Tips for starting a career in project management

As a project manager turned project manager coach, I understand the mix of excitement, uncertainty and frustration that comes with pursuing a career in project management. Like many people in the field, my journey wasn't straightforward. It was a squiggly path of discovery, trying out new areas, learning, and ultimately finding my true professional calling.

How I Started in Project Management

Breaking into project management wasn't a said and done. When I finished my education at the University of Limerick, Ireland, the country was experiencing the huge impacts of the financial crises around 2010. A lot of my classmates could not find work and ended up emigrating. Getting a job was very difficult. I felt excited about starting in the professional world, but anxious that I was shooting in the dark, as I didn't know much about the practicalities of the jobs you are applying for. Hundreds of job applications later, I landed my first professional job, working in an agency as an Online Marketing Administrator. I learned tons from this role, but I knew it wasn't exciting me enough to do this forever. So I continued to explore and apply for jobs that came up.

A year later, I left and joined Dell Technologies as a project management analyst. This was my first role in the field. I worked in a sales process reengineering team, helping to make the sales process for customers ordering from Dell faster and more efficient. Time is money when you work in sales!

I put my hand up to any opportunity that came my way, starting by working with someone on a project, then managing my first small project, to eventually leading workstreams in a global, strategic program. This experience helped me learn not only the do's and don'ts of project management but also key skills in areas such as stakeholder management, teamwork, communication, strategic thinking and problem-solving.

My transition to a career in project management wasn't an overnight thing. Project management, or sales processes and technology, was definitely not in my comfort zone. While I am not doubting the value I received from my education, there is nothing that will prepare you for working in project management than just diving in and putting your hand up to opportunities. It requires intentional learning, networking, and a willingness to take on something you haven't done before and deliver it. I invested in a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, sought mentorship, experimenting and leading in new areas, and gradually built the skills and confidence that would define my career in project management.

Since becoming a project manager coach, many of you have asked for my top tips on starting a career in project management.

1. Become certified in project management:

There are a lot of certification pathways you can take in project management technical skills and project management methodologies. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a great start for early-career professionals, while Project Management Professional (PMP), Association of Project Management (APM) or Prince 2 are also widely recognised in the profession. It is worthwhile to do a certification in agile and scrum methodologies. These are used a lot in the technology industries, and other sectors such as financial services are also starting to use these more often.

2. Be visible:

Everyone is on social media, so make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated, showcasing your skills and experience, as this is how people will find you. However, many of you get "lost" and struggle to stand out from the crowd online, even if you post regularly.

So my top tip is to join chapters of professional membership organisations, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Association of Project Management (APM). These organisations run industry conferences and networking events. If you go to these events, introduce yourself and chat with other project managers, they are more likely to remember you from speaking in person, rather than an accepted connection on Linkedin. 

3. Know the roles in the project management space:

There is more to project management than the "project manager". There are lots of other roles in the field that are very similar and will utilise similar skills and experiences. For example, a scrum master and a product owner are some of the agile roles, but the responsibilities are transferrable to a project manager. Take some time to explore these roles to see which ones interest you: scrum master, product owner, programme manager, change manager, portfolio manager, and project management officer (PMO).

4. Emphasise transferrable skills:

Project management welcomes people with a broad range of experience. I have worked with former barristers, executive assistants, human resource business partners, accountants and teachers who have successfully transitioned to project management. The key is to showcase your transferrable skills to the profession. For example, teachers can show planning, organisation, influencing and facilitation skills which are great for a project manager.

Knowledge is also important. If you are an expert in a technology, system or process, highlight it. Sometimes, projects need people who are confident with data and spreadsheets or someone with knowledge of how a department works.

Finally, don't use the general terms for these skills without a story. Bring your experience to life as much as possible when speaking to people or applying for work.

5. Seek experience:

Look for internal project opportunities within your current organisation. If there is a large project or event taking place in the organisation and your team is impacted, think about how you can get involved by making sure it is rolled out successfully in the team, working in partnership with the project manager. 

You could also seek lateral moves in the organisation that involve more project-based work. There are lots of opportunities to get internships and secondments with organisations.

Finally, charities and community-based organisations are always looking for volunteers for short-term projects, and it is a great way to build practical skills in the profession while giving back to others.

Challenges to entering project management:

Every career path has obstacles, and transitioning to project management is no exception. Many people feel unconfident and doubt their knowledge, skills and experience is enough. Many give up and stay in their comfort zone, despite feeling fed up and unfulfilled in their current work and really want a fresh change. 

This is where working with a project management coach like me can help. As a project manager coach, I provide personalised support to help you break into project management, navigate career transitions and build confidence in your project management career potential. You can find more information on my website, and if you would like to explore more on how I can help you, book a call with me.

Looking Ahead

As a future project manager, you know that this move to project management brings lots of opportunity, but also some challenges. Whether you are at the starting line, or you are building your experience in project management, by following these tips for starting a career in project management, you'll build a strong authority in the space to work on the projects you dream of. It will not happen overnight, but your future in project management starts now. All the best with your journey!

About the Author:

Andy Kenneally is The Project Manager Coach, specialising in helping project managers move to fulfilling roles so they can thrive in the next step of their career. He is a PMP-certified project manager with 14 years of experience delivering transformation programmes across banking, professional services, and technology sectors. You can check out Andy’s work on LinkedIn or The Project Manager Coach website, where you can check out his free project manager career tools to help you in your project management career journey.