How to Become a Project Manager

Jun 10, 2024

Mindmap

How to Become a Project Manager

Introduction

  • Speaker: Adrian, IT Project Manager
  • Discusses the transition to a project manager role
  • Topics: Project Manager role, challenges, career tips
  • Blogger: Tactical Project Manager

What is a Project?

  • Major activity in a company/organization
  • Involves multiple people/departments/technologies
  • New and outside typical operations
  • Examples: New product creation, new process design
  • Contains risk due to new, unfamiliar territory

Role of a Project Manager

  • Keep project moving and under control
  • Ensure project goal is achieved

Adrian's Career Journey

  • Started as IT consultant/developer
  • Enjoyed traveling and colleagues
  • Experienced boredom due to repetition
  • Transitioned to Project Management inspired by colleagues
  • Worked as an assistant to Project Managers initially
  • Assisted with presentations, task follow-ups
  • Gradually took on more responsibility
  • Became official Project Manager after initial PM left
  • Managed growingly complex projects over time
  • Enjoyed business travel and cultural interactions

Challenges Faced

  • Transition is intimidating, requires personal growth
  • Increased communication and interpersonal interaction
  • High pressure managing between team and stakeholders
  • Problem-solving and staying calm under stress
  • Requires practice and adaptation

Becoming a Project Manager

  • Prove you have the right personality and skills
  • Show leadership, communication, problem-solving abilities
  • Seek opportunities within your department or other departments
  • Start in supporting roles: organizing meetings, creating presentations, following up on tasks
  • Make arrangement with current boss for time allocation
  • Learn and improve over time
  • Consider positions like junior project manager, project assistant, project coordinator
  • Typical duration: 1-2 years in assistant roles before becoming a full-fledged PM

Required Skills

  1. People Skills
    • Comfort with large groups, raising voice
    • Sharing and discussing ideas, handling arguments
  2. Communication
    • Clear, effective communication
    • Presenting in front of people
  3. Handling Pressure
    • Work well under stress
    • Maintaining composure under conflicting streams
    • Making rational decisions under pressure

Additional Resources

  • Website: Tactical Project Manager
  • Online course in development
  • Email list for updates
  • Email: [Provided in the video] for personal inquiries