5 Ways to Get a Project Management Job without Experience
“I graduated three years ago with first class honors in project management. I thought being at the top of the class would guarantee me an immediate job but the reality hit me when I stayed for more than two years without a job in project management and I resorted to sales and marketing roles. My interest is still in project management and I am seeking advice on how I can get a job when I don’t have experience in the field.” This is John, a job seeker who was engaged by Jakes, a PM training coordinator.
Jakes mentioned that for one to be an effective project manager and get a job, it is important to gain experience because most job adverts require some years of experience.
On the other hand, for you to gain experience you need a job. How about in a case where you don’t have a job? Where can you start?
Here are 5 ways;
1. Gain Experience Through Entry-Level Positions
Looking for entry-level roles is the first step that John will have to take for him to gather the experience that will prepare him for more advanced positions.
Some companies absorb fresh graduates for internships, or entry-level positions so that they groom them for leadership hence you need to present your aspirations and convince the potential employer that you are perfect for an entry-level job.
2. Network with Other Professionals
Successful professionals who are experienced in the field can guide you through your career because they understand job searching and they can refer you to other opportunities.
Look for a mentor and job shadow them for you to learn the methodologies, best practices, and get answers to the questions to further your understanding of project management.
I know of a friend who joined the company as an intern. He was mentored by a senior project manager and before the end of his contract; the company advertised the role of project coordinator and was considered because he had the experience that was needed.
3. Develop Your Skills
I met Judy during the project management training and she had been looking for a job for a long time. After training, I referred her to a job we had advertised for our client and since she had the relevant skills and experience, she got the job.
There are plenty of project management online courses and certifications to help you show employers that you’re qualified to manage various projects and help you build up the project management skills needed to succeed in the job.
During the training, you will interact with other project managers who can share job opportunities that can benefit you.
4. Create a Strong CV
For employers to notice you in a crowd of many applicants, it is important to present yourself well on your CV to grab their attention.
If you don’t have formal project management experience, focus on soft skills and tailor your CV to fit the entry-level positions that you are looking for.
5. Be Persistent
Getting a project management job may take time but you need to be patient and persistent for you to achieve your goal.
It can take time to get your first role in project management because it’s a vital role in most companies and employers are very careful about who they hire.
If you ask other project managers how long they took to land project management jobs, you’ll find that many took many years to get their first job.
To Wrap Up
Landing a project management position without any prior experience can be tricky but for you to succeed, you need to know how to manage projects and take an initiative to look for those jobs.
Want to land a project management job? Invest your time by joining the next Project Management Training.