Most Important Skills for a Project Manager at Vaelynn Studios
Andreas, a project manager at Vaelynn Studios, thrives on the variety inherent in the role, stating that "not every day is the same," a stark contrast to earlier monotonous internships. This variety stems from enabling developers to focus on "coding" and "problem-solving" while Andreas manages business aspects and stakeholder communication, ensuring each project presents "something new."
Project Management, Communication, Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Adaptability
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Andreas Lopez
Project Manager
Vaelynn Studios
Western Governor's University (WGU)
WGU Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Engineering, IT, Math & Data
Gaming
Cyber Security and IT
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Project management offers a variety of tasks and prevents monotony. Andreas highlights that his work is never the same, involving different projects, stakeholders, and teams. This variety is crucial for him and makes the job engaging.
2. A key skill is enabling developers by handling business aspects and communications. Andreas emphasizes that he removes non-coding tasks from developers, allowing them to focus on problem-solving and coding, which they enjoy. This shows the importance of collaboration and understanding different team members' strengths.
3. The ability to adapt and manage change is essential. Projects constantly evolve, requiring flexibility and the capacity to adjust to new challenges and changing requirements. This aspect of project management ensures that the role remains dynamic and exciting for Andreas, highlighting the need for adaptability in this career path.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role?
Definitely the variety of work. Long ago in Western Germany, the government required us to take internships. One internship involved working in a billing department, which was very monotone.
What surprised me then was that I didn't realize I was a creative person who needed variety. I learned that through experiences like that internship. Now, especially as a project manager, I've worked at many different companies and in this current role.
In this role, you get to work with people and enable them, which I find very rewarding. I help developers stay organized and not worry about business aspects, as I take that burden away from them. Developers enjoy coding and problem-solving; they like building and automating things.
I let them focus on that, while I handle the business side, like requirements and communications. They don't typically engage directly with stakeholders; that's done through project managers or the product owner. We take those tasks off their shoulders.
On top of that, the projects constantly change. One change is implemented, and then it's on to the next. I like the prospect of something new. The process might stay the same, like two-week sprints, but the work and stakeholders change.
Sometimes developers switch teams. This allows me to meet new people. Ultimately, the most enjoyable thing is knowing that no two days are the same. With my personality, I need more than just repetitive tasks.
That kind of work would drive me nuts. The creative aspect and new projects on the horizon are always exciting.