Program management is a skill that involves planning, coordinating, and overseeing multiple projects that contribute to a common goal. It can be a rewarding and challenging career path, but how do you get started if you are still in school? Here are some tips on how to gain practical experience in program management while still in school.
One of the easiest ways to get involved in program management is to join a club or organization that organizes events, activities, or campaigns. You can volunteer to take on a leadership role, such as a project manager, a coordinator, or a committee head. This will give you an opportunity to practice your skills in defining scope, setting objectives, managing resources, communicating with stakeholders, and monitoring progress. You will also learn how to work in a team, deal with challenges, and deliver results.
Need to be proactive to search relevant club or association that focus on Program management activities. After joining the club, attend regular meetings and events to make a good connection with current members. Volunteer for activities from time to time, share ideas make sure hands on involvement. Make sure during this tenure work on real time projects or problem to gain experience
My first leadership role in a student organization taught me invaluable lessons in delegation and communication—skills I still use today. Joining a club or organization at school can serve as a microcosm of the program management world. It provides hands-on experience with project planning, team coordination, and goal achievement. Take the initiative to lead projects and navigate the challenges; it’s a unique opportunity to develop crucial skills in a forgiving, educational environment.
Another way to gain practical experience in program management is to take relevant courses that cover the theory and practice of program management. You can look for courses in your major, minor, or elective that teach you the concepts, tools, and techniques of program management. You can also look for courses that involve group projects, case studies, or simulations that require you to apply your program management skills. You will benefit from the feedback, guidance, and assessment of your instructors and peers.
Drawing from my journey, I cannot overemphasize the importance of targeted learning in program management. Opt for courses that offer real-world applications alongside theoretical knowledge. This dual approach enables you to immediately apply classroom lessons to work scenarios, significantly accelerating your learning curve. Look for programs with case studies, simulations, or project work—that's where the real magic happens. The right course can bridge the gap between theory and practice, propelling your career forward!
A third way to gain practical experience in program management is to apply for internships or co-ops that expose you to real-world program management scenarios. You can look for internships or co-ops in organizations that offer program management services, such as consulting firms, non-profits, or government agencies. You can also look for internships or co-ops in organizations that have program management functions, such as IT, engineering, or marketing. You will gain valuable insights, connections, and references from your mentors, managers, and colleagues.
You can never apply for too many internships (or volunteer too many times). Keep showing your desire and passion and someone will give you an opportunity.
A fourth way to gain practical experience in program management is to seek mentorship or coaching from someone who has experience and expertise in program management. You can look for mentors or coaches in your network, such as your professors, advisors, alumni, or contacts. You can also look for mentors or coaches in online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Meetup, or MentorCruise. You will benefit from the advice, support, and feedback of your mentors or coaches.
A fifth way to gain practical experience in program management is to start your own project that aligns with your interests, passions, or goals. You can identify a problem, need, or opportunity that you want to address, and design a program that consists of multiple projects that aim to achieve a desired outcome. You can recruit team members, secure resources, define scope, set objectives, communicate with stakeholders, and monitor progress. You will learn how to initiate, plan, execute, control, and close a program.
If you start from the perspective that everything is a project…then it doesn’t matter whether you’re studying at school or University - find something interesting and turn it into a project - you’ve now got an entry for your CV!