This is the final Q&A from my PM Network column published quarterly by PMI;
I work in a project support role as a Project Co-ordinator and I would like to become a project manager in the near future; how can I plan for this change?
Making the move from project support to managing your own projects is easier to achieve in the organisation you’re currently working for. It’s much more difficult to leave your current organisation and find your first project manager position in the open market because (a) no-one knows your track record (unlike the organisation you currently work for (b) project manager positions in the marketplace for people with minimal (or no) experience in managing projects is actually quite rare.
It’s obvious that you need to gain that all important first hand experience of managing projects and to do this you should be tapping into opportunities within your current role and also within the wider organisation you work for. As you are already working with a Project Manager, is there an opportunity to lead on a particular workpackage or workstream with guidance from your PM? The project manager you currently work for should also be approached and sounded out for the possibility of creating a mentoring relationship with you. This valuable relationship will not only enable you to gain assistance and help while you make the transition in your career, but the project manager will also be your advocate and number one champion in the organisation.
You should widen your own network within the organisation’s project environment: find out where other opportunities exist – are there large projects or programmes that need an additional resource? Are there smaller, low risk projects being kicked off? Is there a project management community with regular meetings or forums which you can request to attend? Whilst seeking out the on-the-job opportunities that exist, you also need to pay attention to your learning and development. Speak to your line manager about project management training options which will complement on-the-job training.
Finally, actively manage your career development plan; carry out regular skills gap analysis which will keep you focused in the areas you need to develop. Set timescales to your plan; to help keep you motivated while you seek out the opportunities.
If there are really no opportunities for you to pursue within your current organisation there is one alternative plan for you to pursue; look for a new project co-ordinator position in the open market where the roles and responsibilities show management of small projects. You may find that your skills and experience in project co-ordination alone will help you to make the shortlist.
You can send us a question for the Q&A Project Management Careers series through the contact form. Just state if you would like to remain anonoymous.
Image © br1dotcom and used with permission.
