How to Break into Project Management with No Experience
One misconception about project management is that anyone can be a project manager with little effort or no experience. Project managers are known for wearing many hats and being Jack of all trades. However, outside of the hard skills required to succeed as a project manager, the ability to be resourceful, manage expectations, and think critically takes practice and experience.
A good project manager has knowledge of how businesses operate and general technical knowledge. All of which you can achieve throughout your career without having the project manager title yet.
The way to break into project management depends on where you are in your career. Whether you’re a recent grad or a senior-level professional, there is a place in project management for you! Below are a few steps you can take to get your start.
As an entry-level professional, it’s not a bad idea to get a college degree in project management.
Although not required, it gives you a great start in building the foundation for your career. While studying, apply for project administrator or project coordinator type roles. Working on a project team under the direction of a project manager gives you a leg up as you learn the ins and outs of how a project is planned and executed from beginning to end.
If you’ve already obtained a bachelor’s degree, consider taking it a step further to earn a Master’s degree in project management or a CAPM® certification. Keep in mind that these options are for entry-level professionals with little to no experience. Having the proper education and understanding of PM tools and processes puts you in a great place to apply for a role as an Assistant Project manager and in many cases a Project Manager.
Also, consider if a career in project management is right for you. Do this by finding a mentor who can show you what a day in the life is like managing projects. During my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Sr. Project and Program Managers and had the ability to get a feel of what the trajectory of my career looked like.
It’s likely that a mid or senior-level professional already possesses essential project management skills.
Many mid to senior-level roles require skills in effective communication, problem-solving, and organization. Also having experience working with a team towards a common goal is a huge aspect of being a project manager. Individuals in this stage of their career have a great chance of thriving as project managers.
Nonetheless, it still takes some effort to transition into a PM role. A great first step is to take on special projects in your current role. At this level, you should already know how to interact with cross-functional teams and make quality decisions.
In my opinion, it doesn’t hurt to start applying to PM roles using the transferable skills you have. During this time, it also doesn’t hurt to obtain a project management certificate. Especially if you’re looking for roles outside of your organization or if you’re currently unemployed. Having adequate education and training specifically for project management paired with the skills and experience you already possess, makes your start into project management that much easier.
Here’s a list of project management certifications to consider.
No matter the career level, it’s important to understand that a project management career is very dynamic. While some projects will have a similar framework, changes are frequent. Having the ability to adapt to change, think quickly and effectively is crucial.
Be sure to tune in to the Live August membership call with our pre-conference speaker, Bridgette Jones!
By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
“I created this community out of sheer desperation for myself! As a black woman in the project management industry, I craved a space that would support me in my career evolution as well as understand & support my unique perspective. I couldn’t find it, so I created it!” - Asya Watkins, MBA, 6σGB, PMP®
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