Online Community Specialist| PMINewtown Square, Pa, United States
What are the biggest challenges for people just starting in the profession? What obstacles did you encounter when you first started in your PM career? Saving Changes...
A Canadian visiting Arizona for the first time. The weather has been too hot for me. Any Canadian PMI Global summits attendees in house tonight for the meet up and networking? What’s the experience like that? Am enjoying this evenning get together. Awesome experience. Saving Changes...
Anastasia TatarevichTechnical Project Manager| Children's Miracle Network HospitalsSalt Lake City, UT, United States
One of the biggest challenges for me just starting in the project management profession was navigating the gap between theory and real-world practice. You quickly realize that projects aren’t just about tasks and timelines—they’re about people, communication styles, and expectations that can shift overnight. Saving Changes...
One of the biggest challenge is to be able to read a room. There is no one solution fits all problems. Many fresh PM come over with what they learned and trying to implement solutions, which is a tricky part. My biggest challenge though was to overstep my comfort zone and speak up more. Don't be shy guys, you can sound silly for a moment, but as long as you learn, you win. Saving Changes...
Olatunde Akin-OluyomiBusiness Consultant, MBA Student| Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland, United States
Knowing the best path and what certifications are best for the possible paths is usually a challenge but mentorship and guidance goes a long way. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Now you have learned a lot of theory, what you could do in your project, and what is required in your practice and organization. There is a gap. Please don't try to close it, leaning towards theory. But you can use your new knowledge part by part, without confusing others with PM lingo.
Project management is about 'making it happen'.
'It' is your target, as expected by your sponsor. You can describe it with tools you learned from theory, like a WBS or a requirements list. But make it simple and helpful, so that stakeholders get an overview, a clear picture, and love it.
Making means planning how to make it. With a WBS, you can easily create a rough schedule, best a one-pager. Make people own work packages and deliverables, or you will be overwhelmed.
Happen means being successful, getting acceptance from the sponsor and customer.
Overall, do not try to do everything by yourself. Communicate regularly, translate between roles and support team members in understanding. Saving Changes...
Early PMs struggle most with confidence, unclear expectations, and influencing without authority. I faced the same learning to communicate clearly, manage stakeholders, and stay calm under pressure took time. With good mentors and small wins, the fear fades and the foundation becomes solid. Saving Changes...
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