Thank you all for the stimulating discussion and sharing your perspectives. My own view as a PM myself is that having the right set of experiences, training and background are essentially what it takes to be a Project Manager, but if you also have that innate personality trait, then that's the tipping point that will make you stand out as exceptional. For example, good people skills, intuition, organisation etc. Those are my two cents. Saving Changes...
Luiz Henrique UrbanoProject management| Project engineerSão Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
There is no time when someone will appoint you "Project Manager" and the next day you will have entirely new responsibilities. When High-Administration realizes that you are leading a planning meeting and taking the initiative to coordinate the execution of a venture they will promote you to the position. Try to start as an assistant to a project manager. After some time, ask him to recommend you to coordinate some new and small project, and of course you have to have full knowledge of the tools and good practices for Project Management. Saving Changes...
Albert LehnehrCCO @Swiss Flower Delivery| Flower Delivery SwitzerlandSwitzerland
I like Sergio's response. If I may bring the perspective of a Swiss resident, it would be that personalities who are more analytic and plan ahead carefully definitely have an edge in this industry. But I do believe training is the key to success in any case. PM applies to any profession, from a financier to a local florist. That's the beauty of this profession.
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
I agree with Albert. In another question on the board, a person being named a 'junior PM' wondered about doing well. My suggestion to him, and here as well, is learn as much as possible, then find a mentor, previous PM, someone you respect and learn everything you can from him/her. As you apply what you learn, management will eventually realize they have a resource in you. Saving Changes...
