How To Have A Successful Career In Project Management by Tyrina Lassiter

If you are reading this article, you are already taking the proper steps to start or elevate your project management career. Congratulations on making that important decision! 

Now that you have decided on this career path, it's time to lay out your career action plan. First, ask yourself, “Why do I want to be a project manager, and what steps do I need to take to gain more experience?”

First, let's think about what you are doing now in your career. No matter what you currently do for a living, your role is part of the bigger picture. Getting into project management allows you to gain more exposure and offers better opportunities for advancement within the industry. 

Then, let's figure out what is it within your current role you love to do. Do you love planning and executing an assignment from beginning to end? Project management is all about leading your team with the provided resources to achieve the desired goal of that project. 

Next, let's discuss the skills you need as a project manager. When you think about project management, it entails:

1. Managing a group of people
2. Handling multiple tasks simultaneously
3. Effective communication
4. Dealing with stress and complex tasks
5. Collaborating with other teams and departments within the organization

Do you have these skills? Is it effectively presented on your current resume? In order to excel in your Project Management career, you must show the employer you have the core competencies to do the job. 

Along with understanding what skills you need to be a Project Manager, you also need experience. “How do I gain experience if I have never been a project manager before?”

If you are currently working, ask your manager if you can have more responsibilities that involve leading a small project in your department. Even if you can just assist in leading a project, that is the experience you can add to your resume. 

You can also get more involved with a current project that is already in the works. Let your manager know your plans of eventually becoming a project manager and if they are a great manager, they will be as much support as they can. Anyone you directly report to must know your career goals to set you up for success.

Now, let's say you already have project management experience. Do you have the proper project management certifications to go along with the experience? I know it can be a pain but unfortunately, you must have these certifications to progress in this field. If you don't know where to begin, speak with a career strategist or an actual project manager and ask them how to obtain a PM certification. 

The 3 important steps you need to take to excel in your project management career.

1. Gain the experience 
2. Obtain any certifications needed
3. Ensure you have a resume that reflects the core competencies needed for the title

Once you have taken these steps, you will have the proper tools to grow in your project management career! 

Need more guidance? Let's set up a meeting to discuss this! Click the link below to set up a meeting with someone from the T. Lassiter Services team. We will develop an action plan so you can be successful and progress in your project management career.

Link to book a meeting: https://calendly.com/tlassiter-services/15min