Job Responsibilities
20% of my time is spent in meetings, discussing what markets need
what new packaging or changes to their current packaging.
10% of my time is spent on administrative tasks - email,
researching information for other functional areas, etc.
50% of my time is spent "trafficking" my projects through my
department and other departments containing Subject Matter
Experts.
5% of my time is spent on overseas travel.
15% of my time is spent planning upcoming projects and building
schedules.
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Job Requirements
I have a degree in Biological and Physical Sciences from Indiana
University. While a degree is required at my company, some
companies only require a certification. PMI offers the most
recognized certification, of which there are two levels. The
first requires 4500 hours of project management experience plus
40 hours of classroom training. The second ceritication tier
requires 7000 hours of project management experience. The
classes are not difficult if you think logically and understand
how pieces of a project will inter-relate to each other. My
scientific background provided those skills to me. However,
there are many other areas of discipline that fit nicely into the
porject management profession. Administrators, technical
writers, and IT professionals can often make an easy transition
to project management.
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Uppers
I see a project through from a concept in someone's head to a product on the
shelf. Much like a long to-do list, I get to check off tasks as completed as the
project moves along. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to see what is
accomplished on a weekly basis.
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Downers
I am dependent on a lot of different people to accomplish a
project. This means that politics, personalities, and priorities
can clash. I do not enjoy confrontation, but it is sometimes
necessary in my position.
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Lifestyle
My work hours vary a lot, depending on the phase and importance of a project.
Right now, resources at work are tight. Budgets are tight. The project I am
managing is high-profile, and I often have to report to senior management - VPs
or our CFO. At times, I have worked 80 hour weeks to keep this project on track.
I also pitch in and help other areas when I can. If I can help a team member
complete a task to keep us on schedule, I will. I work for a multi-billion
dollar global company. I travel periodically to Germany and Switzerland. My
company is not as diverse as it could be. The company has recognized this
deficiency and is working to correct it. I see more and more diversity in hiring
practices, and I more diversity in upper managment. We have a business casual
dress code, with casual Fridays. We have a handful of company social events - a
corporate challenge, which is a track-and-field type event, fund-raisers for good
causes like "Walk for the Cure," and we have a company sponsored picnic at the
local zoo.
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Compensation
I started at $51,000 dollars salary. I am eligible for bonuses
up to $5000 annually. I believe the most I have received in
bonuses in a year was around $10,000. We also have a profit
sharing program, which can pay out 5% of your salary. The
benefits are good, with 4% 401k matching, and a 50% match up to
6%. Our company is publicly traded in Europe, so we are not
eligible for stock options.
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Advice to Jobseekers
This field is growing quickly at the present time. Companies
recognize that without a dedicated project manager, major
projects will not get done on time or on budget. Many companies
have started bringing in project managers rather than hiring
outside consultants to do such work. I feel this is a good field
to be in. Since the skills are transferrable, I am not limited
to one business type. I could project manage for any type of
industry. If you are interested in project management, look into
certification programs, as more and more companies are requiring
them. I need mine to get to the next level at work. I will get
mine in the next 6 months, at the company's expense.
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