We interviewed Carolina, a newly promoted Project Manager from Phillippines in a large company in Auckland New Zealand, about her advice on how to get started in this career.

My advice to becoming a project manager would be to gain a strong foundation in project management principles and techniques. This can involve taking classes and learning about topics such as project planning, budgeting, and risk management. It's also important to gain practical experience by working on real-world projects, and to develop strong communication and leadership skills, as these are critical for success in this field. In addition to these technical skills, I would also encourage young people to be flexible and adaptable, as the world of technology is constantly changing and evolving, and IT project managers need to be able to adapt to new challenges and opportunities. Overall, a career in IT project management can be very rewarding, so I would encourage anyone interested in this field to pursue their passion and learn as much as they can.

I would also encourage young people to network and build relationships within the IT industry. This can involve attending conferences and workshops, joining professional organizations, and connecting with other IT professionals on social media and online forums. Networking can be a valuable way to learn from others, to share ideas and experiences, and to make connections that can lead to job opportunities and professional growth. Additionally, I would also encourage young people to be proactive and take initiative in their careers. This can involve seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities, volunteering for special projects, and taking on additional responsibilities in order to gain experience and build their skills. By being proactive and taking ownership of their careers, young people can position themselves for success and growth in the IT field.

As an IT project manager, one of the hardest parts of my job can be managing and coordinating the efforts of a large team of individuals with different skills and backgrounds. This can require strong communication and leadership skills, as well as the ability to motivate and guide team members towards a common goal. Additionally, managing a project can also be challenging due to the many variables and uncertainties that are involved. This can include factors such as changing project requirements, unexpected obstacles and challenges, and tight deadlines and budgets. As a project manager, it's my responsibility to anticipate and address these challenges in order to keep the project on track and ensure its successful completion. Overall, while being a project manager can be rewarding, it can also be demanding and require strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.

It's difficult managing conflicts and differing opinions can be difficult, and it can be challenging to find a balance between individual and team goals. Additionally, coordinating the efforts of a large team can be complex and time-consuming, and can require strong communication and leadership skills. But collaborating with a diverse group of individuals can bring new perspectives and ideas, and can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. Additionally, working with a team can provide support and accountability, which can help to keep everyone motivated and on track.

One common mistake that people make as a project manager is not effectively managing risks and potential issues. In the world of project management, there are always potential risks and challenges that can arise, such as changes in project requirements, delays in deliverables, or unexpected obstacles. As a project manager, it's important to identify and assess these risks, and to develop plans to mitigate or address them in order to keep the project on track and ensure its successful completion. Many project managers make the mistake of not taking the time to properly assess and manage risks, which can lead to unexpected delays and setbacks that can jeopardize the success of the project. By being proactive and addressing potential risks and issues early on, project managers can help to ensure the smooth and successful execution of their projects.

There are several signs that a project manager is good at their job and has a lot of experience. Some of these signs include:

The project is completed on time and within budget: One of the key responsibilities of a project manager is to ensure that the project is completed on schedule and within the allocated budget. A project manager who is able to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget is likely to be experienced and effective in their role.

The project team is motivated and engaged: Another important role of a project manager is to motivate and engage the project team. A project manager who is able to inspire and support their team members is likely to be experienced and effective in their role.

The project meets or exceeds its objectives: A project manager who is able to successfully deliver a project that meets or exceeds its objectives is likely to be experienced and effective in their role. This can involve achieving key milestones, delivering high-quality deliverables, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations.

The project manager has good communication and leadership skills: Effective communication and leadership skills are critical for success in the role of a project manager. A project manager who is able to clearly communicate with stakeholders, team members, and other parties involved in the project, and who is able to provide strong direction and guidance, is likely to be experienced and effective in their role.