Breaking Into the Project Management Profession!

We are excited to welcome Ms. Tamiko M Peete-Taylor, PMP, M.B.A., a 16-year, Project Management veteran. She earned her M.B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and her PMP from the Project Management Institute.  Ms. Peete-Taylor is currently a Senior Project Manager for a Fortune 500, multinational telecommunications company.

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Early in life, I discovered that I had a knack for organization and planning. I quickly learned that this combination of skills allowed me to deliver high-level results effectively and efficiently. It was the perfect fit for a career as a Project Manager.

Project Management is a methodology that can be leveraged to launch key initiatives to excel business.   Project Manager isn’t a role to be taken lightly.  A Project Manager must have the ability to execute various skills concurrently, while applying project management principles in a manner that delicately balance:

• Scope
• Time
• Cost

When performed effectively, it is a role that will position you to be on a career path trajectory that will allow you to have:

• Exposure to senior leadership across various business units
• Compensation rewards
• Leadership development opportunities

First and foremost, invest time learning about project management and what the role entails.  Begin with familiarizing yourself with project management standards developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI).  These standards are defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).  Becoming a PMI member will provide access to the PMBOK and a multitude of project management related materials and resources.

Other important steps include:

• Pursue obtaining the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification; it will validate your credibility for being a skilled practitioner.  There are numerous educational options available through private learning providers, as well as formal project management certificate and degree programs offered at accredited colleges and universities that will assist with exam preparation.
• Reviewing Project Manager job positing’s from companies in the industry or business sector you are employed or have a desire to work.
• Network with other experienced and certified Project Managers to learn more about best practices.
• Seek the guidance and support of a mentor who is a seasoned Project Manager that will provide a real world perspective and the opportunity to shadow them while performing in their role.
• Take on Project Manager pro bono assignments to hone your project management skill set and to build professional references that will back-up your capabilities to assist with transitioning into the role.

Regardless of the profession, ongoing skill development is essential to remain competitive and relevant.

Evolving as a Project Manager requires that you scale your knowledge to advanced mastery through both professional experience and continued education.

There are numerous educational options available through learning providers, as well as formal project management certificate and degree programs offered at accredited colleges and universities.  Having the education along with professional experience will position you to be a well-rounded candidate that can compete for various level Project Manager roles.

Know your effort invested in becoming a Project Manager won’t be in vain; what you put into it is what you will get out of it.  In project management, one of many keys to your development and success, is the ongoing commitment to accept the lessons learned during the process and to adjust accordingly with every new project.

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Dr. Gia Consulting

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