I am curious if anyone has made the transition from Mfg to IT after obtaining their PMP. I've been told from recruiters that a PMP alone won't help you become a PM in the IT field. This makes sense considering I have no experience in IT. BUT having years of experience and a PMP doesn't necessarily put me at the bottom of the totem pole either. I'm wondering if anyone has experience in this type of transition and how you managed to do so. Also what types of jobs would accept you with little to no IT experience? Saving Changes...
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Suha Alaah WardePMP, Chemical Engineer| State company of oil projectsEl Cajon, Ca, United States
As I know the PM not suppose to be IT expert to do his role, but its excellent to have good background in IT works, so I recommend to look for something, training may help you get IT knowledge and then you can take a position as project coordinator at the beginning that enable you to have the experience that they are looking for. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
I transitioned to IT from Agriculture. Since then I have worked in the IT departments within several industries, particularly Pharmaceutical, Federal and Financial, so I have had exposure to a broad range of IT perspectives. IT employees *hate* PMs who have no technical comprehension because it is impossible to talk with them. Such PMs don’t understand the simplest of concepts, so technical people have to spend hours explaining things to them. IT folks like to think quickly, and they despise being forced to slow down for someone who doesn’t have a clue. That said, you don’t need to be a technical expert to succeed as a PM in the IT field. However, you must have a functional understanding of the technical matters your team faces, and know how your team is impacted as a result. Fortunately you can obtain this high level of understanding from a Google search most of the time. In your cover letter, if you demonstrate that you have knowledge of whatever IT areas a company deals in (such as networking, cloud computing, etc.) you’ll distinguish yourself from many other PMs, and you’ll stand a good chance of securing an interview.
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1 reply by Braden Schiavone
Sep 07, 2017 8:37 AM
Braden Schiavone
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I really appreciate the detailed reply. Good to hear you were able to make the transition! IT seems to be the place to be for the foreseeable future. I'll probably try to self educate to stand out. Ads I've seen want to see hard experience as an IT PM. Did you obtain any specific certifications in the tech field? I would never want to be the guy who can't understand the people I'm working with.
Saving Changes...
Ramachandran SwaminathanRegional Delivery Manager| Oracle Consulting IndiaBangalore, Karnataka, India
I got a post graduate degree in Mfg Technology but joined an IT company after completing studies. PMP degree would certainly help you but that only is not sufficient. Even IT projects are divided according to sectors(Manufacturing, Retail & CPG, Communications, Utilities etc). I would suggest that you exploit you manufacturing sector experience to the full potential and join Manufacturing sector based IT project if possible.
Every IT project would need some domain expert, you can be that guy and can since you have PMP you can manage projects too.
Dont project yourself as a pure PM but as a Domain Expert/PM. That would help Saving Changes...
I transitioned to IT from Agriculture. Since then I have worked in the IT departments within several industries, particularly Pharmaceutical, Federal and Financial, so I have had exposure to a broad range of IT perspectives. IT employees *hate* PMs who have no technical comprehension because it is impossible to talk with them. Such PMs don’t understand the simplest of concepts, so technical people have to spend hours explaining things to them. IT folks like to think quickly, and they despise being forced to slow down for someone who doesn’t have a clue. That said, you don’t need to be a technical expert to succeed as a PM in the IT field. However, you must have a functional understanding of the technical matters your team faces, and know how your team is impacted as a result. Fortunately you can obtain this high level of understanding from a Google search most of the time. In your cover letter, if you demonstrate that you have knowledge of whatever IT areas a company deals in (such as networking, cloud computing, etc.) you’ll distinguish yourself from many other PMs, and you’ll stand a good chance of securing an interview.
I really appreciate the detailed reply. Good to hear you were able to make the transition! IT seems to be the place to be for the foreseeable future. I'll probably try to self educate to stand out. Ads I've seen want to see hard experience as an IT PM. Did you obtain any specific certifications in the tech field? I would never want to be the guy who can't understand the people I'm working with.
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1 reply by Eric Simms
Sep 07, 2017 10:06 AM
Eric Simms
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My pleasure; I’m glad to help.
I don't hold any technical certifications, but getting one or two basic ones would definitely benefit you.
Ramachandran's suggestion is good. You could likely secure a Manufacturing IT PM position with ease due to your industry knowledge, and the experience you gain will make you attractive to most IT companies. However, many IT companies want PMs with specific project experience, such as software development or networking. If there’s a particular IT area you want to focus on, you should pursue certifications related to it. If you want to manage a variety of IT projects you could seek employment with a smaller company, or take on consulting positions, if possible. I used consulting positions to transition from a Technical Writer to a Business Analyst to a Project Manager. Recruiters seem much more willing to take a chance on someone when they’re only hiring them for a short duration.
Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Sep 07, 2017 8:37 AM
Replying to Braden Schiavone
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I really appreciate the detailed reply. Good to hear you were able to make the transition! IT seems to be the place to be for the foreseeable future. I'll probably try to self educate to stand out. Ads I've seen want to see hard experience as an IT PM. Did you obtain any specific certifications in the tech field? I would never want to be the guy who can't understand the people I'm working with.
My pleasure; I’m glad to help.
I don't hold any technical certifications, but getting one or two basic ones would definitely benefit you.
Ramachandran's suggestion is good. You could likely secure a Manufacturing IT PM position with ease due to your industry knowledge, and the experience you gain will make you attractive to most IT companies. However, many IT companies want PMs with specific project experience, such as software development or networking. If there’s a particular IT area you want to focus on, you should pursue certifications related to it. If you want to manage a variety of IT projects you could seek employment with a smaller company, or take on consulting positions, if possible. I used consulting positions to transition from a Technical Writer to a Business Analyst to a Project Manager. Recruiters seem much more willing to take a chance on someone when they’re only hiring them for a short duration. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I find transitioning from other industries into IT more accepted than the reverse. It's amazing some of people's background before they make it into IT. Saving Changes...
