Anil,
My opinion is that it is not really a switch but a natural progression. In theory you can select one of two streams: towards a technical expert or a project manager. I see a lot of software engineering works come in a project, and so there must be a need of a project manager. Your technical skill and experience will help you to become a good project manager. It is of course necessary to pick up the project management knowledge along the way.
So all the best to your career!
BR// Dominic Saving Changes...
The terms ‘Project Leader’ and ‘Project Manager’ may sound very similar but their responsibilities differ greatly. A project leader is the one who leads a team through any process and has the vision to deliver the project successfully; by leading a set of people by unifying their vision to his.
A project manager on the other hand is responsible for every phase and task that is a part of the project and makes sure that each of them runs smoothly so that the end result can be achieved without any glitches.
To know more about this topic please let me know.....:) Saving Changes...
There I came to know the benefits of being a person having knowledge of different technologies for client and servers. This is integrating various components of project on a later stage.
Besides career progressions, Integration I strongly believe there must be more such points that justify transition. are there any if any,more advantages that justify Transition from Software engineer to a Project Manager? Saving Changes...
Richard ThielLead Project Manager| EngilityHuntly, Va, United States
I would have to agree with several of the others. I also see it more as a progression. Granted, one could stay in the engineering function, but as a Project Manager, I feel you are able to grow in a different way. Your background can definitely help with software projects. One of those benefits is your ability to "translate" customer requirements into actionable items the engineers understand. Often, there are many interpretations of requirements, and with your background, you should be able to ensure that the customer's intentions are understood and communicated. Saving Changes...
Cinzia SinicropiApp Development Project Manager| GSMALondon, United Kingdom
I do too come from a technical background, having been a developer for many years, before moving to pm, and the desire to grow both professionally and personally was the main drive, I think this can be best framed as described by Rebecca, the need for a challenge. And the strongest advantage as mentioned by Richard, is the ability to understand the client and communicate to and from the technical team.
Thanks all for answering this question. Your answers are right. In fact they are motivating. Whenever I need motivation to carry on my preparation for PMP credential I often come back to this question and read answers of you experts.
Thanks Saving Changes...
Jamell CulbreathSenior Program Manager| ChipotleColumbus, Oh, United States
Hi All,
It seems that there are more opportunities on the software engineering side of the house both professionally and financially. I am currently a PM, who is paid under market value. I see Software Engineers making a lot more money than me. I am thinking of a switch from Project Management to Software Engineering. Thoughts? Saving Changes...
