Hi Sanchita, Your background is stronger than you think.
Six years in software development including coordinating releases, managing dependencies, working with clients and technical teams — that is project management. You were doing it without the title.
Don't let the "2–3 years of leadership experience" requirement stop you from applying. It is a preference, not a hard rule. Hiring managers in the Redmond and Seattle tech corridor know the difference between someone who has lived inside delivery and someone who only studied it. You are the former.
When presenting your experience, be specific. Don't say "I supported the team." Say "I tracked dependencies, flagged risks, and kept delivery on schedule." Both are true — but one tells the full story.
Volunteer with PMI. Show up consistently, contribute genuinely, and you will build both your network and your perspective faster than any classroom can offer. Non-profits in your area also need real project help and will give you genuine ownership you can speak to in interviews.
Here is what I want you to carry forward: once you stabilize in your first PM role, you will be a strong player in this field. Your engineering background means you understand how technical teams think, why things break, and what "done" truly means. That is rare. That compounds over time.
You are not starting over. You are translating. Keep going.
Community Champion
