Admin to PMI Project Coordinator?

Question

I'm a seasoned AA looking to get into the field of project management. What would be the best position for me to take to make this transition?

Note: I'm a contractor with the title of "Project Coordinator, but I'm not assisting a project manager. Right now, I'm coordinating information flow of a hughe document that has to go out.

Answer 1

Most companies require some sort of technical competency on what they do, whether it's engineering or some other field. I would check with your company to see what they require. The move from AA to project manager is a quantum leap in most cases and you may need to get an additional bachelor's degree (at least) to even be considered for the position. Be careful with PMI Certification. Some companies like that, but many are finding that that isn't that helpful in the bigger picture.

Answer 2

Look for Project Administrator or Project Coordinator positions. There is a huge amount of documentation and administrative work in project managment. You can get on-the-job training and take night or online courses at the same time.
I am a Contract Administrator, and do a lot of project coordination just as part of the job. If you are a good AA and like project based work you should do really well and learn quicker this way rather than schooling alone.

Answer 3

Very similar names - but I would think that a Project coordinator would be the person responsible for getting the right people lined up BEFORE the project is kicked off. Also, they would be available during the project to bring in resources from other groups, etc. A Project manager actually DOES the project with the personnel that the coordinator identified (above)

Answer 4

Whatever you do, don't get involved with bridge projects, lest they fall down.

Answer 5

1. get your pmi certification