How can you use your project management skills to switch careers?

In my experience, self-awareness is pivotal for a successful career switch. I once guided a colleague, skilled in stakeholder management, through a self-assessment. Though he was proficient in project management, he realized his true passion was in relationship-building and communication. This introspection led him to transition to a client relations role, where he thrived. This underscores that understanding one's core strengths and aspirations isn't just about introspection; it's about aligning them with a role that maximizes both satisfaction and impact. Leveraging your intrinsic skills ensures you're an asset, irrespective of the industry or position.

It is important to be aware of your strengths and leverage them to your advantage, but it is equally important to identify your weaknesses and address them. Strengths can give you a competitive edge up to a point, but weaknesses can hold you back and cause you problems in the long term.

When choosing a desired place of work, it is important to assess the maturity level of the processes in the organization. It’s also a good idea to study the company’s reputation and corporate culture. Very informative could be annual and sustainability reports, as the corporate websites and social media.

What I have found useful is ensuring that your LinkedIn profile is always up to date as it is your digital CV and nowadays HR and other Hiring Managers start on your LinkedIn page and later request your traditional CV. If you are good with working with different stakeholders, always mention it on your resume as it is one of the most important aspects most organizations are now looking for in any Project Manager ??.

I encourage people to think about professional networking along three dimensions: horizontal, vertical, and industry. Horizontal networking means connecting with people who are at a similar level in your organization. Vertical networking means getting to know the folks that you work for, and the folks who report up to you. Industry networking involves building relationships with people outside of your company, and outside of your supply chain. All three categories of relationships require an investment, but they can help you be more effective, and can connect you with hidden opportunities for growth and advancement.

Having a mentor is important. You must follow someone but of course, your own persona should reflect your expertise as a project manager. Network and connection help you to initiate an opportunity but you must have the qualities to perform when it's required.

Networking is a career game changer particularly during industry transitions. Leverage your existing network (in Linkedin) for referrals, recommendations and introductions. Engage with colleagues, clients, mentors and friends to expand your connections. Building a strong professional network opens doors and opportunities for career growth.

know the best practices around. Gather as much knowledge as you can. Being a project manager , your success depends on how much you can learn quickly and get adapted with the changes. Being a project manager , changing adaptivity will be defined as his success criteria.

In my decade-long career in the technology sector, I started with pure database engineering, and after 5 years or so, I transitioned to a project management role. So, how did I do that? 1. With a clear understanding of my core skills and finding out where I am good at. 2. Growing a people-centric mindset keeping aside the mentality of an individual contributor. 3. With a continuous learning approach of project management principles and preparing myself in my head for managing real-life projects. Last, but not least, remember the fact that there is no bar or limit to learning project management, rather focus on learning by involving myself in every stage of the project management, and keeping on the learning attitude. Cheers!

Project management encompasses foundational and transferable skills you can implement in other careers, ranging from: ??Product strategy ??Team Leadership ??Analytic reporting ??Branding activation ??Budget management By highlighting these in your CV and showing a willingness to learn any other skills you may not have obtained yet, you're highlighting essential skills for your career transition.