PM Podcast Episode 62: "How can I become a PM?"

Some notes from the podcast (click on the link to right to find the podcast):

• A successful PM is a great Communicator & Motivator and has thick skin.
  
• Let your Management know you want to move into PM*.
  
• Prepare: take classes, read books, understand the profession.
  
• Position: being in the right place at the right time.
  
• Perform: Begin using PM skills as you are developing them. Any assignment can be treated as a Project:
  
  
  
  1. Define your Project - Document an assignment request and present it back for verification. (Project Plan)
     
  2. Plan your Project - Develop an approach for accomplishment with a schedule for hours, dates and durations.
     
  3. Track your Project - Keep record of efforts and how long they take.
     
  4. Report on your Project - Create a simple status report for co-workers.
     
  
  
• PMI always has projects that need to be worked on.
  
• Consulting offers insight into several companies and allows you to greatly increase your skills and perspective.
  
• Networking is the key to getting your foot in the door. It's not always what you know, but who you know.
  
• 3 Main Character Traits of a PM:
  
  
  
  1. Communication - Risks, Issues, Status, Budgets, everything involves excellent communication
     
  2. Integrity - Read the PMI Code of Ethics
     
  3. Thick Skin - protect your team from upper management, while dealing with backlash from your team regarding time-lines and work loads
     
  
  
• 3 Career Moves to Make to Get into PM:
  
  
  
  1. Preparation - read and learn about PM, practice what you've learned and treat everything like a project
     
  2. Certification - tells people that you are willing to make a career move
     
  3. Positioning - Networking, letting your company know your career plans, taking an entry-level PM position to get your foot in the door