5 Ways to Start Out in Project Management
Those job postings get you down? How do you get experience without having experience? It can feel pretty daunting when you’re just starting out. Have no fear! These are steps many take on their journey to discover if the project management career is right for you. When you’re looking to pivot to a project manager, here are 5 things you need to know.
1. Certifications — Base requirements in job postings
PMP
If you’re just starting out, it’s unlikely you’ll meet the requirements for a Project Management Professional (PMP) ® Certification if you are freshly minted from uni.
It may feel like a long road. When I first started out, it felt impossible to reach those basic requirements to be eligible. However, with that in mind, you can start taking inventory and logging your much needed hours and education. Everyone has been on this journey and they all took the same first steps.
Don’t let this defeat you. There are other avenues to get you started. Start with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) ® the requirements are perfect for those that have no base experience in project management.
Scrum/Agile
Don’t limit yourself to just the PMP. There 2 main certifications you can pursue right away: Certified Scrum Master and or Certified Scrum Product Owner. There are no prerequisites but it requires a full 2 days (8 hours/day) of learning and pricing unfortunately varies based on the authorized training company. Spend the time shopping around for the best deal. Early bird specials are occasionally available so shop around!
2. Active Listening
I can’t emphasize this enough. Often it’s not about the information (or lack thereof supplied to you); it’s about how you hear what the primary objectives are. And, what body of work will bring the most value. When you’re uncertain, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You aren’t supposed to be the one to know everything. And, if someone has an issue explaining or taking the time to explain key information, this may hinder your ability to be successful. You can see if there are other team members that can provide details or training documents that may help bridge the gap. Don’t let anyone hinder your ability to be successful.
3. Take Good Notes for Yourself
One thing I highly detest is that most people assume the project manager is there to take notes. Yes, we take notes, but the purpose is to hold ourselves and our team accountable for key actions and any commitments made during a discussion, meeting, etc. You are happy to share notes with the team. However, emphasize that the notes are for your use. If a team member is responsible for an activity; then they are on the hook to ensure they have understood the exact request and that you expect them to clarify.
4. Tools
Having the tools to be successful doesn’t mean you have to have the fanciest software (of course it helps). But, it’s always about the metrics. You want to make sure that any tasks/milestones you organize have at least some of: Task, Description, Due Date, Status, Assignee. Don’t be afraid to post this on a weekly cadence to ensure teams are clearing out their items. Prioritize items and make a note of must haves vs. nice to haves.
5. Review Your Progress
If you’ve been tracking your career path, having a log of the activities you need to do or certifications you need to complete is important. Track and review your progress regularly. Whether it’s week-to-week or every couple weeks make it a habit. It will help see how far you have come in the efforts to move into the project management career path.
Final Thought
Just like on the first day of school. It’s all about the stepping stones. Mapping out the direction and having a game plan will help you focus. It also helps you visualize all the work you’ve done and any steps remaining to complete. It’s important to see your efforts and allow yourself the time necessary to learn and flourish in your job or career goals. If you feel a bit stuck, take some time to research resources like LinkedIn, Working Groups within the Industry.
I found that many folks over the years are friendly and happy to share their knowledge; networking helps you understand how others have walked the path before you. Take the time to enjoy the steps as you learn and grow in your career.
