Hello good folk, I've recently joined this site looking for some guidance and advice on beginning a career in Project Management. I'm sure I'm not the only one in this position, nor am I the first to post about this, so I do apologize if I'm asking questions which have already been asked.
A little about me, I'm currently in the midst of completing a Diploma in PM via an online course provider as I work full time. I work in a window and door manufacturing plant as part of the preparations team, in addition to my job I'm also the Health and Safety Representative. Being a HSR gives me a huge insight into how the business operates, how to assess risks, the scope of any new projects being introduced among many other things.
My question is in regards to transitioning into PM, and moving not only to another company but also another country. Can anyone please offer any guidance or advice or even what I can expect in terms of taking on such a big process? I'm remaining optimistic with this decision and hope it will go as planned, although I definitely am also quite nervous as I have no idea what lies ahead.
Hello Martin, just get involved in projects of any kind with whatever company you are with. At the same time learn more about PM and get a certification along the way such as CAPM or PMP. The rest will fall into place over time. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Try to join the local chapter and look for volunteering opportunities there. Also, begin to work on your resume (functional) to highlight relateable skills and accomplishments. You can also begin to look for project coordinator or project analyst jobs to get your foot in the door, to build yourself up. Saving Changes...
John TiesoAuthor, Lecturer in Business Management| The Catholic University of America, Busch School of Business & EconomicsArlington, Va, United States
Martin, not sure why you want necessarily to change work areas or even move to another country, but I might suggest that there are ample opportunities in H&S for someone who who has new, innovative ideas on how to improve in those areas. Perhaps your employer might want to move into a new area of project consulting where you could use those skills, gain experience, and progress to a PM in the area which you currently probably know well. Saving Changes...
Cory AlspachProject Management Consultant| NTT DataOwensville, Mo, United States
I agree with all of the above. Getting started is hard, but if you have patience and perseverance, you will succeed. You should try for something entry level, work hard and pay attention to your peers. Be willing to take on new tasks and tell your manager that you want to progress, that will help.
Getting your PMP is hard, but well worth it. Once you join an organization, realize that they may not follow the PMP/PMBOK methodologies exactly, some not at all, but its important to learn how they do it too. Saving Changes...
To add to the excellent advice provided above, I'd recommend asking someone within your close network (i.e. someone who can vouch for your work experience) who resides in your destination country to help with getting your resume in front of a hiring manager to circumvent the usual gate keepers (e.g. HR, recruiting firms) who will quickly eliminate you due to lack of local and/or PM experience.
Assuming you are able to get your foot-in-the-door with such a warm introduction, play up the transferable skills you have which will be directly applicable to a career in project management.
Best of luck!
Kiron Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
To add on my colleagues' comments, you need to prioritize
1. Work on projects, at work or outside, in any capacity
2. Get yourself PMP certified
3. Look at international opportunities
Without the first two, you will find it very difficult to get into another country. Most countries want people who have something valuable to add to their economy. Saving Changes...
Thanks a lot for the replies and great advise! John to answer your question, my wife and I have decided to relocate to New Zealand with our son for a lifestyle change among other things. To provide some context; I decided to enter PM because I am ready for a new challenge and believe I have the skill sets to excel in the profession. I'm definitely using my role at work as a Health and Safety rep to gain experience with consultations, understanding of scope for any new projects being conducted in the company and any other relatable aspects of PM.
I will definitely look into local chapters and volunteer my skills for any projects once I complete my Diploma and I am going to complete my PMP once I start in the field. Again thanks for the great advice, I'm glad to have signed up to such a resourceful and helpful forum.
"More than any time in history mankind faces a crossroads. One path leads to despair and utter hopelessness, the other to total extinction. Let us pray that we have the wisdom to choose correctly."
