You’ve tried so many times. It’s frustrating because the path is not clear. And you are running out of ideas on how to break into a project management career.
It‘s a tough job where experience is critical. Where the incumbents are battle-hardened operators with a long list of skills and expertise.
But how do you get a foot in the door and get a gig as a project manager? How do you get experience in a role where organizations insist on hiring people with experience?
Read on to find out how you can break into a project management career.
#1 Most important thing you can do for a project management career
There are a lot of technical information and skills required by a project manager. Browse project management websites and read a book on project management.
Don’t start without a plan. Write down some questions and targets you may have.
How are you approaching your study? What skills do you need?
Avoid jumping into a course straight away. Research a bit to get an idea and a feel on the different courses out there.
#2 Find a guide to help you navigate the path
Finding a mentor can help you break into project management. Mentors have done it before and have been where you are now.
Build a relationship with your mentor. Learn from their experience and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Run your ideas by them and take in their feedback.
If you can’t find a mentor, authors can also be mentors. Read their books and learn from them to develop your career.
#3 Do the work without the title
Look for opportunities to run a small project at work, in your club or community. Use what you learn and apply to the small project.
Practice what you read and the advice you got from your mentor. Try to understand what went wrong and how you can improve.
Key is to gain experience and practice your skills. Don’t be shy, ask around for opportunities. Something is better than nothing. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
#4 Show that you are keen and driven
When you are starting out certification is important. It shows that you are serious. It shows that you put in the work to learn and understand.
Don’t go for a PMP yet. Start with an entry level certificate. This will give you a good foundation to work on a project as a team member.
Do your research and ask other project team members or your mentor. They will be willing to give you some advice.
#5 The key to breaking into project management
Networking is the key to your aspirations to being a project manager. Building your network will improve your chances to gain experience and get a PM role.
You can join a PM meetup, become a member of a professional body, like the PMI or a community of practice at work.
Turn up to these sessions with a goal, to learn something new and meet other PMs. It’s about building relationships not about finding a job.
#6 This helps you to be a project manager without being one
Your current role can provide opportunities to develop your skills and emotional intelligence. This will come in handy when you go for interviews and when you’re in the role.
Don’t be afraid to try new skills and then reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Practice as much as you can. And as many skills as you can.
Some examples of skills that you can practice include:
- communication
- conflict management
- leadership
- writing
- Influencing
#7 Become a team member of a project
Join a project team. Most PMs have experience in other roles before moving into project management. Some were software developers, engineers or a tradesman.
Do your job to the best of your ability and practice the skills. When the time is right, ask whether you can help in some project management activities.
If you can’t get into a project, ask whether you can get a secondment to a project or get an internship.
It’s hard work and will take time
Yes it’s hard work and it will take time. You now have a clear path to forge ahead. You know what steps to take.
Imagine yourself months or years down the track, being a project manager. You’re great at your job, leading and serving your team and mentoring a young person to be a project manager.
Learn the skills, practice them and gain the experience, network and find a guide. Keep at it, it's doable. Take one step at a time.
One day, you will find yourself in a rewarding and satisfying career in project management.
Further Resources
For more articles on project management, click here.
For other resources including books, click here.
Or you can contact me.