Ahmed SanadProject Director| Siemens EnergyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Dear Team,
Hope everything is going well.
I need your opinion about a very critical decision in my career.
if I got an opportunity to work as a Project Planner, instead of being deputy project manager.
Do you think that this is a good opportunity ? or that project management career is a better career to go forward in ?
Please need your opinion all.
I need a comparison between both careers from your experience.
putting into consideration that I like both, as I'm considered as a Planner and deputy project manager at same time.
I'd definitely go for it - experience as a project planner will be invaluable, and will have tangible achievements that you can use in future job applications both for PM and PP roles. Planning skills are always essential for a PM, so it would be a great stepping stone to a PM role, particularly as you'll have been responsible for delivering the planning, while often a deputy PM doesn't have real responsibilities. It also could lead to a career as a Project or Programme Planner- although those specialist roles are quite rare here they are well rewarded. Saving Changes...
Kgobalale John MalatjiProjects Portfolio Manager | Noko-impJohannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Tim is correct, if you are not experienced in projects, it is better to start at a lower level than PM. Project Planner interact with many roles in the project management, thus offers a good exposure. The next level which will further elevate the exposure is Project Administrator position/ role. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I'm going to go against the previous opinions. If you have to choose between project planner or deputy PM, I recommend deputy PM.
In the role of deputy PM, you will be involved in all phases of the project, not just the planning. It is a perfect role for learning across all process areas. Saving Changes...
sheraz khaddourProduction & Construction Manager| GSM ProjectDubai, United Arab Emirates
I agree with Stephane Parent, since in project management role you will enteract and involve ur knowledge in all project aspects starting from initiating until closing and you will integrate all the activities being implemented on the project.
Project management contains the project planning and goes further. Saving Changes...
Ahmed SanadProject Director| Siemens EnergyDubai, United Arab Emirates
Thanks all for your replies, now I'm more convinced to keep on my track (Project Management), even if I'm interested to get certified in some planning aspects, but all that in order to be able to control and plan my projects. Saving Changes...
In my opinion, this type of cross functional development is helpful in developing a well rounded project professional. While the specifics of the role you are being offered are unkown, there are a lot of upsides to consider.
You'll be exposed to the "other side of project management", giving you a broader perspective should you return to a traditional project manager role.
You'll bring a fresh perspective to the project planner role, having just recently experienced what it is like to be in the day to day trenches of project management. Saving Changes...
