My Journey to Becoming a Project Manager: A Lecture by Deanna

Introduction

• Speaker: Deanna, Project Manager & Grants Consultant
• Main Topic: Transitioning into Project Management without prior experience.
• Questions on becoming a project manager are welcome.
• No specific college major for project management.
• Today's Agenda: Deanna's Background, Transition to Project Management, Learning/Skills Development, Gaining Experience, Key Takeaways & Tips.

Background

• Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science, Minor in Criminal Justice from Temple University.
• Extensive experience in coffee shops (Starbucks, Saxby's) over nine years.
• Six years as a freelance writer, editor, and proofreader.
• 2018: Grant Writing & Consulting courses at Temple University.
• Independent consultant for three years.
• Roles: Development Coordinator -> Development Manager -> Manager of Grants and Development.

Transition to Project Management

• No official project management title previously held.
• Eight key skills from past experiences applicable to project management:
  1. Stayed in Lane: Moved within related fields.
  2. Managerial Roles: Experienced in leadership in coffee shops, managing schedules, inventory, etc.
  3. Critical Thinking: Essential for unique tasks and projects.
  4. Long-form Writing: Developed from academic and grant writing.
  5. Problem Solving: Key skill required to address various project challenges.
  6. Innovation: Vital for creating and executing new ideas.
  7. Multi-Perspective: Consideration of team members’ perspectives.
  8. Communication: Maintaining effective communication within the team.

Learning and Skill Development

• Top Three Soft Skills:
  1. Healthy Multifaceted Communication.
  2. Leader and Supporter roles.
  3. Problem Solving.
• Initiated self-studying on project management.
• Mentorship from Crystal Hadnot, VP of Development, providing valuable guidance.

Gaining Experience

• Social media campaign project, involving creation of systems and collaboration across teams.
• Natural organizing skills and past job roles aiding in current project management tasks.
• Recognizing past roles involving project management components (scope, time, budget).

Key Takeaways & Tips

• Video Recommendations: One-year project manager work anniversary video, Get ready with me video chat.
• Deep dive inventory of existing skills:
  1. Storyteller: Essential for effective communication and persuasion.
  2. Organizer: Streamlining processes and maintaining order.
  3. Innovator: Being creative and generating new ideas.
  4. Manifester: Promoting the successful completion of projects.
• Research PMP certification for further professional development.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for newcomers to project management.
• Gratitude for viewers and invitation for questions/comments.
• Call to action: Like, share, and subscribe.

• T-shirt Idea: "Goodbye stink"
• Note: Inspired by viewer feedback.

• Sign-off: Deanna expressing gratitude to viewers.