Becoming a Junior Project Manager is challenging.
There are many complex requirements for the role.
You need to have specific personal strengths and talents.
Somehow you need to show you can take responsibility for people, money, and the outcome of a project.
(While you have never done it formally)
I get it. It’s overwhelming.
Nevertheless, I know for sure:
The process has a framework. It has a step-by-step workflow.
That’s why here you will find exhaustive explanations to each step of the process.
Understand the Role of a Junior Project Manager
It all starts with understanding the role of a project manager.
On interviews, they’ll test it!
Interviewers will subtly check your mindset, your understanding of the core values.
You need to act and think as a project manager and as a leader.
That’s What You’re Going to Do the Whole Day
First of all, what does a project manager do the whole day?
Are you ready for it?
Frankly speaking, I’m unable to describe what a PM does in one simple sentence.
There are way too many activities you participate in every day.
My family members have a sketchy picture of what I actually do every day.
Here’s a real-world overview for you:
Secrets Exposed: My Official Day of a Project Manager
Is it Stressful to be a Project Manager?
That’s another aspect I want you to understand about being a project manager.
It is stressful at the beginning.
You bear so much responsibility!
Quite often for the things that are not under your control.
You are responsible for people you manage. And you can’t always choose these people.
You work with what they give you.
And here’s a true story:
It’s lonely up there – higher on the career ladder.
Learn all the details here:
What Does it Feel Like to be a Project Manager (True Story)
That’s What They will Expect from You
Finally, there are certain expectations from your boss. Or even bosses.
Here is the catch:
From one side, you bear ultimate responsibility for the project success.
From the other, you don’t have ultimate control over the project.
You need to negotiate and work with other people. Together you need to develop it from nothing to a tangible final product or service.
It’s a hell of a job.
Why?
They don’t want to collaborate by default. You need to find ways to engage them.
So, the role and responsibilities are multi-facet.
Read here all you need to know:
Project Manager Responsibilities: The Definitive Guide (+Roles)
Transform into a Perfect Candidate for the Role of a Junior Project Manager
I hope that didn’t scare you off.
Now, you need to do some preparations.
Remember this:
Unless you show commitment and responsibility.
1. Understand the Basics of Project Management to be the Best Candidate
There are certain things you need to learn upfront.
No one wants to waste time explaining it all to you.
Why?
There are many resources on the project management topic.
Also, by learning the basics, you show your desire to become a project manager.
So, you need to start with this:
Project Management Basics That Will Make You a Better PM
2. Learn the Key Ingredients of an Entry-level PM
Next, you need to boost your belief in the value of project management.
You need to radiate the understanding of a structured approach to organizing the work.
There are several underlying concepts that you need to master.
Be sure interviews will check some of them:
8 Aspects That Will Make You the Best Entry-level Project Manager
3. Mental Traits that will Put You Ahead of Other Candidates
Also, great project managers have certain mindsets.
They describe your attitude towards people management.
These mindsets show your attitude towards responsibility and work ethics.
Check this out to learn more:
4 Traits of the Best Junior Project Manager
How to Become a Project Manager
Now, it’s time to roll your sleeves and develop an action plan.
I broke it all down to you in a separate guide.
There’s also a checklist for you.
The article below provides more in-depth tips and trick on the main steps in the process.
How to Become a Project Manager (From Any Role)
Finding Opportunities to become a Junior PM
There are lots of opportunities to get your first leadership position.
Feel the catch?
There is no clear career path to becoming a project manager.
You may talk your way into a Junior PM role from the first try.
Or
You will need to make your way through several interim steps.
But it should be leadership roles from this moment further.
Gain Initial Experience to Put into Your CV
You will face this problem. 100% positive.
Companies will want you to have relevant experience even for an entry-level role.
They will prefer candidates who have practical experience leading people and organizing the work.
So, you need to gain this initial experience. It will boost your chances to get into an interview.
How to Find Relevant Experience of a Project Manager
Ace Your First Interviews
With so much competition for an entry-level role of a Project manager…
With so many requirements you need to cover…
With some much knowledge that you need to display…
You must use all the interview opportunities.
Here’s a PRO tip:
The goal is not always to land the job.
Sometimes you need to go to an interview just to gain experience passing interviews.
(And be ready, you may need to go for dozens of interviews.)
Here you will find tips and tricks to increase your chances for positive results:
How to Exploit Junior Project Manager Interview Questions
Your First Steps as a Project Manager
I’m looking into your future for a reason.
Once you become a Project Manager, you will need to be ready for it.
Here’s what I want you to achieve:
You need to make the transition from a Junior Project Manager into a mid-level PM in six to twelve months.
Why?
Entirely possible, switching to a role for a Junior PM will be a downgrade in salary.
So, I want you to reap the monetary benefits of your hard work as soon as possible.
Here are some extra tips for the first few months of your career as a project manager.
Create a Headstart for Your Career
Here’s the truth:
Hard work starts here.
You need to dedicate yourself to work.
But the investment of several months of your life is worth the paycheck and job satisfaction.
So, take these five pieces of advice seriously:
5 Tips to Take Advantage of the First Months as a Junior Project Manager
Leverage the Knowledge of Your Mentor
Here’s another tip:
Find a project management mentor now. I mean well before you begin your transformation into a Project Manager.
Why?
It’s like rocket fuel to all your efforts here.
A mentor can explain difficult concepts. He can provide you with examples from the real world.
By most importantly a mentor can provide you with opportunities to become a PM. Likewise, recommend your promotion.
So, try to find one at your current job.
The tips in this article work before and after you become a junior project manager:
8 Questions a Junior Project Manager Should Ask
A Simple Framework You Can Use on Your First Project
Last but not least here is a simple framework for your first project.
Even if you just assist a senior PM, you need to understand what happens on the project.
Try to align what you see with what is described here:
How Not to Fail Your Small Projects
The Next Step
If you want to become an IT Project Manager or you are an Accidental Project Manager, but you want to become a professional one do check the Perfect Junior Project Manager Program: