What are the best ways to break into Program Management?

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education and research are some of the most core aspects for collaborative learning and engagement. Long ago, a few thinkers assumed that human beings could be self directed and independently needing no regulation. The Chicago Time Machine experiments on Human Behavior in view of set targets and results changed the narrative. We now know how we humans differ completely, yet equally one human being alters own behavior. It is almost impossible to control human volition and attitude. My view is that such a tapestry as above has given rise to afresh thinking, innovation and tool development. Possibly the tools for nurturing human behavior to become fit for purpose, remain insufficient.

To break into program management, start by gaining relevant experience in project management, communication, and leadership. Assess your skills by identifying areas of strength, such as organization and stakeholder management. Consider your interests in overseeing large-scale initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Seeking certifications like PMP or PgMP can also enhance your qualifications. Networking, mentorship, and showcasing successful projects on your resume are crucial steps to enter the field.

How to become a good program manager? 1- First of all, know that a manager must be patient 2- Start with small projects 3- Know that your small actions will definitely lead to great success in the long run 4- If you manage well in a small project, then you will be successful in big projects as well 5- Document your records 6- Record your successes

Are you good with people? Are you easy to work with? Do people listen when you speak? Are you able to digest large amounts of information and regurgitate it in a much simpler easer-to-understand manner? Do you enjoy complex problem solving? Are you able to not speak even when you know the answer? If you're able to answer some or all of the above in the affirmative you may have a great skillset suitable for PM.

First of all you need to answer a simple question: "Does project management drive me?" and if the answer us "Yes" - continue with your explorations. Frankly, almost every project manager now is a program manager of sort, meaning - we rarely run only one project at a time and most often you drive multiple projects to achieve one organizational goal. While assessing your skills focus on power skills: stakeholder engagement, communications, resilience - and try to develop those if you see any gaps. These are the most important for the Program Manager. You can learn technicalities rather fast.

One of the best ways to break into program management is to gain relevant experience and volunteering can be an overlooked avenue to do that. You can volunteer with your school, with local government, or numerous non-profit organizations. They’re always looking for help with different programs. Check it out! #programmanagement

To enter Program Management, follow a strategic approach. Start by accumulating experience in project management and securing certifications like PMP or PgMP to enhance your credibility. Highlight your robust leadership and communication skills, actively engage in networking within the industry, and customize your resume to underscore transferable skills. Pursue mentorship and ongoing learning to remain current with industry trends, positioning yourself as a well-prepared candidate for program management roles.

A program is a collection of projects and activities in a nutshell. So it is important at what stage of project management experience you are in. If you are starting fresh it is necessary that you have gained good knowledge of project management because program management would require the same skill set at hyperscale. Double clicking, imagine you manage stakeholders in a project but at program level there are stakeholders from all projects and they may have overlapping interest and influence. How you manage the interdependencies across projects and stakeholders is what would be expected from a program manager and that elevates communication planning. Hope this gives a perspective on focus areas to gain experience.

Volunteering is a great way to expand your knowledge and break into Program Management. Organizations like PMI provide many opportunities to volunteer, but you also could help your local non-profits or a church. While working on volunteer projects try to take more responsibilities and think of a bigger picture - there's a huge possibility that some projects could be arranged into a program to help achieve a larger goal. And if you're ready to take this responsibility - here're your first steps to program management.

Gaining experience in project management is fundamental for breaking into program management. Whether in your current role or through volunteering, building a strong foundation in project management sets the stage for success in overseeing larger initiatives.

Both certification (PMP, PgMP, PMI-ACP) and education (Master's or online courses) are valuable. Certifications offer proof of expertise, while education provides a deeper understanding. Combining both enhances your skills and showcases commitment to employers.

Certifications are useful when you have hands on experience which then helps to hone and sharpen your skill sets. Another way is to ensure that you have the opportunity to experiment based on what you learn from certifications. But having certification will not help much if you don't have hands on experience as this will not help you go much further. Personally I know program managers who don't have certifications but their hands on experience in the field commands respect. So do certification but wisely and to improve your experience.

Absolutely, networking is crucial. Join associations like PMI or IAPPM, attend relevant events, webinars, and workshops. Engage with professionals to gain insights and build valuable connections in program management. Network through events, LinkedIn, and forums. Attend workshops, seek informational interviews, and engage in discussions. Offer help and join mentoring programs for valuable insights.

In the age of AI networking becomes even more important - while you could potentially find any norm, regulation or a framework really fast, there still is no better way to learn the ropes of profession than talking to your peers. Professional associations like PMI or narrower (like Retail Design Institute for retail professionals) provide a multitude of opportunities to network through Chapter activities or large summits. Don't be shy and attend relevant events. And there's a change you'll find a group of like-minded professionals or use an opportunity to recruit a mentor. Don't forget to maintain your network - be sure not only take, but also share your knowledge.

Relevance is the key word when it comes to networking. Ask yourself what you want to learn about and how open you are to venture out in different areas of learning because the work you are doing and what you want to learn should be aligned. Example - if you are in the healthcare industry as a project manager and want to get up as program manager, should you learn a bit about that domain and industry ? If the answer is yes, look for someone from that industry and network. PMI and other professional networking is fine but it should be a personal choice if you want to get paid membership. But it's a good segway for a wider and deeper networking community.

Showcase achievements with measurable results, create a project portfolio, optimize your LinkedIn, tailor your resume, use action verbs, request recommendations, write a compelling cover letter, and be prepared to discuss challenges in interviews.

Achievements should not only be showcased externally but internally as well in the organization. Let's say you achieved MSP as a certification so share the learning with your colleagues within the organization and figure out practical applicability of those learnings which would bring up the quality of program management in your organization and in the process you may learn something new as well. Showcasing of achievement also helps your network at a much wider level with peers in different sectors and industries and enhances your possibilities of venturing into something new and different.

Program Management is all about leadership and communication and connecting dots. Resilience and results are the key. Understand more about people than the KPIs. kPIS is keeping people informed. If you have about skills then. Program management is the role for you.

Let the people you work with know your interests! Communicate your willingness to do what ever it takes. Ask your leadership for a defined path to your ambitions! Observe and ask questions, offer to help folks in the role you want for some insights and guidance! Just ask!