Many of my readers and students are dealing with the situation we’ve all been in.
They are in less-than-optimal positions or even unemployed, and trying to break into project management.
It’s a tough situation, and even if I can’t give specific advice for your unique situation, there are many general guidelines for you. I write about them all the time on pmStudent.com, and here are just a few examples you may want to look at:
- How To Own Your Project Management Career
- How to Become a Project Manager in 5 Steps
- 4 Secret Weapons in the Battle for Your Project Management Career
- 15 Ways to Hook a Gig as a Project Manager
- pmStudent Mailbag – Project Management Career Advice
- Project Management Career Case Study – Gaining Experience
- Career Tips for New Project Managers (Compiled)
I can also be helpful in sharing my own story in dealing with these situations.
My Story
In 2004 I was laid off from a job as a service operations manager for a start-up. That was when I re-evaluated my career and realized I loved project management. My wife was pregnant with our first child and going to college.
It was scary.
After struggling for 6 months I finally settled and took a job as a call center supervisor and tried to make the best of it. At the same time, I became uber-focused on getting into formal project management. I read, researched, and volunteered.
I started researching other companies in the area. I knew this was a stepping-stone. Getting into the right company might be more important than going after a specific job title.
6 months later, I was laid off….again.
This time, my networking and research had paid off. Within a month, I landed a job at one of the organizations I targeted. I’ve done it several times since, and helped many others do the same.
It can be a long, frustrating road, but you can make it happen.
Project Management Career Blues is a post from: pmStudent
I love to help new project managers and working project managers further their careers.
I also offer online project management training for you!
Thanks Adam. Tribulations like mine only make us stronger if we persevere through them!