Hi,
Recently received certificate in Project Management and currently studying for CAPM. My background is in Telecommunications with 20 years experience several industry certifications. I enjoy working projects - as a team member & lead for small projects within my group. Last year I felt it was time to look for a new challenge within IT. The most obvious choice for me was Project Management. So here I am ready to make the leap but without a full plan to transition. I have reached out to manager of PMO area in my organization and know many of the PMs through working large projects over the years -so a little networking is in progress.
I am usually prepared but this time I'm out of my comfort zone and frankly a little fearful I may not have the opportunity to transition into PM role.
I am curious, what challenges or obstacles did you face when you moved from a technical position into a Project Management role? Did any of you make this transition late in your careers? How did you handle objections to your qualifications/skills required for non entry level PM roles?
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Patrick QuirkManaging Partner| FOQUS Partners LLCLexington, Ky, United States
Hi, Donna.
You may find that your best option for pursuing a non-entry level PM role is to leverage your technical background. If you can find a PM position for a project(s) within the realm of your technical background, you can make the case that you PM certificate and past lead experience position you well to serve as PM for that type of project because you can provide realism to scheduling, assist the team with issue resolution, etc. Likewise, some projects need a PM who can also play the role of technical resource so such roles may be a good fit for you.
If you'll share your geography, some here may be able to help identify such opportunities for you.
Best of luck!
- Patrick
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Henry HattenrathProject Consultant| Tectonic Engineering MSA LLCNew York, Ny, United States
Donna
Most organization are expecting a Project Manager to independently manage projects from start to completion with minimal supervision and support. This implies the ideal candidate is familiar with the organization structure, hierarchy of responsibilities, wide spectrum of processes and procedures, and the key personnel and network necessary to get things done.
While your construction experience will be attractive to the hiring manager, you may need to consider other PM roles within the organization, such as project management trainee, project coordinator, assistant project manager. These roles may provide the opportunity to learn and grow your PM career.
Your construction experience will give the organization confidence that eventually you can handle the role of Project Manager. The challenge will be finding an organization that has a PM career path that can provide you an opportunity for quick advancement through positions of increasing responsibility and accountability to a Project Manager.
Make the leap - it sounds like you are ready. Good luck.
