- Getting your first project management job requires that you know what you need to do as a Project Manager. We recommend that you read the PMI’s guide “What is Project Management?” at https://pmi.org/about/learn-about-pmi/what-is-project-management… to get a good understanding of the role. Also, find out more about the skills, responsibilities, and qualifications required for a project management job on PMI’s Career Central at https://pmi.org/career/career-central
- Now that you know what it takes to become a PM, start assessing your current capabilities and skills. Identify the ones that you already have that are aligned with project management, then note the ones that need to be improved. This self-assessment will help you create a targeted plan. Use this https://mindtools.com to help you with the assessment.
- As you develop your skills, consider taking online courses or certifications to gain a deeper understanding of project management principles and methodologies. Check out platforms like Coursera, Udemy, PMI and of course ABPMX. In terms of certifications if you’re new to project management, start with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification https://pmi.org/certifications/certified-associate-capm before going down the PMP lane https://pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp. Also consider other certifications like PRINCE2, Agile, or Scrum, depending on your location, industry, and job you’re interested in. Check out AXELOS for PRINCE2 certification details, https://axelos.com/certifications/prince2.
- After developing our skills and building our knowledge, it’s time to put it to use. No! You don’t start applying for contract project management jobs just like that, do you? Just as you did when you finished school, you need to demonstrate that you can implement all you’ve learned through work experience. Start by volunteering for PM roles either in your current org or within community organisations to gain hands-on experience. You can find opportunities on platforms like Volunteer Match. Also, you can offer to assist experienced project managers with their projects to learn from their expertise. If you can’t find experience, create one by freelancing on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer to find small projects to manage and build your portfolio.
- Now that you know what it takes to be a PM, armed with the knowledge, skills, and work experience, it is time to reflect it on your CV/Resume and cover letter, which is your live portfolio. You can create these using tools like Resume Genius, Canva and Live Career.
- When it comes to landing any job let alone a PM role, being visible is key. This opportunity won’t just present itself; you have to show up and learn the art of networking; but before you do, make sure your online profiles are clean, especially your LinkedIn profile. Start to see your online as your CVs and proof that you can do the job. So, make sure you update your LinkedIn profile and use it to reflect your interest in project management. Share and highlight your relevant skills, certifications, and volunteer experiences. Also, use it to connect with professionals in the space and join the PM-related LinkedIn groups.
- Another way to showcase your project management work experience is to start a PM focus blog (just like the one you are reading). Sharing your PM knowledge and insights on your blog not only demonstrates your interest in the field, it also showcases your expertise, and it will most definitely improve your writing skills (as communication skill is highly recommended to have as a PM), and this will surely attract potential employers/clients. Don’t know how to start? Use Medium or write articles on @LinkedIn.
- When we run our workshops, we are always keen to provide our delegates with practical hands-on experience and the opportunity to showcase their ability to handle project-related challenges using PM tools and techniques to successfully execute the project from start to finish. So, if you can, we encourage you to look out for mock projects to work on. Or you can create one for yourself and a few other enthusiasts from your network group and find an experienced PM to support. Go to <page> to learn more about our upcoming practical workshops.
- Raise your hand up if you are new to project management and have only applied for project manager roles without exploring entry-level opportunities like project coordinator, admin or support positions? Whhhhhyyyyy? If you truly want to establish yourself in this space and increase your chance of landing your first PM job, we’d advise that you start applying for entry-level project management positions right away! Look for opportunities in small organisations, startups, or companies that offer training programs for aspiring project managers. And don’t forget about the Web3 job opportunities. Also, broaden your search into various industries, such as IT, healthcare, and construction. This will build up your skill set and increase your likelihood of landing your ideal PM role in the near future. Head over to our very own job board to learn about current and future opportunities.
- While you are actively searching for mentorship and guidance for insight and career advice, please put in the time and effort to prepare for your interviews. To build your confidence, consider doing mock interviews with friends, family or colleagues. Use your phone or get onto MSTeam, Zoom or Google Meet. Better still, why not request informational interviews with professionals already working in project management? This is a common practice I’ve seen in the tech space (a friend of mine did this before landing a role at Meta). This will help you to learn from their experiences and potentially uncover hidden job opportunities. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals and request informational interviews.
Land your first Project Management job
