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What is your advice how to find PM entry level job in software industry?

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MIODRAG ARULA Medical Billing Specialist| Self-Employed Houston, Tx, United States
I have 15+ years of non-american brand/marketing management experience. Recently I relocate from Europe to Houston, TX. I passed PMI/PMP exam. My intention is to enter in the software industry and manage the projects. Thank you.
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Cliff Gardner Louisville, Ky, United States
Miodrag,

You may find it difficult to find an entry level PM job specifically in software if you do not have any past experience in software. A path I have seen a lot of people take, myself included, is to start as a business analyst in software (many transferable skills) and then work your way into a PM position after you've gained a good understanding of software projects, development methodologies, stakeholders roles and interactions, etc.

I know this isn't exactly what you're looking for but I hope you find it helpful. Software projects are always interesting and I doubt you'll ever be bored.

Best of luck!
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MIODRAG ARULA Medical Billing Specialist| Self-Employed Houston, Tx, United States
Thank you, Cliff. My thoughts were similar. Any advice for entry BA positions? I am a very fast learner and very strong in analytics and business logic.
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States
Hi Miodrag and welcome to USA.

Allow me some questions/comments

- Are you sure? Software? From Marketing, this will not be easy. I am not questioning your learning skills, my doubt is the job market.

- Project Manager, product manager, BA...Don't rush. Spend some minutes thinking in your career path.

- Contact your local chapter. Maybe they will offer mentorship programs that will help you.
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1 reply by MIODRAG ARULA
Jan 19, 2017 4:32 PM
MIODRAG ARULA
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Thank you, Maria. You think that is the better situation with a Marketing job market? I know that in USA you need (in most of the cases) to start from the beginning. Everybody knows that software industry is the future of everything and there are opportunities. I think I could be successful in that area and one day very successful PM, just need, not a whole chance, just half a chance :) How to find it? That is the question.
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Stéphane Parent Self Employed / Semi-retired| Leader Maker Prince Edward Island, Canada
Have you considered joining a local Toastmasters' club? Not only will it provide you a forum for improving your communication and leadership skills but it will also provide you with local networking for opportunities.

My search reveals over 180 clubs in the city! Visit a few of them and see if you click with one of them.
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3 replies by MIODRAG ARULA and Mayte Mata Sivera
Jan 19, 2017 4:19 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
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Great tip!
Jan 19, 2017 4:22 PM
MIODRAG ARULA
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Thank you, first time heard about that!
Jan 20, 2017 3:52 PM
MIODRAG ARULA
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Toastmasters` local club done! The first meeting will be during next week.
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States
Jan 19, 2017 4:15 PM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
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Have you considered joining a local Toastmasters' club? Not only will it provide you a forum for improving your communication and leadership skills but it will also provide you with local networking for opportunities.

My search reveals over 180 clubs in the city! Visit a few of them and see if you click with one of them.
Great tip!
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MIODRAG ARULA Medical Billing Specialist| Self-Employed Houston, Tx, United States
Jan 19, 2017 4:15 PM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
...
Have you considered joining a local Toastmasters' club? Not only will it provide you a forum for improving your communication and leadership skills but it will also provide you with local networking for opportunities.

My search reveals over 180 clubs in the city! Visit a few of them and see if you click with one of them.
Thank you, first time heard about that!
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MIODRAG ARULA Medical Billing Specialist| Self-Employed Houston, Tx, United States
Jan 19, 2017 4:10 PM
Replying to Mayte Mata Sivera
...
Hi Miodrag and welcome to USA.

Allow me some questions/comments

- Are you sure? Software? From Marketing, this will not be easy. I am not questioning your learning skills, my doubt is the job market.

- Project Manager, product manager, BA...Don't rush. Spend some minutes thinking in your career path.

- Contact your local chapter. Maybe they will offer mentorship programs that will help you.
Thank you, Maria. You think that is the better situation with a Marketing job market? I know that in USA you need (in most of the cases) to start from the beginning. Everybody knows that software industry is the future of everything and there are opportunities. I think I could be successful in that area and one day very successful PM, just need, not a whole chance, just half a chance :) How to find it? That is the question.
...
1 reply by Mayte Mata Sivera
Jan 19, 2017 5:16 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
...
I've realized that networking is more important than in Europe on the adventure to get a job.

It's for that my first recommendation was to contact your local chapter, or as Stéphane pointed Toastmaster, join local LinkedIn groups.

I'm living here almost 2 years. I led one big IT project for a big European Manufacturing company based here in Utah After that...I'm looking for an opportunity more or less 11 months. (It is supposed that I'm living in the Silicon Slopes, promised land for IT, after Silicon Valey)

In the cases that I've arrived at a face-to-face interview, was due to a recommendation.

Another tip, here the hiring process are slower than in Europe. Cultural differences are huge, not only in how you'll need to adapt your resume or cover letter, also in the interview process. Try to adapt to the American style as soon as possible.

As you are in Texas, take a look at the IT big companies, IBM, Accenture, HP, Deloitte, SAP, Oracle, Addobe....Also, keep an open eye to your state department website, sometimes they promote job fairs in different sectors.

Good Luck and keep is posted about your job hunting adventure + changing career path.
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Mayte Mata Sivera PMO Leader | Speaker | Author Ut, United States
Jan 19, 2017 4:32 PM
Replying to MIODRAG ARULA
...
Thank you, Maria. You think that is the better situation with a Marketing job market? I know that in USA you need (in most of the cases) to start from the beginning. Everybody knows that software industry is the future of everything and there are opportunities. I think I could be successful in that area and one day very successful PM, just need, not a whole chance, just half a chance :) How to find it? That is the question.
I've realized that networking is more important than in Europe on the adventure to get a job.

It's for that my first recommendation was to contact your local chapter, or as Stéphane pointed Toastmaster, join local LinkedIn groups.

I'm living here almost 2 years. I led one big IT project for a big European Manufacturing company based here in Utah After that...I'm looking for an opportunity more or less 11 months. (It is supposed that I'm living in the Silicon Slopes, promised land for IT, after Silicon Valey)

In the cases that I've arrived at a face-to-face interview, was due to a recommendation.

Another tip, here the hiring process are slower than in Europe. Cultural differences are huge, not only in how you'll need to adapt your resume or cover letter, also in the interview process. Try to adapt to the American style as soon as possible.

As you are in Texas, take a look at the IT big companies, IBM, Accenture, HP, Deloitte, SAP, Oracle, Addobe....Also, keep an open eye to your state department website, sometimes they promote job fairs in different sectors.

Good Luck and keep is posted about your job hunting adventure + changing career path.
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1 reply by Anupam
Jan 20, 2017 1:11 AM
Anupam
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Don't forget TCS :)
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Great advise from our fellow colleagues.
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Anupam India
Jan 19, 2017 5:16 PM
Replying to Mayte Mata Sivera
...
I've realized that networking is more important than in Europe on the adventure to get a job.

It's for that my first recommendation was to contact your local chapter, or as Stéphane pointed Toastmaster, join local LinkedIn groups.

I'm living here almost 2 years. I led one big IT project for a big European Manufacturing company based here in Utah After that...I'm looking for an opportunity more or less 11 months. (It is supposed that I'm living in the Silicon Slopes, promised land for IT, after Silicon Valey)

In the cases that I've arrived at a face-to-face interview, was due to a recommendation.

Another tip, here the hiring process are slower than in Europe. Cultural differences are huge, not only in how you'll need to adapt your resume or cover letter, also in the interview process. Try to adapt to the American style as soon as possible.

As you are in Texas, take a look at the IT big companies, IBM, Accenture, HP, Deloitte, SAP, Oracle, Addobe....Also, keep an open eye to your state department website, sometimes they promote job fairs in different sectors.

Good Luck and keep is posted about your job hunting adventure + changing career path.
Don't forget TCS :)
...
2 replies by MIODRAG ARULA and Mayte Mata Sivera
Jan 20, 2017 10:18 AM
MIODRAG ARULA
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Sorry, is the meaning of that abbreviation is Tata Consultancy Services and why TCS? Thank you for your time and response.
Jan 20, 2017 1:56 PM
Mayte Mata Sivera
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That's true! Good point Anupam they are global and with a good presence in USA.
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