Hey Mirna,

I think it's great that you have a specific career path in mind for your future. While I am not a project manager myself, I have a similar end goal. I've looked into the proper steps in transitioning to a project manager, and what I've found is that it is important to understand the difference between a project manager and a people manager. Project managers focus primarily on the project itself - creating Gantt charts, setting deadlines and budgets, providing expectations and following through to make sure the timeline is followed. People managers on the other hand, while still having a hand in managing deadlines and projects, have a focus on monitoring and evaluating employee performance. They help with assigning team members to different tasks or projects. They are more on-going and team wide as opposed to the possible temporary role of a project manager for a single project. Project managers may not directly manage the team long-term and their performance is measured by the success of the project, as opposed to performance being measured by team growth and productivity on the people manager's side. My advice is to dial in on what kind of manager you want to be, and then connect with as many people in the role you want as possible. Try to shadow and become more experienced with what they do and you'll end up in that role in no time!

Transitioning into project management in the medical device industry blends technical acumen with strong organizational skills. A typical day involves monitoring timelines with Gantt charts, coordinating cross-functional teams, and managing stakeholder communications. Along with navigating a rigorous regulatory landscape, a firm grasp of risk management is crucial, as unexpected technical challenges may arise. Pursuing certifications like PMP offers valuable frameworks, while networking and shadowing experienced project managers can provide firsthand insights. Additionally, developing soft skills (such as effective communication and conflict resolution) complements technical expertise in product development and testing protocols. I also recommend joining industry groups to stay updated on trends and challenges. 

Although I myself have not worked as a project manager, my work experience has allowed me to be extremely familiar with the work of a project manager. I worked with some project managers over the course of my career so far, and I have gained valuable insight from my experience with them, watching and learning from their actions, as well as having conversations with them. Project management, to the outsider, seems to be an easy job; keep everyone on track, while you yourself do not contribute any work. This is a completely misguided image and false reality that many people believe. The project manager has the responsibility of carrying the project from initiation to completion, making sure that every task is completed on time and properly. Additionally, project managers participate with upper management in difficult decisions about the project timeline, choices, and priorities. Also, project managers do have their own work to complete with their managers, in addition to the projects they are handling. Not such an easy job anymore right? While there is not one defined course to take you to the position of project manager, there are certain courses that can be taken, connections to be made, and qualities to be displayed in your everyday job at the company that can make one a confident candidate for the role.