What do you do if your Program Management career needs a boost?
Program management is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a combination of skills, experience, and leadership. However, sometimes you may feel stuck, bored, or frustrated with your current role or project. Maybe you want to advance to the next level, switch to a different domain, or learn new methodologies. Whatever your goal is, you need a boost to revitalize your program management career and achieve your potential. In this article, we will share some tips on how to do that.
The first step to boost your program management career is to evaluate your current situation and identify your strengths and gaps. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What are the skills, knowledge, and competencies that you need to improve or acquire? How do you measure your performance and impact? You can use various tools and frameworks, such as SWOT analysis, competency models, or feedback surveys, to help you with this process. Be honest and realistic with yourself, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others.
The next step is to set SMART goals and action plans for your program management career. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Your goals should be clear, quantifiable, realistic, aligned with your vision and values, and have a deadline. For example, instead of saying "I want to be a better program manager", you can say "I want to get certified as a PMP by the end of the year". Then, you need to break down your goals into actionable steps and tasks, and assign resources, timelines, and milestones to them. For example, you can say "I will study for the PMP exam for two hours every day, enroll in an online course, and take a mock test every month".
One of the most effective ways to boost your program management career is to seek mentorship and coaching from someone who has more experience, expertise, or insight than you. A mentor or a coach can offer you guidance, advice, feedback, support, and opportunities to grow and learn. They can also help you expand your network, expose you to new perspectives, and challenge you to step out of your comfort zone. You can find a mentor or a coach within your organization, in professional associations, online platforms, or through personal referrals. Make sure you choose someone who shares your values, goals, and expectations, and who is willing to invest time and energy in your development.
Another way to boost your program management career is to expand your network and visibility within and outside your organization. Networking can help you build relationships, exchange information, learn from others, discover opportunities, and showcase your value. You can network in various ways, such as attending events, joining communities, participating in discussions, volunteering for projects, sharing your insights, or asking for introductions. You should also update your resume, portfolio, and online profiles to reflect your achievements, skills, and goals. Be proactive, authentic, and generous when networking, and don't forget to follow up and maintain contact with your connections.
The last tip to boost your program management career is to learn new skills and trends that are relevant to your field, industry, or domain. Program management is a dynamic and evolving discipline that requires constant learning and adaptation. You should stay updated on the latest best practices, methodologies, tools, and technologies that can help you deliver better results, solve problems, and innovate. You can learn new skills and trends by taking courses, reading books, listening to podcasts, watching videos, or following blogs. You should also apply what you learn to your projects, share your knowledge with others, and seek feedback on your improvement.
-
I’d suggest staying up to date with the latest trends. But make sure you have strengthened your knowledge of the basics first. The ‘shiny new thing’ may not be as effective as doing the basics really well. Once you’ve mastered the basics - look at how it can be even better by applying latest thinking and approaches.
-
Continuously seek feedback from peers, managers, and stakeholders to improve your performance. Develop strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, as these are essential for success in Program Management. Lastly, remain adaptable and open to change, as the field of Program Management is dynamic and constantly evolving.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Program ManagementWhat do you do if your program management career needs a boost?
-
Program ManagementHow can you identify career development opportunities in Program Management?
-
Program ManagementHere's how you can excel in the qualities employers seek when promoting program managers.
-
Program ManagementWhat do you do if you're unsure of the potential career paths in Program Management?