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Jessie, Associate project manager at Adobe: Advize Career Interview
A journey from initial career uncertainty to a thriving Associate Project Manager role at Adobe is revealed in this interview.
Early setbacks led to a career center position honing project management skills, followed by internships at NetSuite and Adobe Consulting Services.
The current role involves managing client relationships, budgets, and teams for Experience Cloud implementations, demanding strong people skills, organization, and even mathematical aptitude for financial tracking.
A typical day includes "meeting marathons" and report creation. While lacking initial technical expertise, a supportive team culture and proactive learning have been key to success.
The interview highlights the importance of networking, authenticity, and securing internships for entry into the field, with certifications like CAPM adding a significant advantage.
The tech industry's constant innovation and the impact of Adobe's products are major draws, showcasing the rewards of strong communication skills and genuine relationships.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jessie Nigel
Associate project manager
Adobe
California State University, Chico
N/a
Business Management & Admin
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path of an Associate Project Manager at Adobe
Jessie's journey began with initial career setbacks ("my resume sucks"), leading to a career center role where they honed project management skills. This experience, combined with internships at NetSuite and Adobe's consulting services, ultimately led to their current Associate Project Manager position at Adobe, a full-circle moment after initially dismissing sales and discovering a passion for project management ("I jumped all over it").
Main Responsibilities of an Associate Project Manager at Adobe
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe Consulting Services, manages client relationships and project budgets for Experience Cloud implementations, ensuring "the client is happy" and "the team is staying on track." This involves coordinating teams, scheduling meetings, and tracking finances to ensure projects are completed within budget, while lacking deep product expertise, Jessie focuses on project management and client satisfaction.
A Day In The Life Of An Associate Project Manager At Adobe
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe, describes a varied workday largely composed of "meeting marathons," balancing internal reporting and client communication across different time zones. The work also includes preparatory tasks like budget review and status report creation, highlighting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the role.
Most Important Skills for an Associate Project Manager at Adobe
For an associate project manager at Adobe, strong people skills are paramount, as the role necessitates navigating diverse personalities and delivering difficult news effectively; furthermore, the position demands organizational prowess, efficient written communication, and surprisingly, mathematical aptitude for budgeting, forecasting, and utilizing Excel for resource allocation— "hours equal revenue," making Excel "your best friend."
Favorite Parts Of Being An Associate Project Manager At Adobe
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe, most enjoys "the people," citing a supportive culture where colleagues readily offer assistance, even making the transition to leading projects feel manageable due to this strong team support. The positive client relationships further contribute to a rewarding experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Associate Project Manager At Adobe
Jessie's biggest challenge as an Associate Project Manager at Adobe stems from a lack of technical background, making it difficult to fully grasp discussions involving "very, very technical" products and client conversations. To overcome this, Jessie actively seeks clarification, requesting explanations "like I'm a 5-year-old," while also pursuing more in-depth product training to better understand the nuances of Adobe's offerings.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Tech Industry as an Associate Project Manager at Adobe
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe, enjoys the constant innovation and impact of the tech industry, stating that it's "really cool to see the impact that we do have on a lot of people." The opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI, contribute to products like Creative Cloud and Adobe Sign, and learn about how these tools affect major companies' marketing strategies are all highlights of their role.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Tech Industry, According To An Associate Project Manager At Adobe
Success in the tech industry, specifically in project management roles like Jessie's at Adobe, hinges on strong communication skills; Jessie emphasizes that "communication is key," even outweighing technical expertise for project managers ensuring synchronization between clients, consultants, and the company.
What an Associate Project Manager at Adobe Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Tech Industry
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe, wishes someone had emphasized the importance of authenticity in the tech industry, stating, "I didn't have to be so professional all the time." The interview revealed that building rapport and personal connections with clients and colleagues, even through casual conversation, is highly valued and often leads to stronger working relationships.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Associate Project Managers At Adobe
Jessie, an Associate Project Manager at Adobe, emphasizes that securing internships, especially at tech companies between junior and senior year of college, is "the easiest way to get in" to the field. A direct path to project management is uncommon for recent graduates; a starting point in consulting or sales, coupled with relevant certifications like PMP or CAPM, is typically the most effective strategy for transitioning into a project management role.
Significant Career Lesson From An Associate Project Manager At Adobe
Jessie's most significant career lesson, learned through experience, emphasizes the power of networking and building relationships: "having those people on your side is good," achieved by proactively connecting with others, not for personal gain but for genuine connection, transforming into invaluable support and even career advancement, as demonstrated by Jessie's mastery of a new billing system through collaboration.
College Experiences That Helped an Associate Project Manager at Adobe Succeed
Jessie's undergraduate success stemmed from a combination of factors including "working so much," which built a strong professional network, participation in clubs that fostered teamwork skills, and proactive certifications like the CAPM, which demonstrated commitment to a project management career. These experiences, including "those stupid group projects," ultimately proved invaluable in securing competitive internships and a successful career at Adobe.
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