Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Program Managers
Jorge, Co-Founder & CEO at Ascender Systems, suggests that entry-level candidates in the defense contracting field can consider internships or entry-level roles in engineering (software, mechanical, electrical) or contracts, where they can learn about regulations and protect the program manager; additionally, Jorge recommends the "project integration team lead" (PIT lead) role as the closest to program management, involving meeting coordination, accountability tracking, and note-taking to free up the program manager.
Entry-Level Positions, Defense Contracting, Program Management, Engineering Roles, Internship Opportunities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jorge Muniz
Co-Founder & CEO
Ascender Systems
United States Naval Academy United States Naval Academy
University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business Master of Business Administration - MBAMaster of Business Administration - MBA
Engineering, IT, Math & Data
Technology
Strategic Management and Executive
Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Internships in engineering roles (software, mechanical, electrical) are available for both undergraduate and graduate students.
2. Entry-level roles in the contracts division offer opportunities to learn about contracts, FAR, and DD codes, supporting program managers.
3. Project Integration Team Lead (PIT Lead) positions involve coordinating meetings, tracking responsibilities, and holding leads accountable, providing exposure to program management.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate or graduate student might consider?
Without a doubt, we're broken down into what's called a matrix organization. We have program management, and then we have engineers within their specific roles, such as software, mechanical, and electrical.
A graduate student looking to get into roles within defense contracting can come in as an intern into one of those functional roles. Alternatively, you can enter an entry-level role in the contracts division, understanding contracts, the FAR, and applicable DOD codes. This way, you're protecting your program manager.
Within program management, the closest role would probably be a project integration team (PIT) lead. PIT leads set up meetings, coordinate responsibilities, take meeting notes, and hold respective leads accountable to the program manager. This allows the program manager to focus on managing other programs.
I might have three or four PIT leads reporting to me. I see that as a role for a go-getting, hard-charging undergraduate or master's graduate to get into, and that would bring you the closest to program management.