Am I A Project Manager

Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

Am I a Project Manager?Transitioning into the

growing field of Project Management


First things first…What is a project?Many variations but all projects have the following

characteristics:UniqueResponse to or solution to a particular needTemporary in natureWell defined collection of tasks that are completed

in a sequence (schedule)Uncertainty = risks

“A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service.” (PMI.org)


Project Managers v. Functional ManagersBoth plan, schedule, motivate, and controlProject Managers plan schedule, motivate,

and control for temporary, non-repetitive activities for a fixed amount of time (i.e. the life of the project)

Functional Managers take over existing operations


Project Managers v. Functional Managers, cont.Project Managers create teams and

organization where none existed before (Gray, 2009)

Functional Managers manage dedicated staff and establish standard operating procedures


Project v. Routine WorkProject Routine WorkBaking a cake for a

birthdayWriting a paperImplementing a CRM

databaseCreating an e-blast to

promote a product on your website during Halloween

Weekly grocery shoppingAttending class and

taking notesSending regular

customer correspondence

Daily maintenance of your website


Project Life CycleDefines the stages of a project, the typical activities during that stage and the predicted level of effort.


Taking a look at your background…First, review your professional background:

Look at your resume. Go back to your old files. Did you complete a project that wasn’t

necessarily part of your job? Don’t rely on your job title!!!!


Your background, cont. …Next, look at the volunteer work you’ve done…

Great source of project work.Do you have someone who can vouch for your

work?Can you demonstrate that you led the effort

from beginning to end?Does your volunteer work meet the definition

of a project?


Let’s take a moment…

•Look at your resume…•Think about your experience…•Ask yourself:• Do I/have I managed projects or

operations?• Can I identify real projects I’ve

managed in the past 8 years?• Do I have experience managing all

stages of a project?


You’ve managed projects… Now what?

Get “plugged in” to the project management community.

Take stock of your education thus far.Consider in what field you might manage

projects.Determine whether or not certification is

an option.


Getting plugged in…Step 1: Join the Project Management

InstituteGo to www.pmi.orgIf you are taking classes, join as a student—no

matter how old you are!Participate in the Communities of Practice (you

can join as many as you like! It’s part of your member fee.)

Join your local PMI Chapter while you’re at it—this is where you’ll most likely network with other PMs.

http://www.pmi.org/


Getting plugged in…Step 2: Join other project management groupsGo to Linked In and join some of the groups there.Listen to and participate in the conversations!Don’t be afraid to let people know you are a “new”

project manager, or a “transitioning” project manager.Ask for advice on getting started—this is by far one of

the hardest stages of a project management career.Step 3: Get active!Become a PMI volunteer—get active!Volunteer to lead projects with other organizations.


Project Management Education

Get your 35 contact hours of formal project management education. Many colleges and universities offer online and traditional bachelor’s and master’s level courses.IT Project ManagementConstruction Management MBA with Project Management specialtyLook for accredited programs

Note: 1 hour in the classroom = 1 contact hour


Project Management EducationProject Management Boot Camps

Purpose is to prepare you to take the certification exams

Many will provide the 35 contact hours required for certification (get it in writing)

Recommended but not without some sort of formal project management education

Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand


In which industry should you manage projects?Two schools of thought…

Project Managers—especially certified PMs—can manage projects in any industry

Project Managers should manage projects in the industries they are most familiar with or where they are considered a subject matter expert (SME)


PMs can manage in any industry…Based on the theory that if we all subscribe to

the best practices detailed in the PMBOK ® we should all respond to the needs of the project in the same way. Yes, but…No two projects are alikeNo two industries are alikeEach industry has it’s own norms, terminology,

methodologies, idiosyncrasies, etc. A PM needs to have detailed knowledge to

effectively manage


PMs should only manage in their area of expertise…Based on the theory that project management is a

skill rather than a profession.Reason why Project Manager is not a listed occupation

in the Occupational Handbook.For example, a marketer goes to school to learn how to

market a product or service and apply various best practices. The way that they carry out these activities can be characterized as marketing campaigns (or projects). Marketers manage campaigns (projects) but still consider themselves, “marketers” rather than “project managers.”


In which industry should you manage projects?The industry(ies) you have a background in.Industries you have an interest in.Completely new industries you feel you can

learn.


Project Management CertificationQ: Do you need certification?A: Well…, no.

But certified project professionals carrying one of the five designations make roughly 10% more in salary (PMI.org).

Based on PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)®

Certification demonstrates that you have the basic education, skills, knowledge, and ability to manage projects across all disciplines using best practices outlined in the PMBOK.


Project Management CertificationQ: Can anyone get certified?A: Well, yes; but….

There are education and experience criteria that must be met before one is eligible to sit for the exam.

For the Project Manager Professional (PMP)®…35 Contact Hours of formal education36 months of non-overlapping experience/45oo

hours leading and directing projectsExperience must have occurred within the last 8

consecutive years


Project Management CertificationFor more info, go to:

http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspx

Spend time reviewing the 5 different certificationsProject Management Professional (PMP) ®Certified Associate in Project Management(CAPM) ®Program Management Professional (PgMP) ®PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) ®PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)®

Become familiar with the corresponding handbook

http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspx


Project Management CertificationThe Exam It’s brutal.You must study.It is recommended to invest in a certification “boot

camp” in addition to college-level courses because:You’ll learn how to take the examYou usually get a copy of the PMBOK ®You’ll get other study materials to help you

understand the PMBOK ®Practice ExamsYou’re not alone in your insanity


We’ve just scratched the surface…

We’ve looked at what it takes to become a project manager:“Plugging in”Your educationYour industry of choiceWhether or not you should get certified

What else should you consider?


Do you have a PM Temperament?Can you unify diverse groups of people?Can you manage multiple tasks at the same

time?Are you a stickler for documentation?Are you calm under pressure?Can you tolerate constant change?Can you manage up, down, and across?Do you prefer direct communication or

indirect methods?Are you sensitive to the needs of various

stakeholders?


Do you have a PM Temperament?Can you think on your feet?Are you the one with the solutions?Can you anticipate issues/risks and figure out how

to resolve them before they occur?Do you have a basic aptitude for statistical

reporting?Are you analytical?Are you detail oriented?Can you see the big picture? And can you sell it to

others?Can you say no? And confidently explain why?


Do you have a PM Temperament?Can you manage rather than “do”?Can you motivate others and build a strong team?Can you make everyone feel like their needs are

being met?Can you stand being hated?Can you stand being blamed?Are you collaborative?Can you trust your team?Will you be able to sleep at night…even if your

project is failing?


Is your head spinning yet?Are you wondering why you

wanted to be a Project Manager?

Don’t worry. Many of “us” have been managing projects for years and are still wondering.

Others enjoy the challenge and can’t imagine doing anything else.


RESOURCES…PMI.orgPMI Membership—join!Local PMI ChaptersPMBOK ® (free to PMI members!)Local Gurus

My personal favorite, Carl PritchardCollege, Universities, and government

trainingLinked In groupsYour personal network


Questions?

Am I A Project Manager

Documents

Transcript of Am I A Project Manager