Am I A Project Manager

Am I a Project Manager?Transitioning into the growing field of Project ManagementDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

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)Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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 operationsDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

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 proceduresDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

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 correspondenceDaily maintenance of your websiteDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

Project Life Cycle Defines the stages of a project, the typical activities during that stage and the predicted level of effort.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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!!!! Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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?Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

Let’s take a moment…Look at your resume…

Think about your experience…

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?Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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 programsNote: 1 hour in the classroom = 1 contact hourDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

Project Management EducationProject Management Boot CampsPurpose is to prepare you to take the certification examsMany will provide the 35 contact hours required for certification (get it in writing)Recommended but not without some sort of formal project management educationCosts can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousandDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

In which industry should you manage projects?Two schools of thought…Project Managers—especially certified PMs—can manage projects in any industryProject Managers should manage projects in the industries they are most familiar with or where they are considered a subject matter expert (SME)Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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 manageDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

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.”Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

Project Management Certification Q: 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.Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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 yearsDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

Project Management CertificationFor more info, go to: http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspxSpend 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 handbookDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

Project Management CertificationThe Exam It’s brutal.You muststudy.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 insanityDeveloped and presented by Pamela Robb

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 certifiedWhat else should you consider?Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

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?Developed and presented by Pamela Robb

Am I A Project Manager

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Am I A Project Manager