I have worked in IT support for a couple of years. I have a degree
in computer science and over 10 years' experience as a programmer,
systems analyst, database administrator and software trainer. I
would like to shift from the technical side, into jobs using life
and management skills. Is project management an option? If so, what
is the best route/qualification to pursue? Have you any other
suggestions?
Start by managing a helpdesk
Clearly you have a wide
range of experience, but you do not say whether this is with one
company or within one industry sector. Having worked in a variety
of positions you should have a good understanding of how IT
supports the business, but there is a danger that you will be
considered a non-specialist - and our industry does like to pigeon
hole people.
To use your life and management skills, the most interesting and
likely roles for you will be project management or business
analysis. However, you may want to consider targeting management
within a helpdesk environment, where you are not involved in
answering support queries but recruiting and managing the team and
developing the service to the business.
If you know your industry well business analysis will provide you
with a stimulating and challenging role. If you are targeting
project management roles then I recommend establishing whether your
company can cross-train you and give you an opportunity in this
area. Otherwise, it will help for you to have a qualification (and
theory) behind you in Prince, MS Project or one of the other major
tools.
Solution by: Michael Bennett, Best International
The panel: MSB International, Best International Group,
Computer Futures, Computer People, Elan, E-Skills NTO, Monarch
Recruitment, Reed Computing, Netheads Consulting
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