Mastering the Leap from Administration to Project Management
The journey from administration to project management is as unique as it is challenging, but it’s a testament to the fact that with the right approach, transitioning careers is entirely achievable. My own path was shaped by unexpected opportunities, self-doubt, and a steadfast commitment to growth.
It all started back in 2011 when I spent a semester abroad in Bangkok, Thailand, working alongside a missionary with a background in project management. His insights into the role – a blend of problem-solving, strategic thinking, and adaptability – resonated with me deeply. It was then that I realized my future could lie in project management. However, with a background in Music, Intercultural Studies, and Biblical Studies, the path was anything but straightforward. At the time, I didn’t know what it would take to succeed in this role, but I knew it was something I was interested in.
After that fateful encounter, I put the idea of project management on the backburner and continued my education. Little did I know, the next few years would lay the groundwork for my future as a project manager.
From Administration to Project Management: A Winding Path
Post-college, I ventured into the workforce as an advertisement analyst near Seattle, Washington, for a prominent search engine. I quickly ascended to a team lead role, and it felt like I had “made it” in the Pacific Northwest tech scene. I enjoyed the role, especially the leadership aspect. However, my life was about to take an unexpected turn.
It was around 2013-2014 that my husband and I met and got married. Since he was a Canadian, we had to decide which country to live in, and Canada made the most sense. This move would mean leaving my job in the U.S. and finding a new path in Canada. Little did I know, this transition would propel me into the administrative assistant career path.
After getting settled near Abbotsford, British Columbia, I found myself navigating the uncertain waters of job searching. I eventually landed roles as a sales assistant and later as a department assistant for a software company. Despite these positions feeling divergent from my previous job experience and my secret aspirations of project management, they were, in reality, laying the groundwork for my future as a project manager.
Honing the Skills for Project Management
The transition from one administrative role to another – from a software company to a church and then an elementary school – was not planned, but it turned out to be pivotal. Over the next 5 years in these roles, I honed skills crucial for any project manager: organization, communication, problem-solving, budget management, and leadership. Each challenge faced, from budget constraints to process improvements, was an opportunity to practice and perfect these skills.
My aspirations took a more concrete shape when I decided to actively pursue project management. I eagerly searched out roles for anything even remotely related to project management, but I was discouraged to learn that most of these roles required education or experience that I did not have. However, I was determined to land a project manager role eventually, even if that meant having to choose another administrative role to get there.
Seizing Opportunities and Embracing Continuous Learning
This search for roles with growth potential led me to an office manager position at a marketing agency who knew of my project manager aspirations. Although this was yet another administrative role, I seized every opportunity to align myself with project management tasks, attending meetings and learning about different methodologies on my own time.
My proactive approach culminated in a successful proposal to manage the development team’s projects using the agile methodology, marking my official entry into project management. I was very fortunate to work for a company that encouraged their team to try, fail, and try again. I will forever be grateful to my manager at the time, who allowed me the opportunity to put what I had always thought to be true – that I would excel at project management – into practice.
My lack of formal training in project management was a significant hurdle, leading to feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure. However, it was this very challenge that propelled me to seek out knowledge and expertise aggressively. I reached out to an agile coach who provided invaluable guidance and resources on the agile methodology, a pivotal step that equipped me with the skills and confidence needed for the transition. In addition, I spent hours pouring over online resources such as blog posts and YouTube tutorials that gave me the knowledge I needed to get started.
This was not an easy or quick process, but it was very fulfilling and, yes, frustrating at times as well. In all, my move from administration to project management took me about nine years, but the knowledge I gained along the way has been indispensable. I’ve now been a project manager for 4 years and continue to learn and grow every day. My short to medium-term career goals include completing the PMP certification and augmenting my knowledge in Agile methodologies such as Lean and Kanban.
Advice for Administrators Aspiring to Become Project Managers
Over the span of my career, I’ve picked up a lot of valuable lessons, and I’m forever grateful to every manager along my path who has poured into me and passed along their wisdom. And now, if I could give any advice to administrators who are looking to make a similar career pivot, it would be the following:
1. Assess and Leverage Your Current Skills
Believe it or not, your administrative skills are the foundation for project management. Some of these skills, like organization, stakeholder management, communication, and critical thinking, can’t really be taught and are indispensable.
2. Seek Knowledge and Mentorship
Sometimes the North American culture makes you feel like you have to do it all on your own. However, I’m here to tell you: don’t hesitate to reach out to experienced professionals for guidance. These people have a wealth of knowledge, and most of them are more than willing to give this knowledge away. Also, use resources available online and offline to build your understanding of project management methodologies. Concrete Townsville has a wealth of resources on their website to help you on your journey.
3. Find Opportunities Within Your Role
Although sometimes changing roles is the fastest way to make a career pivot, looking for ways to demonstrate project management skills in your current position can be an option to get you closer to the project management career path. Volunteering for projects allows you to showcase your ability to lead and manage tasks effectively and sets you apart as a go-getter and a person to be taken seriously. Make your leadership aware of your skills and abilities within the project management space and actively be on the lookout for ways you can insert yourself into projects.
4. Embrace Continuous Learning
Consider pursuing certifications like the CAPM or learning agile methodologies to enhance your qualifications and credibility. Although not required to make the transition, working toward these certifications can go a long way in demonstrating your dedication to the project manager career path.
5. Network Strategically
Connect with project management professionals or Agile coaches through networking sites, forums, and professional groups like LinkedIn. These connections can offer advice, mentorship, and potentially open doors to new opportunities.
The journey from administration to project management is as unique as it is challenging, but it’s a testament to the fact that with the right approach, transitioning careers is entirely achievable. My path was shaped by unexpected opportunities, self-doubt, and a steadfast commitment to growth. For those contemplating this transition, remember that your administrative role is not just a job – it can be a launchpad for your future in project management. Embrace every learning opportunity, seek out guidance, and believe in your ability to navigate this transformative journey. You can do it, and the skills you’ve gleaned from your administrative roles position you well to make a strong entrance into the project management field.
This article has been the first in what I hope will become a many-part series detailing the nuances of project management and how people who are new to the field can propel their careers forward. I hope you will join me on this journey, and I also hope to hear from you. What is the biggest career hurdle you’re currently facing? What are your career aspirations, and what is your timeline? I’m rooting for you, and I’m excited for you as you take the next step toward your goal.
