Usually after certain number of years of experience, people are promoted to Lead and Manager positions. But I would recommend that go for such positions only if you possess leadership skills, like to be challenged more often, can bear pressure, can work in unpredictable situations, etc.
Project manager's job is a kind of roller coaster ride. You will have to make a path in ups and downs. So, if you are self-motivator having go getter attitude then you should choose this position.
After all, management is nothing but 'getting the work done' which is quite difficult than doing the work ourselves. :) Saving Changes...
Matthew MoreyProject Turn Around and Recovery Expert| C4 Explosive Leadership Training LLCOld Hickory, Tn, United States
I had been doing it for years prior to even knowing that it was a career choice. During my time in the military, I was even a Special Projects Officer for a Division. When I left the military I was interviewing for a sales job, and the Director looked at the resume, asked me a couple of questions and then passed me to the VP of Projects for the company. The rest is history.
To echo Sonali, I agree that you need to have not just the technical but leadership and communication skills to survive as a PM. Indeed, the best things about PM are also the most frustrating: every day is different and you never get done 1/2 of what you thought you would in that day. If you can lead people, adjust to circumstances, and in the process maintain the iron triangle, then you are probably doing well. It definitely is a challenge! Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Three reasons:
1. I got sick of working for incompetent PMs who wasted my time and effort.
2. I enjoy the challenge of arranging a project's many moving parts
3. I enjoy seeing people's satisfaction when they're part of a well-executed project Saving Changes...
Thirukkumaran NTProject Deputy Manager| Adani Gas LtdCoimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
I feel PM is not mere a designation but a self challenging role to prove one's collective skill,knowledge and experience Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I enjoy helping others to get things done, and leading them through the, sometimes, crazy path required Saving Changes...
I have to say that I agree with everyone else's reply, I can't take it when an office / project is ineffective. Being able to make everyone's working experience better with effective planning and control is the best Saving Changes...
How to get around the catch-22? I had a couple of roles that gave me PM experience, but not enough for the roles out there. Most are requiring 5-7 years experience, while the others require more than 7 years. Saving Changes...
Mike DewingSenior Project Manager / Program Manager| MLD Holdings Ltd.Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Kinda just fell into it. My interests, skillsets and desires just lead me to the role. I think it is fun, challenging and enjoy it... for the most part. We all know some days can be a little more 'interesting; than others. Seeing success of our teams and the changes we implement is very rewarding for me. Saving Changes...
Adnan ShareefEPMO Director| JEDCO (Jeddah Airports Company)Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
I'm result-oriented & always looking for achievements. I also enjoy planning & team leading. PM role gave me the opportunity to achieve, see the results of my planning & team leading. Saving Changes...
Ed Tsyitee JrConsultant | Consultant Tucson, Az, United States
I earned my first Masters in Human Resource Management. After seeing job postings for HR that required project management skills, I decided to go back to school and learn project management skills. My second Masters is Project Management. So, why did I become a project manager? Because it positively impacts people and companies in more ways than people realize. I think the role is challenging, has many moving parts, and every day is different. Saving Changes...
