By: The Project Management Institute (Autumn Garza)

https://www.pmi.org/blog/how-to-gain-project-management-experience

First, let’s dive into what project managers do. Project managers use their skills, tools, and techniques to deliver products or services within set timelines, budgets, and scopes. Key responsibilities include:

• Defining goals and scope
• Planning and managing tasks
• Ensuring on-time delivery
• Communicating with stakeholders
• And managing risk

If these tasks sound familiar, you may be closer to a project management role than you think. If not, there are ways you can gain hands-on experience and prepare for the next step in your career. Here are 5 ways you can gain project management experience even when your title isn’t “Project Manager.”

1. Take on projects at your organization.
Even without the title “project manager,” if you’ve planned, led, or executed projects then you have some project management experience. This is also true if you have experience with project management software, tools, and artificial intelligence like PMI Infinity™. To gain more experience within your organization, seek opportunities where you can plan projects, flex your power skills like communication and stakeholder management, and showcase your time management and budget capabilities. This will not only boost your resume but will also help you deepen your understanding of project management.

You can also pursue entry level project management jobs to get your foot in the door. While the titles may vary from organization to organization, entry level roles may include project coordinator, junior or assistant project manager, and junior or assistant business analyst.

“Project coordinator roles will help get you exposed to the various aspects of project management,” says Rami Kaibni, PgMP, PMP, senior projects and development manager.

2. Volunteer for project roles in your community.
Volunteering to work on initiatives for nonprofits and community groups can also help you build valuable project management skills and experience.

“Volunteering is definitely on top of the list when gaining project management experience,” says Rami. 
Taking the lead on initiatives within your community, such as food drives, non-profit events, or trash cleanups, can be resume boosters and provide you with valuable skills.

“I started volunteering with Rotary Club,” explains Alisa Vovk, CAPM, a consultant in HR global strategic initiatives at CGI, on an episode of Projectified®. “It really gets you in the community, and you can use those project management skills anywhere.”

PMI also offers ways to volunteer and get involved through chapters, outreach committees, and working groups.

3. Find a mentor.
Mentors offer valuable guidance, providing feedback, advice, and sharing real-world experiences to help you grow. Finding a mentor in your organization or community can help you navigate your career path and learn from someone in a position you’re aiming for. Members of the PMI community also serve as mentors, assisting aspiring project professionals.

Alisa met her mentor at a PMI Chapter meeting. “I learned so much from [my mentor]—how he got into project management, how he was promoted to different roles, his experience,” says Alisa. “All that time that we spent together helped me build on short-term goals and long-term goals in terms of my career and what should I focus on.”

4. Join a community.
Joining the PMI community connects you with professionals in the field, allows you to share insights, and help each other succeed. With opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, chapter events, and more, joining the PMI community means you have the support of over 700,000 project professionals to help you reach your goals.

“The most valuable way is to join as many communities as possible, global, regional or local,” says Lekan Oyebamiji, PMP. “Get involved, volunteer, attend seminars, work on any projects you find within the community and get immersed in the profession.”

5. Get certified.
Certification is a powerful way to validate your experience and open new opportunities. With 51 percent of organizations requiring project professionals to hold some sort of certification in their role, it’s a crucial step for those entering the field. Our Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Certification is a great first step, and can fill knowledge gaps, build skills, and boost your confidence as you prepare for your first project management role.

Earning the CAPM can also help you stand out as a job applicant. “With the CAPM you can show your devotion to project management, your responsibility, that you’re hardworking, and that you’re disciplined enough to actually go study and deliver this without having a lot of work experience, which, obviously, will help later in pursuing other certifications,” says Alisa.

And that’s true. The CAPM is a stepping stone to attaining the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, which can lead to more earning potential.

Start building your project management career.
To stand out as a candidate and advance your career, you need to gain experience—whether it’s taking on projects at your organization, volunteering within your community, finding a mentor, or joining professional associations. As you work towards becoming a project manager, be sure to document your successes, track results, and seek out opportunities to add to your resume and toolkit. And remember, the most impactful way to elevate your career is through certifications. The CAPM can be a game-changer helping you distinguish yourself and elevate your career.