A Day in the Life of a Project and Program Manager at an International Trade Office
Alexandra's workday as a Project/Program Manager begins early with calls to European partners, followed by team check-ins and afternoon work on deliverables—ranging from market research and writing reports to event logistics and developing client pitch decks—all while ensuring "deadlines and the budget are met." The diverse nature of the projects means "no one day really looks the same," reflecting the dynamic demands of the international trade and development sector.
Project Management, Communication, International Relations, Teamwork, Problem-Solving
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alexandra Banning
Project/Program Manager
NGO/International Trade and Development Office
UC Santa Barbara
N/A
Communications
Government & Public Sector, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. The work involves a lot of communication and collaboration with partners and clients in different time zones.
2. A significant portion of the work involves logistical management and problem-solving, including tasks such as organizing events, conducting market research, and preparing presentations.
3. No two days are exactly alike, reflecting the dynamic and varied nature of project and program management in this field.
Transcript
What does a day in the life of a project and program manager look like?
My day in this role starts pretty early because I'm dealing with people in the European time zone. Our clients and partners are located there.
Normally, my mornings, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, are filled with calls with our partners. We align on touchpoints, answer questions, and I also take calls from potential clients.
Mid-morning, I check in with the team to discuss deliverables that need action. In the afternoons, I work on those deliverables.
If a project is market research, I'll conduct the research, maybe interview local experts, and write the paper. If we're organizing an event, there's a lot of logistical management involved with venues, caterers, speakers, and programming.
When organizing meetings and exploring business opportunities, it again involves a lot of research and contacting business partners. I also work on pitch decks for our clients and help them with the nitty-gritty logistics of entering the market here.
No two days are the same because it really depends on the project or program we're putting together for our clients. It's a lot of meetings and connecting with both the team and the client to ensure everyone is on the same page and that deadlines and budget are met.