I’m studying for the CAPM and trying to break into project management, but I’ve been struggling to land an entry-level project coordinator role.
For those who’ve been in a similar position, what actually helped you get your first PM-related job? Any advice, lessons learned, or things you wish you knew earlier would mean a lot.
In my case it was my manager who suggested that I might want to consider switching from a technology-focused role to a PM role based on what he saw. He encouraged me to take a course in PM and his suggestion stuck with me so a couple of years down the line I shifted from being a solution lead to managing projects within my domain expertise.
Kiron
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1 reply by Sepideh Rasoulnejad
Jan 10, 2026 11:25 AM
Sepideh Rasoulnejad
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Thank you for sharing.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Having mentored several people in similar situations to yours, I conclude that having someone vouch for you is the best way to get a job. So you need to build your network (PMI local and virtual, Toastmasters), learn how to engage (Emotional Intelligence), and offer your skills (volunteer).
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1 reply by Sepideh Rasoulnejad
Jan 10, 2026 11:28 AM
Sepideh Rasoulnejad
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You’re absolutely right—and I’m honestly trying to do all of that. I’m building my network, learning, and volunteering where I can, but at this stage my main challenge is limited formal PM experience, which makes it harder for people to fully trust or vouch for me yet. I’m staying persistent and doing my best to earn that trust step by step.
In my case it was my manager who suggested that I might want to consider switching from a technology-focused role to a PM role based on what he saw. He encouraged me to take a course in PM and his suggestion stuck with me so a couple of years down the line I shifted from being a solution lead to managing projects within my domain expertise.
Having mentored several people in similar situations to yours, I conclude that having someone vouch for you is the best way to get a job. So you need to build your network (PMI local and virtual, Toastmasters), learn how to engage (Emotional Intelligence), and offer your skills (volunteer).
You’re absolutely right—and I’m honestly trying to do all of that. I’m building my network, learning, and volunteering where I can, but at this stage my main challenge is limited formal PM experience, which makes it harder for people to fully trust or vouch for me yet. I’m staying persistent and doing my best to earn that trust step by step. Saving Changes...
From my experience, what helped most early on was getting hands-on exposure even before the official PM title.
I took on PM-adjacent responsibilities through short-term initiatives and a non-paid internship, mainly to build real experience I could speak to. That practical exposure, coordinating people, tracking tasks, dealing with delays, and following up with stakeholders, mattered far more in interviews than the certification alone.
Once I could point to actual project work, even small or informal, it became much easier to move into paid PM roles. Saving Changes...
Just having a project management certification or degree, without relevant experience, is not likely to lead to an interview, let alone breaking into the field. One important truth about transitioning jobs is that it is usually easier to transition to a new position at your current employer that to transfer to that same position at a new employer. Attempting this creates an extra layer of difficulty because you are less likely to be a known quantity - you haven't built the relationships or trust at the new company that you hopefully have at your existing employer.
With that in mind, the most likely pathway for someone with no project management experience is to go to work at a company that employs project managers in a role that you are qualified for. Build relationships. Build trust. After you've been there a bit (the timeframe can vary, but at least a few months), let your manager know what your interests are, take on more responsibility, find out if there are opportunities for cross-training or mentoring/coaching with the project managers. Prove yourself - become a known quantity - and work your way into the position.
When transitioning to a new employer, the things that will differentiate you from many, but not all, candidates, are relevant industry experience and employee referrals. Education and certification on their own aren't enough, but without them you are less likely to get an interview. Many employers are looking for project managers with industry specific project management experience that already understand the challenges and opportunities they're facing. Sometimes, having held the PM title is less important than the nature of the work and being able to speak to the hiring managers WIIFM. Saving Changes...
Program Manager| HARPER SRLSanto Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
Getting into project management usually happens through exposure and trust, not just certification. Gaining PM-adjacent experience first, coordinating tasks, supporting initiatives, volunteering, or taking ownership of small projects where you already work. Internal transitions are often easier than external ones because people already know your capabilities. Networking, mentorship, and having someone vouch for you matter a lot, but they come faster once you can point to real, even informal, project experience. Saving Changes...
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