SelectQuote Voices: Career Development Spotlight

At SelectQuote, advancing your career isn’t just about waiting for the right opportunity to come along—it's about proactively building your skillset. Hear what Philon Barr-Manning, MBA, PSPO I , Sr. IT Project Management leader, has to share as he provides insights on how to enhance your eligibility for future roles!

1. Embrace Continuous Learning:

"Project management is rapidly evolving with the adoption of Agile and Scrum frameworks, making certifications such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I), and Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I) essential for professionals navigating this new landscape. Additionally, ITIL certifications provide a solid foundation for managing service management projects effectively within TechOps teams and service environments. Regardless of your department—whether in Sales, IT, or another area—having a blend of soft skills and technical knowledge is increasingly important for driving success and fostering innovation in today's dynamic business world."

2. Leverage Cross-Departmental Experience:

"Gaining experience across different departments provides a well-rounded understanding of business operations, which is highly valuable in project management. Many successful Project Managers come from roles such as Sales, Product Management, Customer Care, or Service, where they have built a strong foundation in relationship building, business acumen, process improvement, and leadership.

For those considering a career change, this transferable knowledge is invaluable. Transitioning into project management allows you to apply your existing skills in a new way, while learning to lead and coordinate teams across different functions. This makes project management an excellent option for professionals looking to take on more responsibility and make a greater impact on their organization."

3. Cultivate Exceptional Soft Skills:

"Outstanding Project Managers stand out through their mastery of communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These essential soft skills can be developed in any role. Seek opportunities to lead initiatives, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and present solutions to refine your abilities. Strong interpersonal skills are the backbone of effective project management, allowing you to inspire teams, resolve conflicts, and navigate complex challenges with confidence."

4. Clearly Articulate Your Career Aspirations:

"Be proactive in communicating your career goals. Let your leaders know about your ambitions and document your achievements and certifications. Regular conversations with your manager or mentor will ensure that you’re top of mind when new opportunities or promotions become available. Being intentional about your professional growth helps position you as a motivated and forward-thinking leader."

Final Takeaway: Take Action Now!

"Start by obtaining key certifications. Build relationships with colleagues across departments, and consistently communicate your career aspirations to leadership. Taking these steps today will lay the foundation for a successful transition into project management and beyond."

- Philon Barr-Manning, Sr. IT Project Management leader

Thank you to Philon Barr-Manning & Jack Farrell, Recruiting Development Specialist at SelectQuote, for your collaboration in bringing this piece to light. SelectQuote encourages you to take what you’ve learned from this article and apply it to how you plan on developing your career ?