Here's how you can reach a senior level in your Program Manager career.

Program manager are always evaluated on foru parameter 1. Scope: Understanding of programs (requirement to release) 2. Stakeholder: Networking ability with stakeholders 3. Management: Collaboration with inhouse and distributed teams. 4. Deliverables: Timeline and cost effective deliverables. Any program manager who can ace these four quadrandts (SSMD) can excel to gain mastery

Program Managers play a vital role in any program. Key is to identify early before start of program. They help in identifying the viable business case before implementing the solutions for a program that is envisioned. They posses strong communication skills, talent management, stakeholders management and strong program execution skills.

Absolutely! Excelling as a senior Program Manager requires a multifaceted skill set. Mastery in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and resource allocation is fundamental. Understanding the interconnectedness of projects and their alignment with business strategy is paramount. Additionally, honing communication skills to articulate goals and motivate teams, along with developing financial acumen for budget management and data-driven decision-making, will truly distinguish you in this role.

Continuously develop and refine your program management skills, including project planning, risk management, communication, and stakeholder management.

Develop expertise in key areas such as project management, risk assessment, stakeholder management, and financial acumen. Invest time in honing technical skills relevant to the telecommunications industry, such as network infrastructure, wireless technologies, and regulatory compliance.

Experience is critical for advancing in program management. Look for opportunities to take on more responsibility within your current role. Volunteer for projects that involve cross-departmental collaboration or aim to tackle complex challenges. By showing you're able to lead teams and deliver results aligned with strategic goals, you'll pave the way to reaching senior levels in your career.

To gain good exposure one can gain knowledge by working in multiple projects that aid them improve this particular skills. They get to see big picture in the organization by working with key stakeholders.

Seek opportunities to work on diverse projects and programs across different industries and domains to broaden your experience and perspective.

Seek opportunities to lead diverse projects and initiatives within the telecommunications sector. Actively participate in cross-functional teams, take on challenging assignments, and assume increasing levels of responsibility to broaden your experience and exposure.

For being a PgM one needs to be good in leadership execution skills. One can gain the same experience by working in cross functional settings .

Take care of your team, and they will take care of your clients. Happy teams increase the probability of successful programs. However, be mindful that leading a programme team is not a democracy - be objective, assertive and, above all, fair.

Take on leadership roles within projects and teams, demonstrating your ability to lead and inspire others towards common goals.

Develop strong leadership qualities by inspiring and motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and driving results. Lead by example, demonstrate integrity, and cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence within your organization.

There are various certification for PgM. One can do such certification to help them grow in their careers. This will expand their horizons for growth

Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies relevant to program management through training, courses, and certifications.

Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices through ongoing learning and professional development. Pursue certifications, attend conferences, and engage in networking events to expand your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

Meetings Meetings Meetings. From my personal experience, this is the best method for a strong and fast learning curve. You learn from every single interaction you make. Meet over coffee, lunch, drinks (if/when feasible and accepted), dinners, formal meetings in office spaces. Tailor your meetings to what each person prefers but be open to all kinds of interactions (within your work ethics and principles you set).

One can volunteer, attend training events, community events to help you skill up in this field. Thus can aid in growing further.

Use your network to do better in Program Management! Get to know experts who can give you advice when they are needed. Talk to people in your field to spot problems before they happen. Connect with other program managers to learn from each other and fix issues. Build good ties with stakeholders to make talking easier and get them on board. Connect with your peers in the industry through joining organizations like PMI and attend seminars on the subject.

Build and maintain a strong professional network within the industry, connecting with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders to exchange ideas, insights, and opportunities.

Forge connections with industry peers, mentors, and senior leaders through networking opportunities, industry associations, and online forums. Build and nurture relationships that can provide valuable insights, advice, and career advancement opportunities.

Always a win-win mindset. The word “impact” itself needs to be clarified here. What kind of impact a company would want to achieve? Related to process, people or branding etc? What are the company’s needs at this time that needs to be fulfilled? A long term and short term structure showing project’s value could possibly show strategic thinking.

Showcase your achievements and contributions to the success of projects and programs, highlighting your ability to deliver results and drive positive outcomes.

Showcase your achievements and contributions through tangible results and measurable outcomes. Highlight successful projects, cost savings, revenue generation, and process improvements that demonstrate your ability to deliver value and drive business success.

Measure Success: Link program objectives to concrete results. Have you cut expenses by X%? Boosted productivity by Y%? Use numbers to craft a convincing narrative. Emphasize Benefits: Don't list completed jobs. Point out the challenges your program overcame & its contribution to the company. Monitor Important Numbers: Set up & watch key indicators throughout program's run. This helps you to tackle problems & show ongoing progress. Give Powerful Presentations: Adjust your message for each group of stakeholders. Use easy-to-understand graphics & brief explanations to show your program's effects . Share Wins: Don't hold back from telling success stories to the team and stakeholders. Give credit to individuals and groups to lift spirits.

Understand the Mission and the Vision. Test your affinity with the strategy to deliver the Vision. Visualise how the outcome of your program, will generate the desired benefits and is aligned with the strategy. Own your impact - repeat it to yourself and share it with others.

Automate is one of the key characteristic of a senior program manager role. Save time and cost reduction plays a vital role and it is important to understand the business and the best ways to give a solution.

Develop a strategic mindset and the ability to think critically about business challenges and opportunities. Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers within your organization. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and supervisors to identify areas for improvement and growth.

Find/create your own job description - Yes even in large highly structured companies - this is possible. The job description is based on what you want to do, supported by your ideas and experience of what you have done and directly tied to making the department/company more successful; more profitable; leaner. The value proposition needs to be solid. For the past 30 years this is how I have managed my career. Remember a job title is not a job description

Be a value creator, be it in managing the customer, the program and for the management. Never shy from stepping up the plate and punch above your weight to grow the business and yourself. Always look after the interests of the customers and company when serving the customers. Be that strategic leader who sees the program management as the key to business success in term of revenue and reputation capital. Live the value system of the company as the leadership role model. Understand the mission and vision of the company in customers engagement in your program management. Be the change agent to experiment and improve program management methodology.