So I've been offered a job at a small startup company (circa 25 employees) that specialise in cloud hosting. I currently work for a large corporate company, my background is telecoms - I've only been a PM for 5 months (but spent years as a project co ordinator).
I want to get into and have experience in IT project management. Working for this company they have no PMs currently so I will be first in, have to set up how the company does it essentially, figure out how we will manage performance of the role etc. They want to start billing PM hours to customers, so a consultative approach - currently they do not do this. The projects are currently small - up to a max of 1 weeks worth and small value, but managing multiple at a time, I imagine this will grow as the company does, and they will potentially expand their PM team.
My question is this - Will this type of role be good experience for me to then get a job in a big IT company in the future? Or does this not necessarily transfer across from small to large companies (having only worked for large corporate firms myself)
Also I'm planning to implement Agile and get certifications in that, currently I have PRINCE2 and work in a prince environment.
Sounds like a good start. Start with small projects, prove your worth, and get bigger projects as time goes on. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
You're currently a PM in the Telecoms industry, and you want experience as a PM in the IT field with a view to move to a big IT company in the future. Is this correct?
Assuming it is, then moving to this small software company is a step in the right direction. Since you're the first PM in the company you'll likely have the chance to work on many different types of project, which will expand your skill set nicely and make you attractive to larger IT companies.
However, why stop there? In addition to gaining IT PM experience, you’re well-poised to become this small company’s Project Management Office (PMO) Director in the near future. This can help you eventually get a job as the PMO Director of a large company, which is usually an Executive-level position. I recommend aiming for that position.
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1 reply by Rik Powell
Sep 05, 2017 5:51 PM
Rik Powell
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Yes I would like to work long term for a large IT company
Would a recruiter for a larger company be willing to accept experience from a PM working on smaller, lower value projects or would they only take on those who have managed large scale multi million pound projects?
You're currently a PM in the Telecoms industry, and you want experience as a PM in the IT field with a view to move to a big IT company in the future. Is this correct?
Assuming it is, then moving to this small software company is a step in the right direction. Since you're the first PM in the company you'll likely have the chance to work on many different types of project, which will expand your skill set nicely and make you attractive to larger IT companies.
However, why stop there? In addition to gaining IT PM experience, you’re well-poised to become this small company’s Project Management Office (PMO) Director in the near future. This can help you eventually get a job as the PMO Director of a large company, which is usually an Executive-level position. I recommend aiming for that position.
Yes I would like to work long term for a large IT company
Would a recruiter for a larger company be willing to accept experience from a PM working on smaller, lower value projects or would they only take on those who have managed large scale multi million pound projects?
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1 reply by Eric Simms
Sep 05, 2017 7:43 PM
Eric Simms
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I don't know the UK business environment, so I can't gauge what the UK’s large IT employers seek in a PM. Here in the States I’ve found it is possible to successfully market yourself to an employer and transition into a job for which you're not a perfect fit. For example, I’d begin by explaining that a PM’s skill isn’t measured by the dollar value of a project; I’d then emphasize the flexibility and problem-solving skills I demonstrated by simultaneously meeting the needs multiple demanding customers in a hectic startup environment, and I’d relate how I skillfully addressed various challenges. If you convince a recruiter that you perform important PM responsibilities exceptionally well, s/he might be convinced to take a chance on you.
Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Sep 05, 2017 5:51 PM
Replying to Rik Powell
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Yes I would like to work long term for a large IT company
Would a recruiter for a larger company be willing to accept experience from a PM working on smaller, lower value projects or would they only take on those who have managed large scale multi million pound projects?
I don't know the UK business environment, so I can't gauge what the UK’s large IT employers seek in a PM. Here in the States I’ve found it is possible to successfully market yourself to an employer and transition into a job for which you're not a perfect fit. For example, I’d begin by explaining that a PM’s skill isn’t measured by the dollar value of a project; I’d then emphasize the flexibility and problem-solving skills I demonstrated by simultaneously meeting the needs multiple demanding customers in a hectic startup environment, and I’d relate how I skillfully addressed various challenges. If you convince a recruiter that you perform important PM responsibilities exceptionally well, s/he might be convinced to take a chance on you. Saving Changes...
Michael DelaneyPartner| Delaney Management LLCWest Chester, Pa, United States
Duo
A small company environment can provide some very good experience and challenges as well. Your Prince2 background should situate you well for software development and you should also look at the Agile development methods. Enjoy the adventure Saving Changes...
Deepa KalangiManager, Program Management, Author, Trainer| CVS HealthCharlotte, NC, United States
Oh, by all means, it is a great start. You will grow into doing everything you want and getting yourself into a bigger IT company and role. Actually smaller companies and a unique challenging role will bring more visibility of the great work you do unlike others where it is a drop in the ocean. Good luck!! Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I was once in the same situation you are, looking at jumping from a large company to a small business. I almost joined but backed out after meeting my prospective manager. Something she said just did not sound right to me.
A few months later I found out the company went bankrupt.
The morale: listen to your intuition, gut feeling, whatever you call it. If you have any reservation, run away. Saving Changes...
