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Thomas, ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Products Company: Advize Career Interview

A career journey starting with self-reflection and a pivot from pre-med to economics and finance led to a diverse marketing role and ultimately, a dynamic position as an ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Products.

This path highlights adaptability and a knack for seizing opportunities.

The role itself is a highly variable mix of communication, collaboration, and project management across various teams, demanding strong organizational skills, time management, and a willingness to navigate unexpected challenges.

The work is rewarding, fostering strong relationships and offering tangible results within impactful projects.

Success in this field requires a project-oriented mindset, strong relationship-building skills, and a willingness to learn and collaborate; it's less about having all the answers and more about proactively addressing conflict and seeking expertise from colleagues.

Entry-level positions like IT analyst or consultant provide excellent pathways into this growing field. A curious mindset and building strong relationships, as demonstrated in undergraduate experiences, are key to success.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Thomas Becken

ERP Project Manager

Cemstone Products Company

St. Olaf College, 2015

UCLA Anderson MBA

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Economics

Construction

Operations and Project Management

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of an ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Products Company

Thomas's career path exemplifies a non-linear journey, starting with a pivot from pre-med to economics and finance after "really challenged" self-reflection. Following a marketing role at a small firm, where Thomas "did anything from the research side to helping name companies," a chance opportunity led to a rapid promotion to ERP Project Manager at a concrete company, showcasing adaptability and growth.

A Day In The Life Of An ERP Project Manager At Cemstone Products Company

Thomas's day as an ERP project manager at Cemstone Products is highly variable, with "no two days quite the same," but typically involves a mix of email correspondence, small internal meetings, and numerous meetings with various teams to manage the many small projects within the larger ERP implementation. This necessitates constant availability for communication and collaboration.

Most Important Skills for an ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Products Company

Thomas, an ERP Project Manager, emphasizes that strong project management skills form the core of the role, encompassing "time management, responsibility, being organized, and being a good communicator," acting as the "information hub" for the project. Adaptability is also crucial, as Thomas notes that "a project can change on moments notice," requiring willingness to learn, adjust, and lead others through unexpected challenges.

Favorite Parts Of Being An ERP Project Manager At Cemstone Products Company

Thomas enjoys the collaborative nature of the ERP Project Manager role, stating "you really form a relationship when you're trying to understand their issues as well as solving their problems for them," fostering strong bonds across various company departments. This variety, coupled with the "responsibility" and constant learning opportunities, makes each workday unique and challenging.

Biggest Challenges Faced By An ERP Project Manager At Cemstone Products Company

Thomas, an ERP Project Manager, identifies change management as the biggest challenge in his role, citing the difficulty of transitioning employees who have "been doing the same exact thing...for over 20 years" to new systems. Successfully navigating this requires taking time to understand their processes to facilitate a smooth transition, though Thomas acknowledges that this is "easier said than done."

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Construction And Concrete Industry As An ERP Project Manager

Thomas enjoys the tangible results of "really tangible work" in the construction and concrete industry, citing involvement in major projects like Minneapolis stadiums and light rail. The industry's experienced professionals and widespread presence, allowing for impactful work "anywhere," also contribute to Thomas's job satisfaction.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Construction Industry, According To An ERP Project Manager At Cemstone Products Company

Thomas, an ERP Project Manager, identifies key traits for success in the construction industry: a strong project orientation, "really hardworking people" who are "good at being able to see the big picture," and a capacity for building strong relationships through frequent face-to-face interactions. This aligns with Thomas's project management role, requiring collaboration and a broad understanding of organizational impact.

What an ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Technology Industry

Thomas, an ERP Project Manager, learned that the role doesn't require having "all the answers" immediately; instead, it's crucial to be "vulnerable," ask questions, and rely on colleagues' expertise. This collaborative approach, combined with patience, allows for growth and mastery of the complex subject matter over time.

Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring ERP Project Managers

Entry-level ERP project management roles are diverse and in high demand, spanning many industries beyond construction. Thomas suggests that IT analyst or IT consultant positions offer a viable entry point, allowing individuals to "dive into those projects and working with the system," ultimately leveraging this experience to transition into project management.

Significant Career Lesson From an ERP Project Manager at Cemstone Products Company

Thomas, an ERP Project Manager, learned the significant value of proactive conflict resolution, shifting from a previous tendency to "retreat from it" and instead addressing issues directly. This approach, he found, prevents smaller problems from escalating into "much bigger problems in the future."

College Experiences That Helped An ERP Project Manager At Cemstone Products Company Succeed

Thomas's undergraduate success stemmed from "being curious, uh, being willing to explore interests," leading to unexpected career discoveries. Building relationships with professors, advisors, and peers helped refine their goals and ensured a more confident and prepared transition into their ERP Project Manager role.

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