Favorite Parts Of Being A Project And Program Manager At An NGO
Alexandra enjoys the diverse industry exposure in her Project/Program Manager role, stating that "it's really interesting to be able to...understand the different inflection points that are going on in the market," while also appreciating the collaborative aspect, finding energy in working with "clients and also the team and external stakeholders."
Project Management, International Development, Cross-Industry Exposure, Client Interaction, Teamwork
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. Exposure to diverse industries and learning about market trends in various sectors such as mobility, smart manufacturing, and circular economy.
2. Collaboration with clients, team members, and external stakeholders, highlighting the people-centric nature of the role.
3. Opportunities to discover new companies and business prospects in Europe and California
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
My number one enjoyment in my current role is the exposure to many different industries. I get to learn on every new project, whether it's about mobility, smart manufacturing, or the circular economy with new materials for packaging or textiles.
It's really interesting to dive into these different topics and understand the inflection points in the market. I also learn about many cool companies in Europe and here, and I see different business opportunities.
I also enjoy working with people, clients, our team, and external stakeholders. Sometimes clients can be a double-edged sword; a difficult client can ruin your day. However, the really positive and friendly clients make up for any negative experiences.
Overall, it's a very people-focused business. I find that this gives me more energy than if I were siloed as an individual contributor.