How does a techie get into PM work - advice?

Braley Simonton Carmel, In, United States

I have been in the IT support role for about 10 yrs...specifically, Telecom. I am now at a point where I want to make a career move into project management but have little experience. From my understanding, techies are needed in the PM industry and I would like to jump into it. I have a possible job opportunity as a PM if I would like but I want to make sure that I don't fall on my face once I get the position. I realize that there are a lot of PM's that went to school for this but how would someone like me seek out and learn the PM industry without going to class? I have 6 months to determine if PM work is for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Braley

Posted: Jul 30, 2007 10:36 PM

Robert Prol Project Manager| KPMG LLP East Sandwich, Ma, United States

I'd start by reading the PMBOK to see if the process lights you up, and then find PM Network magazines to get an idea of what PMs do.

In my last position (medical education industry) I led a team of 8 PMs, and one was a telecom retread. I only took him on as a consultant to cover excess workload because he was out of work and he was willing to assume the risk of fitting in. After a few months, he showed his value and I hired him. He's now 3 years on that job, and doing great. I then interviewed another telecom person trying to get in PM (hoping to get a winner again), and he had great technical skills, but little going for him in personality and drive.

There are lots of areas where you can apply PM where you don't need technical skills. Soft skills are arguably more important than the IT skills. It's your personality you'll use more than your technical skills.
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Posted: Aug 1, 2007 12:00 PM

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How does a techie get into PM work - advice?

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