Every time I publish a job posting to hire a Project Manager, I receive applications from candidates who are working as developers. These individuals are seeking to transition laterally into a new role. With interactive Project Managers being harder to come by, I've decided to consider how a developer could bring value to a project management role. In this entry, I'll share my personal point of view on the good and bad of this substantial transition.
The Bad: I've been witness to more than one developer migrating into a PM role. The greatest challenge they will face is self-created - many 'outsiders' underestimate the complexity and stress of the job. As a result, their indoctrination into project management is clouded by immediate disenchantment and anxiety. Renowned author, Seth Godin, speaks about a concept called The Dip in a book he published. The basic premise is that anything worth achieving is worth working through - particularly in the harder times, when many people tend to give up. Project management is a career that can be trying, but if you're able to stick with it when it gets tough, the rewards on the other side of the challenges will be worth the effort. Developers moving into project management must remember that - give it time and put in the effort. In the long run, it will pay off.
The Good: Transitioning from developer to Project Manager is not entirely a bad decision. In fact, there are some distinct benefits with this scenario:
- An understanding of the full technical development process.
- A good grasp on how client requirements can be achieved technically.
- Better judgment relating to time estimates for technical work effort.
- You speak in developer 'language', making for improved communication with those resources.
- An outside perspective always sheds light on how things may be done differently (better).
- A methodical, logical developer who relies on thorough documentation may find some of these qualities translate well as a Project Manager.
The landscape of the interactive space is changing very rapidly. More work is being outsourced off-shore, and as a result, technical work may diminish, but the need to project management will only increase. If you are a developer considering making a move to project management, due diligence is required to understand the reality of the job. If you work with Project Managers, pay closer attention to their responsibilities and contributions - ask them questions - most will be happy to give you some insight. Also consider the short and long-term advantages of such a move. It is a big decision that needs to be planned out and assessed.
Showing posts with label career planning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career planning. Show all posts
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Sunday, October 21, 2007
How to Break Into Project Management
Since publishing this blog, I've received numerous messages asking how a person can break into project management. There are many answers to this question, but at a basic level, there are some fundamental requirements that need to be met. I will outline some core considerations in this entry.
- Know what you're getting into: Before you commit to becoming a Project Manager, it's important that you understand the role and its responsibilities. Project management is not simply about administration. It is about planning and detail, communication and leadership, problem solving and contingency planning, mitigating risk and absolute perseverance. Project Management is a dynamic, intensive, and challenging career choice, so the decision to pursue it should not be taken lightly. It can represent a lifelong career with substantial responsibility, but equal reward, so before you commit to it, do your research!
- Understand the medium: If you are planning on pursuing interactive project management, you must be familiar with the online medium and have an understanding of the production lifecycle. This knowledge could be gained through exposure by working in an agency setting, through education in a multimedia program, or through self-learning, although this option will not provide any practical experience. I've seen people approach this job from all angles, and without a doubt, a combination of targeted education, coupled with agency experience, will provide the best foundation for a serious career in interactive project management.
- The straight goods on certification: So many newcomers to project management strive for PMP (Professional Project Manager) accreditation. This, alone, will not prepare you for the job, but once you have gained the minimum experience required to take the exam, certification will give you well-rounded credentials and a very solid foundation. There are requirements that must be met before you can take the final test which you should be aware of - details can be found here.
Like any other profession, particular people will be better suited to a life of project management than others. The best advice I can offer is to understand the day to day requirements of the job and the lifecycle of web development before pursuing this path. Do some research, look into educational options, review project management job postings and talk to people in the industry. For the right person, a career in project management will bring much satisfaction and security.
- Know what you're getting into: Before you commit to becoming a Project Manager, it's important that you understand the role and its responsibilities. Project management is not simply about administration. It is about planning and detail, communication and leadership, problem solving and contingency planning, mitigating risk and absolute perseverance. Project Management is a dynamic, intensive, and challenging career choice, so the decision to pursue it should not be taken lightly. It can represent a lifelong career with substantial responsibility, but equal reward, so before you commit to it, do your research!
- Understand the medium: If you are planning on pursuing interactive project management, you must be familiar with the online medium and have an understanding of the production lifecycle. This knowledge could be gained through exposure by working in an agency setting, through education in a multimedia program, or through self-learning, although this option will not provide any practical experience. I've seen people approach this job from all angles, and without a doubt, a combination of targeted education, coupled with agency experience, will provide the best foundation for a serious career in interactive project management.
- The straight goods on certification: So many newcomers to project management strive for PMP (Professional Project Manager) accreditation. This, alone, will not prepare you for the job, but once you have gained the minimum experience required to take the exam, certification will give you well-rounded credentials and a very solid foundation. There are requirements that must be met before you can take the final test which you should be aware of - details can be found here.
Like any other profession, particular people will be better suited to a life of project management than others. The best advice I can offer is to understand the day to day requirements of the job and the lifecycle of web development before pursuing this path. Do some research, look into educational options, review project management job postings and talk to people in the industry. For the right person, a career in project management will bring much satisfaction and security.
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