Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
Very good point, Khawaja.
Although I believe that companies tend to look for specialists (specially to fill in management or intermediate roles) it is also true that some others may value a background filled with experiences in non related industries (i.e. consultancies). In my particular case, I have experience in environmental industry and medical device. These two fields are unrelated, but has given me the opportunity to widen my overall working scope. If you allow me the metaphor, I would be a duck: I am not the best at flying, I am not the best at swimming, but definitely I can do both.
At the end, It all comes down at finding what you enjoy doing and what you are good at! Saving Changes...
Sean FullerTechnical Account Manager| ECX Systems, LLCTyler, Tx, United States
It''s often nice to find talent that has a different take on your specific industry to see what their point of view can bring to the table. I remember screening candidates for an IT position in healthcare and we liked the candidate with a background in IT for hotels because they also provide 24 x 7 service and focus on hospitality and customer service. Saving Changes...
saurabh mahajanPMP, ITIL, PRINCE2| vodafonePune, Maharashtra, India
I would prefer experience in various industries and this gives you a chance to understand and apply same knowledge but in different situation. For e.g : risk management for IT project would follow same knowledge as risk management in construction project but with different planning. Saving Changes...
Function Versus Industry...? - The key to making the move successfully is to not only inventory your own skills, but to package them so they''re appropriate for the industry you''re targeting. I know many professionals who have successfully moved industries several times, building their experience on every occasion.
A candidate with experience of different environments is more interesting. Having that depth of experience can only make you a better project management professional. So do dip a toe into the world beyond your industry. New challenges await every time...! Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Like Saurabh, I believe that the higher you go the more breadth trumps depth. While it''s great to have specialists, they tend to only be proficient under specific conditions. When I used to managed DBAs, I used the following rule of thumb: an analyst is someone working towards a specialty (i.e., certification); a specialist was someone who had achieved a specialty; and, a senior specialist was someone with two or more specialties. Saving Changes...
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