Melinda OutlawProject Manager| Optum InsightWilliamsburg, Va, United States
I have been certified for 3 years now. Although I have held PM positions prior to receiving the certification, they were mostly a lead role and not using the actual PMBOK areas to run the project. Ironically, after becoming certified, I have only had 1 PM role. Where can I gain some skills to improve my ability to perform in future roles. Are there opportunities to work for free or volunteer just to get the experience Saving Changes...
Mohamed HassanProject Management Consultant, Author and Speaker| LIFELONGKuwait, Kuwait
In my opinion it will be good if you volunteer as a Project Manager in a Non For Profit Organization and in the meanwhile to maintain your knowledge you can help others to pass the PMP exam and by this way you can maintain your knowledge as well. Saving Changes...
Thomas KennedyProject Engineer| BPAberdeen, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
My first action would be to work with my existing company to develop a development plan that sets you up for the career path you want, by having an open and honest discussion with your line manager it lets them know what you're after and may lead to new assignments that'll help you.
If that type of support is not available in your company, as the others have said seek volunteer opportunities to get that experience and look for new roles, the qualification and volunteering will help you. Saving Changes...
Mudassar KhanProgram (Project )Manager| Woodward Canada IncPeterborough, ON, Canada
Dec 15, 2016 2:19 PM
Replying to Heather DeGeorge
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Melinda--definitely look at the VRMS at PMI for volunteer opportunities and get involved with your local chapter. But you would be surprised what you can apply the PM principles and processes to in your personal life. In the absence of formal corporate project work, I have found countless life opportunities to exercise the principles and processes of project management. I coach a competitive science team for my son and when I tell you that it exercises every. single. area. of project management I'm not even kidding. Likewise, I attack my family's own home renovation projects using PM methodology and practices.
At the end of the day, the important thing is practicing the skill set so that you are on point and understanding the potential pitfalls of the processes. The domain you apply them to is less relevant (which is a contentious topic, I realize). You can find projects everywhere. They just may not be enterprise-sized. I find that making formal projects out of life opportunities gives me a great deal of practice with the variations that come with projects in corporate America.
Of course, my husband doesn't always love this and sometimes, people may look at you a bit odd when you insert a more rigorous process than other see as necessary but not so much that they opt out of working with you.
I agree with Heather as At the end of the day, the important thing is practicing the skill set so that you are on point and understanding the potential pitfalls of the processes. The domain you apply them to is less relevant (which is a contentious topic, I realize). You can find projects everywhere. They just may not be enterprise-sized. I find that making formal projects out of life opportunities gives me a great deal of practice with the variations that come with projects in corporate America. Saving Changes...
Joanna ManiscalcoCommunity Support Assistant| 4 HIS Glory GiftsNew Port Richey, Fl, United States
Nov 14, 2016 9:08 PM
Replying to Melinda Outlaw
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Thanks so much Rami. So much for trying to save that extra 30 bucks lol.
Funny I was thinking the same thing. Guess I will look into it also. Saving Changes...
Satish SharmaCertified SAP S4Hana 1909 Financials Expert| FreelanceNew Delhi, India
Process of growth of a PM is slower and similar to growing ones influence on projectmanagement.com. As a golden rule to remember, certification boosts your credentials and provides a window ibto a work stream, but it doesnt guarantee a sustained growth. You have to look around, and become agile into getting to your pursuit of grabbing a good role for your professional growth.
Communication is an essential part to tell people about what your strengths are , how can you help an organisqtion with your knowledge and skills. Moreover, choose to network with professionals in your area of oprations for continued updates and sharing of ideas. In my opinion, winning and interview is not all, you need to find out what it takes to excell in a practice area. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
As Rami pointed out, start with your local Chapter - there are volunteering and networking opportunities. Saving Changes...
I would recommend to meet people, with similar roles and see how they are doing things differently. This is going to help us gain more experience and knowledge. Attend seminars over PMI sites. Saving Changes...
Kristie YoungCustomer Success Account Manager| MicrosoftApollo Beach, Fl, United States
There are lots of great suggestions on this thread. Meeting with our existing environment to determine what else you might be able to be involved with to grow and use your skills is a great piece of advice. There are so many projects going on in organizations to gain experience from, even if you are not fully leading them as the PM role as another person stated. Reaching out to your chapter is a great resource as well as local businesses that might want some volunteer PM help within their organization. It builds your experience and also lets them see your skills for potential opportunities in the future and for potential leads. Growing your network and gaining mentors is also very helpful in expanding. Again, all great insight here from others - great read. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
I transitioned from being a Business Analyst to a Project Manager by volunteering as a Project Manager with a well-known non-profit organization (the Salvation Army). I just walked into the local branch and asked if they needed help with any projects. They were only too happy to accept.
It was excellent practice, as I got to run projects without dealing with bureaucracy and organizational interference. It also helped me get my first paid Project Manager job, as the experience impressed many recruiters when they saw it on my resume. Saving Changes...
Andy SilberSenior Technical Project/Program ManagerSeattle, Wa, United States
My early experiences as a PM were on projects where I started off as an individual contributor, but as the project grew and a PM was needed, I took on that role because I knew the project the best. After doing that a couple of times, I got my PMP certification and started actually looking for jobs as a PM.
Make sure you're in a position where you're learning and growing (not necessarily as a PM) and be open to whatever opportunities life presents. Also, look for opportunities to use your skills both at work and outside of work.
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1 reply by Naomi Caietti
Mar 05, 2017 2:07 PM
Naomi Caietti
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Great to see you here Andy. Send me a message about your book; we'll chat. Thanks.
