@266 I think the perspective is definitely helpful for this question. Reading the initial post and questions about how to even go about pursuing a project management position I could certainly relate. I initially thought that I would have the expertise to accept a position just because of the education but without the proper experience for a project of a certain size, receiving a job in that position is just not likely. The process can definitely seem frustrating but with applying for a project management position there is a lot of risk so instead of applying for the position being able to work alongside the desired position can help until enough management through experience has been proven. Then, with the culmination of the exposure and certification there may be a higher chance or interest from hiring managers when applying. I've realized even with myself that instead of initially wanting a specific title, being able to manage more through exposure in different arenas has shown to be more favorable to me.
This may be part of the ignorance of the field, I have only seen project management become such a popular career choice in recent years. I assumed such resposibiles would be given to a manager of a certain department. As the needs of the industry change, I can see the need to have a person over multiple projects and programs and thus program management is born. This does make sense that these positions go to someone who has had years of hands-on experience. They are essentially managers of projects versus managers of people. They require several years of experience not only working in the field and with the technology at hand but working with people in different groups.
The question that I continue to have is what moves does a person need to make in their career in order to be considered for a project management position later down the line? I've noticed that my personality does seem to align with the responsibilities and roles of a project manager but do not know how to angle myself from an entry-level position to a project manager.
Getting a job as a project manager is definitely not easy. It is a dynamic and challenging role that requires long work hours(about 50 hours a week), rich background skills/experience with engineering, strong business skills, as well as effective soft skills. Just as a lot of people said, it is hard to get a entry-level role as a PM but I've seen some people get a Junior PM role and worked their way up from there. But it is a job that is definitely worth growing up for highly motivated individuals that want to lead on teams and build products.
