There\u2019s just one problem \u2014 you have no experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But don\u2019t worry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re a fresh graduate or a seasoned employee looking to switch careers, this article will lay out an action plan on how to eventually land a job in project management \u2014 even if you don\u2019t have any experience right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To clear this up right off the bat \u2014 no, it\u2019s not possible to get a job in project management without experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there\u2019s a high chance that you already have some experience in this field without even knowing it. And even if you don\u2019t, getting it is not as difficult as you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let us explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project manager is like a head nurse or a sheriff \u2014 you can\u2019t become one if you haven\u2019t first worked in the industry for a time and proven that you\u2019re capable of taking on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that you don\u2019t need the title of \u201cproject manager\u201d to earn experience in project management. Managing projects is an inherent part of most professions \u2014 but, also, our daily lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve ever organized a surprise birthday party, renovated your home, or moved houses, you have experience in project management, however limited it may be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at your career up until now. Have there been instances where you had to lead similar activities in a work environment? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Write them down in as much detail as you can remember. These will serve as your starting point to figure out: <\/p>\n\n\n\n To answer what counts as project management experience we must first explain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project <\/strong>is an endeavor limited by project scope<\/a>, time, and budget \u2014 it produces some sort of a deliverable<\/a> at the end. The typical project lifecycle consists of the following five stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To learn more about the phases of a project\u2019s life cycle, hop on over to our guide that goes over each of the phases in detail:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A project manager (PM)<\/strong> is the person who is responsible for leading projects. In other words, a PM\u2019s main duty is making sure projects are completed within scope, time, and budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To have had experience in project management means that you\u2019ve been in a situation where you had to do the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The position of a project manager is reached through career evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you have limited project management experience from some of your previous jobs, but have never actually worked in the field, it\u2019s highly unlikely you\u2019ll land the role on your first try. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, you\u2019ll first have to gain practical experience in other related roles through work or volunteering. According to HR Manager at Solar Panel Networks USA<\/a>, Michelle Hague, this could take up to 12 months:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDepending on the size and complexity of the projects you volunteer for, it could take anywhere from six months to a year to gain enough experience to apply for a project manager role.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n So, let\u2019s quickly recap:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that that\u2019s clear, we can take a look at some of the ways you can get into project management without ever having worked in the field before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteering is a surefire way to gain valuable management experience and hone your communication and organizational skills. Keep in mind, however, that roles matter \u2014 you want to be the one giving directions instead of the one following orders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The great thing about volunteering is that the demand is high and you don\u2019t need prior experience to do it. This means that you can start preparing for your future PM role even as an undergraduate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the ways you can get your foot in the door and get valuable experience includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have a job and are seriously considering a career in project management, try stepping up and asking for a chance to help with projects within your organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of the time, employers will be happy to see you show initiative and gain another pair of hands at no additional cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can even highlight that the reason for your volunteering is your desire to move to a PM role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This will prove especially fruitful if your organization already has a project management office (PMO)<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what Michelle has to say about this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe best way to gain experience in project management as a person with no experience is to volunteer for projects within your organization. This will allow you to learn about the project management process and how it is applied in a real-world setting. It will also allow you to build a network of contacts who can provide advice and support.\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If you prove yourself as a valuable asset, it might be possible to avoid looking for a new job and simply advance to a PM position within your current organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If finding an opportunity within your organization doesn\u2019t work out, and settling into a PM-like role while volunteering proves difficult, you can always create your own project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think about what you can do to help out your community or improve profitability or productivity in your company, and pitch it to your boss. These ideas don\u2019t have to be big or expensive projects. In fact, it\u2019s better if they aren\u2019t \u2014 they just need to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To improve the chances of your proposal being accepted, take your time to plan and test your idea on a smaller scale and present your findings in a way that emphasizes its benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In his paper for PMI, Francis McNamara points out that \u201cIn most organizations, there are significantly more good project ideas than there are time, money, and people to implement them all.\u201d<\/em> Knowing how to sell your proposal<\/a> is an important part of being a successful project manager \u2014 so, even if your idea falls through, think of it as another learning experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Streamline your business \u2014 improve planning, align teams, finish tasks with Plaky by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n Another way you can acquire precious experience is by getting a job on the side. This can be a freelance or a regular part-time job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you already have a full-time career, freelancing in your free time might be a better option. It will give you the opportunity to exercise your project management skills on your own terms and at your own pace. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And what if you\u2019re too overwhelmed by your regular job at the moment?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just take a break from side hustling and continue taking on new jobs when you\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a useful and flexible way you can develop your skills that also earns you money on the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internships are a fantastic way to step into a new career. And, despite popular opinion, they are not only meant for fresh graduates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many companies offer adult internships<\/a> \u2014 also sometimes called Enternships or Returnships \u2014 for professionals who need a fresh start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Internships are great because they offer a way to fully dedicate yourself to learning a new job while receiving guidance from professionals around you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This might mean you\u2019ll have a lower salary in the beginning \u2014 but it will save you the trouble of working two jobs at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Michelle Hague highlighted that you can also gain PM experience through other related jobs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnother way to gain experience in project management is to get a job in a related field \u2014 such as project administration or coordination. This will give you some exposure to the world of project management and help you develop the necessary skills.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Applying for entry-level jobs in spheres related to project management requires some experience \u2014 but the standards are much less rigorous than when it comes to PM positions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes these jobs a great gateway to the project management world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some entry-level positions you should consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on your degree, experience, and the opportunities you have at your disposal, you could land one of these jobs and use it as a stepping stone for advancement later in your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While joining a project management organization won\u2019t directly contribute to your experience, it will open up new opportunities for advancement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most famous PM organizations are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Deciding which one to join will depend on where you live and work, and which certifications you wish to pursue. But, as Michelle highlights, joining at least one will work to your advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoining a professional organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) will give you access to resources and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to take project management courses that will provide you with a solid foundation in project management principles<\/a>.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Being a member of one of these organizations, you\u2019ll have access to a community of people just like you \u2014 ready to collaborate, network, and share experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, you\u2019ll be able to contact and meet successful project managers, program managers, directors, consultants, and more, who can serve as mentors in your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, members of these organizations will often have certain advantages and discounts when it comes to taking project management courses and acquiring certifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, members of the PMI often have a $50 to $150 discount on all courses and certifications. They also have the chance to attend conferences and meet people they otherwise would not be able to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of certifications, you should consider getting certified early in your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certifications won\u2019t give you experience or immediately propel you to a project manager position \u2014 at least the entry-level ones won\u2019t. However, most certification programs come with courses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginner certifications will prove that you have gone through some official training and that your knowledge has satisfied the established criteria for that particular level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They might also give you a slight advantage if you happen to be competing for a job against someone with qualifications equal to your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more about project management certifications, which ones are the best for beginners, intermediate, and advanced PMs, how much they cost, where to get them, and more, check out our guide in the link below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginner certifications are also great because they\u2019re a gateway to high-level certifications, such as the world-renowned PMP certification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The PMP, for example, comes with a host of advantages \u2014 most notably, the much higher salary (up to 51% higher) compared to project managers without the PMP certificate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in how much you\u2019ll be able to earn as a project manager, and how your salary will scale with experience? Take a peek at our project management salary guide for 2022:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the requirements for the PMP certification is having at least 35h of project management education. This is something you\u2019ll have to scramble to get before you take the PMP exam \u2014 unless you get a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification early on, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the very basic ones, most certifications \u2014 including the PMP \u2014 require a certain amount of experience to take the exam. Remember that your job title doesn\u2019t matter when it comes to acquiring this experience \u2014 what matters is the work you did to get it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why it’s essential to keep track of all projects you\u2019re a part of and document them properly. Among other things, this means recording:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure to also gather testimonials and recommendations from people who have worked with you at the time to back up your claims. And, be prepared to talk in detail about your work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These records will help you both get accepted to take the test for the certification of your choosing, but also prove an invaluable resource for putting together your resume later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have a list of all the things you need to do to acquire project management experience, how do you know when you\u2019re finally done preparing, and when you\u2019re ready to take on a PM role?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In most cases, experience and tangible results are the most important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Figuratively speaking, project managers come in all shapes and sizes. According to PMI\u2019s recent survey<\/a>, plenty of project managers only have a high school diploma, and they are still working and earning competitive salaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, the greatest demand and the highest salaries remain in niche sectors, according to AIPM<\/a>. And the best way to have experience in niche sectors is to have worked in those sectors before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, to become an IT project manager, it\u2019s ideal that you have a background or a degree in IT. This is the case for most other niche sectors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, when it comes to the Government sector, for example, things are a little different. According to the same survey by AIPM, the Government, Education, and Health sectors usually look for people with more generalized skills. In these cases, a degree in project management or business may prove more useful than in more specialized niches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, you\u2019ll need slightly different qualifications depending on where you want to work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, most of the time, experience without a degree trumps a degree without experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Streamline your business \u2014 improve planning, align teams, finish tasks with Plaky by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n So, we know that you need experience to become a project manager. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, experience in what exactly? <\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the specific skills you\u2019ll be putting on your resume once you start applying for jobs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simple exposure gives you limited benefits. For example, a person who has spent a year on a ship wouldn\u2019t necessarily know how to steer it in a time of crisis \u2014 unless that\u2019s something they put an effort into learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same way, aspiring project managers should be deliberate with the skills they wish to develop when getting their experience. For example, you can learn to write immaculate documentation, and that\u2019s a great skill to have. But immaculate documentation doesn\u2019t successfully close projects \u2014 good leadership, communication, and planning do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here, we\u2019ll talk about the vital skills you should learn if you want to be a project manager, and those are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n What are hard skills in project management? What are soft skills? What can you do to improve them? Find out this, and more in our comprehensive guide on project management skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing how to maneuver project management software<\/a> might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of necessary PM skills \u2014 and it wasn\u2019t, until recently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, nowadays, projects can hardly be run without computers, digital calendars, task lists<\/a>, or Kanban boards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Project management tools \u2014 such as Plaky<\/a> by CAKE.com<\/a> \u2014 have become an essential part of the project workflow<\/a>. They are secure spaces where you and your team can keep up to date with the project in general and each other\u2019s tasks, from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n Besides the classic PM software, you\u2019ll also need to know how to operate Microsoft Excel and the Google suite at the very least. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take note of what the people around you are using \u2014 if you don\u2019t like it, try out different tools until you find one that works. You\u2019ll have a better chance of mastering your projects if you can get the software to work for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Project managers are leaders first and foremost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A project manager\u2019s job is to make sure projects are completed on time and within budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A large part of this consists of organization and planning, but the project managers aren\u2019t the ones doing the grunt work \u2014 the team is. Therefore, the success of a project largely depends on how well the PM handles team management, or rather, how good of a leader they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People who are good leaders are seen as reliable and trustworthy. Here\u2019s how you can improve your leadership skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good leaders are able to actively listen and understand what others are telling them, and they are not afraid to take advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your team members feel like they are not being taken seriously, they will stop talking because \u2014 what\u2019s the point?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the words of Andy Stanley, \u201cLeaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ego is a powerful thing. Sometimes, it leads us to talk in order to impress and raise others\u2019 opinions of us. But instead of sounding impressive, this can come across as boastful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Good leaders aren\u2019t afraid to ask questions because they know their value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Asking questions will have you learn more about your team, what they like, what they are good at, their desires and aspirations. But, most importantly, good questions foster innovative thinking, according to HBR<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to PMI\u2019s Pulse of the Professional 2021<\/a>, empathy is one of the most important aspects of leadership, and the cornerstone of building trusting relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It allows employees to feel like they have a present leader whom they can rely on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Empathy is about compassion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, even more importantly, it\u2019s about making sure that people are in a good state of physical and mental well-being and in a good position to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the famous saying goes, \u201cThere is no \u2018I\u2019 in teamwork<\/em>\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re working with a team of people, and especially when you\u2019re the one leading them, being open and transparent in all your business dealings and communication is paramount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Open communication builds trust and leads employees to understand the reasons and motivations behind every action, which, in turn, leads them to see themselves as an important part of a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Streamline your business \u2014 improve planning, align teams, finish tasks with Plaky by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n A 2014 Ketchum survey of 6,500 workers claims to have found the leadership formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective leadership = Open communication + Decisive Action + Personal Presence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Decisiveness serves to strengthen our credibility in the eyes of others. It\u2019s a trait that shows confidence and creates an image of a reliable leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, research shows that decisiveness helps boost the chances of project success<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Apparently, decisive leaders who make decisions within the span of an hour boost project success rates to 58% \u2014 compared to only 18% when the decision-making process lasts up to 5 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being called a leader on paper can boost anyone\u2019s opinion of themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to tame this feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, too much humility can be highly detrimental. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, in moderate doses it will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, team management is important \u2014 but good listening and communication skills are the cornerstones of successful project management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone responsible for hiring project managers, Michelle Hague had this to say about communication:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen hiring project managers, I look for candidates who can build good relationships with their team members and have strong communication skills. These are essential qualities for any project manager.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n This has to do with establishing trust and solidifying the team\u2019s opinion of you as the reliable leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication and leadership skills are the most difficult to master. So, take notes when you get to observe those more experienced than yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot more to say about communication than we can possibly fit in here. So, if you\u2019d like to learn all about why effective communication is integral to any business environment, including project management, check out our blog post below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When doing internships, or when you\u2019re allowed to temporarily join your organization\u2019s PMO, don\u2019t just focus on mastering the technical skills. People skills are just as important \u2014 if not more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of you may find yourselves discouraged seeing good organization on this list. After all, not too many people can claim that they have expert organizational skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, don\u2019t worry \u2014 good organization is not a talent, it\u2019s another skill \u2014 and skills can be learned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t know where to start, here are a few tips on how to improve your organizational skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be as specific as possible about what you want to accomplish and explain in detail what you need to do to accomplish it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, break down the goals into smaller tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having everything laid out in front of you will help you understand what you\u2019re working towards \u2014 but it will also create a step-by-step guide on how to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Is your long-term goal to become an accomplished project manager? What are some short-term goals to help you along the way and how can you best set them and follow through? Learn more about short- and long-term career goals in the posts below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prioritizing your to-do list is a key aspect of good organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It will ensure that the most important tasks are completed first, and that you have a solid foundation to lean on when working on your future tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understand that you cannot, and should not do everything by yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A project manager has a team and assistants who each have their own responsibilities \u2014 let them do their jobs according to their qualifications and abilities, and the team will function as a well-oiled machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People tend to procrastinate if you don\u2019t impose deadlines on them \u2014 that is the uncomfortable truth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, to avoid procrastination and make sure the project is on track with the schedule, learn how to set clear deadlines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This goes without saying, but, to notice when something is going wrong, when the project is off schedule, and when you need to adjust your priorities, you have to keep track of your progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Something as simple as a status overview is enough \u2014 but it needs to exist if you want to be on top of your tasks at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, technology has provided us with an easy way to do all of the things mentioned above much easier than before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Modern project management tools enable you to stay very well-organized with features such as<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM tools also allow you and your team to have a visual overview of what the entire team is working on. You can keep track of who is doing what, who is ahead of schedule, and who is lagging behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With all these tools and information at your disposal, you\u2019ll be able to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Poor planning is one of the major challenges PMs have to overcome, according to Wellingtone<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most dangerous consequence of poor planning is scope creep<\/a> and, ultimately, a complete project breakdown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The issue is that most people without planning experience believe that they are good at planning \u2014 or at least, that they could do it well given enough time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a common misconception that can turn into a big problem if left unaddressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aspiring project managers should practice their planning skills every chance they get. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With enough experience in failing, you\u2019ll eventually learn how to plan and which pitfalls to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The position of project manager is an advanced leadership position within an organization. This means that you can only reach it by working your way up to it. And, to do this, you need relevant experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, project management experience can be gained both in everyday life, and through other professions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, your current job title is irrelevant. When applying for a PM position, or another entry-level role, your experience and achievements in PM-related tasks will carry the most weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that, no matter if you\u2019re a student or graduate with no experience, or someone with years of experience in an unrelated field, you still have a very good chance of becoming a project manager \u2014 as long as you make an effort to follow the tips we\u2019ve laid out in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Let the software work for you, in the office or on the go \u2014 try Plaky by CAKE.com.<\/p>\n You can gain project management experience without a \u201cproject manager\u201d title. Let\u2019s take a look at the steps you need to take.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":10443,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-project-management"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=698"}],"version-history":[{"count":44,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16979,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/698\/revisions\/16979"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10443"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=698"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=698"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=698"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Experience](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Experience-in-project-management-cover-1110x555.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCan you be a project manager without experience?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What counts as project management experience?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How long does it take to become a project manager?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Michelle](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Michelle-Hague-headshot.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTips on how to get project management experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #1: Volunteer outside of work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #2: Step up at work <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #3: Create your own project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\n\n\nTip #4: Get a side hustle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip #5: Get an internship<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip #6: Apply for entry-level jobs in a field related to project management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Tip #7: Join a project management organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Michelle](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Michelle-Hague-headshot-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #8: Get a PMP certification as soon as possible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
What qualifications do you need to be a project manager?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat skills do you need to build experience as a project manager?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Project management software skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Plaky-timeline-feature-and-summary-row-1024x539.png\")
Leadership skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improve your listening skills <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn how to ask questions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to empathize<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to be open in your communication<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/templates@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\n\n\nLearn to be decisive<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn humility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Communication skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Organizational skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Learn to be specific with your goals and tasks <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Learn to set priorities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to delegate tasks<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to define deadlines<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to keep track of your progress<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Learn to use a project management tool<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Assigning](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Assigning-tasks-to-people-in-Plaky-1024x404.png\")
\n
Planning skills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: You don\u2019t need to be a project manager to get PM experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Plaky](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/pricing@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"