Making Things Happen

Scott Berkun, a former Microsoft Program Manager shares his views about becoming a project manager.

His views are startingly similar to the views we have been posting on this website … that getting more handson experience is the best way to jumpstart your career!

Notice Scott does not start with a long list of educational requirements or certifications for aspiring project managers but with something that you have heard me talk a lot about … hands-on experience!

Scott’s Advice for Aspiring Project Managers:

• WORK ON A PROJECT.

• Go make something …

• Grab a friend and build a website, or a blog, or something. Anything …

• Build a house. Build a couch. Make a movie …

• Volunteer your Project Management (PM) skills wherever you can in return for a reference …

• According to Scott; the best way to market yourself is to get experience, as there is nothing more dangerous for the world than someone who wants to be a project manager but has never managed a project in their life.

Scott is an independent author and public speaker for hire.

His work as a writer and public speaker has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, Wired magazine, and on National Public Radio.

Scott has taught at the University of Washington, blogs for Harvard Business, and has appeared as an innovation expert on CNBC and MSNBC.

I recommend that you click here to read Scott Berkun’s answer to the question: “Should I Become A Project Manager?”

After reading Scott’s post, do this:

• Advice for College Students: get some hands-on experience before you graduate. Don’t expect your educational qualifications alone to open doors.

• Advice for Career Changers: Look for opportunities to build hands-on experience. Get your feet into the door at all costs. Click here to learn more about building hands-on experience

• Advice for IT Professionals: Don’t get complacent by neglecting to buildup hands-on experience. Ask your manager or boss for opportunities to work on challenging, experience building projects. That is one good way to secure your job or your career!

If you enjoyed reading this article, Subscribe to IT Career Coach Newsletter

Looking To Advance Your Career?

Shopping Cart Visit the Shopping Cart for affordable, convenient and effective online training!

Go Faster! Or get the hands-on experience and cutting-edge skills required for today's competitive job market now

About Training & Coaching Classes

• Business Analyst Boot Camp - Online, Web Based, Instructor Led, Business Analyst Video Training


• Become A Leader Coaching


• SQL Boot Camp - Online, Web Based, Instructor Led, Hands On, SQL + RDBMS Video Training


• Software Developer Boot Camp - Online, Web Based, Instructor Led, Software Developer Video Training


• Data Analyst Boot Camp - Online, Web Based, Instructor Led, Data Analyst Video Training


• Get Hired Fast - Online, Web Based, Resume + Job Search + Interview Video Training