| Topic Name: |
Transition To Project Management |
| Message Name: |
Sage Advice Needed |
| Date Posted: |
09/10/2002 |
| Message: |
I have been in IT consulting for the past five years. The last four years I have been with the same integrator doing very intensive network design and implementations. I have become quite familiar with Cisco technologies and also have a background in Microsoft & Compaq technologies. My undergraduate degree is in business from Georgia Tech. I was asked about a year ago by my current employer to take on project management duties for a WAN integration valued at around $1 million. I was also one of two lead engineers on the project. Previous to this I had no PM experience, and I was supported by my supervisor who assisted me in areas I was less than familiar. Over time I have become acclimated to this position and actually enjoy it much more than the traditional network engineering that I was doing before. I have decided that I want to pursue project management full-time. Given that I have only been a PM for about one year, I am inexperienced by PM standards. My company does not typically perform in a management capacity on client projects, leaving the PM duties to the client's discretion (a mistake in my opinion). I fear that my valuable experience will begin to fade if I am reverted back to typical engineering duties. Does anyone have any advice on how I can parlay relatively little experience in PM, and a solid background in system integration into an associate level PM position? What has helped some of you make that transition? Anything that you look for in a potential candidate?
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