Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Project Managers
A project coordinator role is a great entry-level position for aspiring project or program managers; however, the interviewee suggests that gaining project experience, even outside of a formal project coordinator role, is valuable and can even count toward certifications, as was the case in their own career trajectory.
Project Management, Entry-Level Positions, Career Development, Job Search, Project Coordinator
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tessa Frey
Sr. Technical Project Manager, PMO Special Projects
Specright
University of California, Irvine - 2013
N/A
History, Art History
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Entry-level project coordinator roles offer a good starting point for aspiring project or program managers.
2. Experience in project work, even outside of a formal project coordinator role, can count toward project management certifications and career advancement.
3. Individuals can pivot into project management from various entry-level positions by actively seeking and undertaking project-related tasks.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
A project coordinator role is a good starting point for someone who wants to become a project manager or program manager. It's likely the best entry-level position I would recommend for that path.
Beyond that, you can pivot into project management from almost anywhere. I'd recommend doing what I did: seek out project work and just do it.
That's how I gained experience and was able to count it towards my certifications. So, if you can't get a project coordinator role, I would recommend that approach.