I have recently graduated with my MBA. I have certification in Project Management but no experience. I have a job as a consultant but I am far from being a Project Manager. I thought this position would open some doors for me but instead I feel closed in. I have joined PMI but most of the job related opportunities are seeking PM's with several years of experience. Is there anyone out there who has felt this and what can be done. I am looking for an opportunity where I can begin to apply my skills and grow. It seems like most employers are more concerned about the million dollar projects or the years of experience I have as a Project Manager.Please give me some sense of direction and hope if you understand where I am. Thanks. Saving Changes...
Your tale sounds very familiar as I have just started off on my PM journey. I would suggest that you start off by thinking small(ish), perhaps joining a medium sized consultancy where you will be thrown in at the deep end (just like me!). In an ideal world you would be able to saddle up with a mentor who could help guide you on your journey..... '
Congratulations on graduating with your MBA and the certification! I understand your frustration level; there are many pros and cons to consulting depending on the type of firm you work for, Tracy. A position as a consultant with a large firm, will afford you the opportunity to learn the job from the ground up, but that statement is quite literal. It is a long road to a PM position in a large consulting firm, but you obtain top-notch training and experience working on various client projects.
On the other hand a smaller consulting firm will give you the chance to really jump in with both feet. You could conceivably be a PM or one step lower upon entering the firm. You would get tons of experience and wear many hats during the project, but buyer beware, you would also work hours that go with that experience! It is a sink or swim situation, but if you handle it well and it is a terrific stepping-stone to a PM job in any company.
Whichever avenue you pursue, the good news is that judging from your proactive approach to your education and job search, a PM job is not far away. Keep showing your strengths to your current employer, speak up with your ideas, volunteer for more responsibilities and above all keep your eye on the prize! With every project you take on, you are a step closer to the PM job you are striving towards!
Check back on our job boards each week as well, Tracy. We have some exciting positions that become available on a regular basis and my door is always open! Feel free to post any questions or thoughts and we ganttheads will be happy to help!
Good luck!
' Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Tracy, staying in your firm (or moving in a year or two) is still time not wasted. For 5 years, I was a developer "itching" to be a PM. I worked for a Big six at the time, but they would not give me the opportunity. But as it tuned out, one of the practice managers left the firm to work with another. Within a short period of time, I came across that manager in an interview. My pitch was that I was looking for a PM role ... that manager gave me the break I needed. So, develop good relations with the people you work with now. It is a small world, and the positive connections you build today will turn into opportunities for you tomorrow! Saving Changes...
Tracy, as you can see from the replies to this topic, all of us have walked in your shoes at one. You are not alone! Learning is a skill and a life long process, so continue to learn, constantly reassess where you're at, take appropriate actions, seek new opportunities, embrace change, and above all, build on your personal strengths. You have already taken the first positive steps forward.
