How Project Managers Get Started in the Project Management Process

The journey into project management begins for many with a reading phase. It's essential to dive into books and resources that explain the ins and outs of project management. These books introduce you to the terminology, frameworks, and methodologies used in the field. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you lay a solid foundation for your future endeavors.

Step 1: Building Your Knowledge

The quickest way to begin is to read books about project management. Some recommended titles include Managing for Results by Katherine Klein and Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner. These books will equip you with the necessary vocabulary and foundational knowledge.

Step 2: Gaining Practical Experience

While book knowledge is important, the true essence of project management lies in practical application. Introduce the concept of project management gradually into your workplace conversations. The aim is to show your peers that you are knowledgeable about project management and are interested in applying it.

Observe how your project managers handle tasks and projects. Ask them insightful and thought-provoking questions. Over time, you might get the chance to assist them or even enroll in a course to formalize your learning.

Personal Insights from My Career

My journey into project management began after completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Nagpur University. I continued my education with a Master’s Degree in Operations Research from Virginia Tech. Here, I worked as a Data Analyst with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute whilst pursuing my degree.

Upon graduating, I worked with Vertex and later with CSC at several clients including Procter Gamble, DirecTV, Farmers Insurance, Visa, and Guardian Life Insurance. It was in these roles that I observed the varied handling of projects by different project managers and started to form my own understanding of best practices.

As I took on similar roles, I began applying this knowledge in my work. Initially, everything felt under control, but I soon realized that things don't always align with expectations. I understood the importance of following standard processes and correcting existing ones. This led me to the PMP certification, which I found essential but required significant effort and time commitment.

Obstacles and Triumphs

Personal reasons led me to return to India, putting my PMP plan on hold for a while. Back in India, I worked for CSC in Bangalore and then moved to Accenture in Pune. Despite being promoted, I continued to seek ways to apply the knowledge I gained from PMP on a larger scale.

This quest led me to ProThoughts Solutions. I quickly realized that this organization provided the perfect platform to apply my knowledge without limits. Every day offers new challenges, and I have had the opportunity to work as a trainer, mentor, director, and in many other roles. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling.

Conclusion

For those aspiring to become project managers, it's a combination of knowledge acquisition, practical application, and continuous learning. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or have years of experience, the path to becoming a successful project manager is always evolving. Stay committed to learning and growing, and you will surely find success.