The question: how do I move beyond project
management?
I am an IT project manager and have been in the industry for 12
years. I have experience of
ERP systems, software tools, government work and most recently
in the finance sector, all with a focus on
software development. My past positions include development,
implementation, training, business analysis and project
management.
My question is where to go from project manager and how to get
there? I see people in business analyst, development and project
management roles who are aged 35 to 50 with no visible desire to
advance. Although I am only 30 and have only a meaningless
associates' degree, I would really like to understand the road
map.
The solution:
It is a curious fact that many people are threatened by the
success of others. With you, this seems particularly highlighted by
your "time" speech. You are right to plan your next few moves. It
is essential for anyone who wants to take control of their career
and drive it forward.
There were some statistics that suggested that less than 15% of
Global 2000 firms have formal leadership-development programs, and
less than 2% have organised processes for developing the business
skills of their technical staff.
The highfliers of the industry have got where they are by
spotting the gaps in the market and devising creative strategies,
understanding their company's business and how to harness new
technology to achieve better performance. You could look at either
a degree or a masters - hard work but very worthwhile. A colleague
recently did a three-month business course at Cranfield and found
the experience invaluable.
Still the best way forward for me is the certification route. It
is a differentiator and where the course is appropriate and of real
value to you and your employers. The director's role within a
company is not for everyone. You almost need to decide where you
want to be at the end of your career and work backwards. What is
your real motivation? You will need to get a strong enterprise-wide
perspective and evaluate what you are willing to invest personally.
You could go for technical consultant in an ERP arena, but I still
maintain that business knowledge and the ability to convey
technology to the layman is paramount.
Solution by Tracey Abbott, permanent sales manager at Square
One