Luis Peluffo is a career coach that helps people find their dream job in project management. He shared this information with our Facebook group. I have his permission to share it here. It shows that project managers and those who want to make a career out of project management have to be self-motivated. If you are interested in influencing your career, you can. It also shows how a mentor can help you shape your future in the way that you want.
Luis…
Luis PeluffoI would like to share the gratifying experience that I had a few years ago. I was able to help a colleague get promoted to the project manager position, despite his limited experience within the company.
I hope you find it helpful and relatable, especially if your experience as a project manager or have not yet received the CAPM(r).
Eric, my friend, is a young man who worked in the PMO at the company where I work.
He began his career as a Project Analyst and supported project managers with tasks such as writing meeting minutes and completing timelines in Microsoft Project.
He is a young, sharp, analytical, and proactive young man who is eager to learn and has a great attitude.
Eric asked his boss to give him the opportunity to manage projects and to take his first steps in project management. At the very least, he would start with very simple projects.
Eric was denied this opportunity, much to the surprise of many.
Eric also obtained the CAPM(r), to demonstrate his commitment, enthusiasm, and positive attitude.
He asked again. He was denied the chance again.
I won’t go into detail about why his boss denied him this opportunity.
One thing was certain. Eric needed to explore other areas of the company. Eric asked me for my help, and I gladly agreed to assist him.
This is how I worked with Eric.
We performed an analysis of his current situation. We assessed his strengths, capabilities, and potential for improvement. We identified the area in which he would have more chances to be accepted to manage projects. Finally, we mapped out his current situation and created a strategy.
To ensure maximum positive impact, Eric had to identify the key people with which he needed to have conversations (and in the right order). We analysed their personalities, needs, and goals.
We created a simple script that Eric would use to communicate with each other.
Eric then put the plan into motion. This took about 2 to 3 months.
Eric was promoted to project manager in the IT Department.
Here’s Eric’s take.
This allowed him to gain real field experience, which enabled him to earn the ‘battle scars’ that every experienced project manager needs. His excellent performance in managing these simple projects earned him a raise in his salary.
Eric also found a TRUEPASSION in his job, and has more credibility, authority, and respect within the company.
Takeaways: Eric’s Method of Doing the Same as Eric
Make a plan.
Consider what you can do to improve your skills and experience beyond your job responsibilities. Eric, for example, took the CAPM(r).
Don’t let others’ expectations limit you. If your boss isn’t supportive of you but you know you can do more, you might consider other support networks. You might not be moving up in your current job because of your attitude or skills.
To find a new job, you don’t necessarily have to move companies. You might have opportunities within your current company. To find the right job, you can use your network (or learn how to build one).
To help you plan your next career move, use the expertise of a mentor, career coach or trusted colleague.
I hope you find this anecdote useful. Again, thank you