One should never feel stuck in their career, especially when there are so many wonderful opportunities just waiting for you out there. So what happens if you do feel stuck? What if you’ve been eyeing the field of project management as something that could be challenging and fun for you to pursue, but you’re not currently in the industry? Can you make that jump? Is it possible?
Here we’ll take a look at how you can go about breaking into the very exciting and fast-paced world of project management.
Get Educated
As anyone in the business will tell you, the very best thing you can do is to get educated and head back to school. If you already have a job, perhaps you have a family you are supporting and your life is pretty set, but school can still be possible thanks to the online MBA degree program. Earning your masters in business administration online allows you to continue about your life as usual, while studying on the side. Once you finish your degree, you can then think about making a big move where work is concerned.
This program will provide you with the framework you need to understand the core concepts and theories involved in project management. You’ll examine such things as strategic problem solving, risk management, communications, life cycle, and procurement – all of which are essential skills to understand in the field.
Get On-the-Job Experience
Now without your degree it’s pretty hard to get out there and get on-the-job experience, or is it? While you won’t likely be hired for a project management position, you can get creative and find a job that will give you experience with some of the same types of skills. Use the opportunity to learn, network, and expand your resume.
Sometimes It Is About Who You Know
We’ve all heard the saying before “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” and in terms of finding a new career, this can sometimes be the case. Again, it may not land you that dream position, but it can act as a wonderful and helpful contact down the road. So with that in mind, it’s a good idea to start attending industry events, conferences, and seminars and start to get to know a few faces. You can even look for someone to act as your mentor in the field.
Put Together a Killer Resume
This one should go without saying, but putting together a killer resume is another way to get noticed and help you break into the field. Here’s your chance to highlight your educational background and any experience you’ve gathered in the field.
If you’ve been blogging on topics that relate to the industry, then be sure to provide a link to your blog in your resume.
Keep a Positive Frame of Mind
Switching careers and taking a new path is never an easy thing to do. It’s a road that’s filled with bumps and pitfalls, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. Focus on your end goal of a rewarding career, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes here and there.
