Moving into project management

[Tensai]

How does one get his foot in the door (refer to my original question up top as well)?

Certs, either PRINCE2 or PMP. Difficult to get taken seriously at the start without something to show you at least understand the principles behind project management. An increasing number of clients are following these frameworks, so you have to understand them to fit in.

Note : Hopefully pre-empting the sarcy remarks, I am not saying that they make you competent, just that you know the principles.

[malvolio]

I've made the switch a couple of times, it went Ok but I hated it and went back to cushy semi bored coding. If you've got a solid coding background and are half decent then you can always go back. For me the extra money didn't compensate the extra hastle, I'd give it a try and see how it goes.

Have you done proper team leading - i.e. responsible for the delivery of a package of development work through to go live (or at least, delivery to the go live team)? That will get you into a junior PM role.

Other route is through BA work, since that's half the skills right there (the other half is people skills and the other half is financials and budgeting...), but that's not an easy transition from code-work.

[rootsnall]

Have you done proper team leading - i.e. responsible for the delivery of a package of development work through to go live (or at least, delivery to the go live team)? That will get you into a junior PM role.

Other route is through BA work, since that's half the skills right there (the other half is people skills and the other half is financials and budgeting...), but that's not an easy transition from code-work.

Yes I'd done team leading in my formative years and had some decent formal training by a big software house. I stepped into PM'ing when their was an obvious gap at a place I was working. Held the fort OK but realised it wasn't worth it when you are riding the '.Net' wave and sitting quietly in the corner earning decent money anyway.

[Xil3]

Certs, either PRINCE2 or PMP. Difficult to get taken seriously at the start without something to show you at least understand the principles behind project management. An increasing number of clients are following these frameworks, so you have to understand them to fit in.

Note : Hopefully pre-empting the sarcy remarks, I am not saying that they make you competent, just that you know the principles.

That makes sense... after I got my PHP Cert I was getting a lot more replies from employers...

I'll go get my PRINCE2 cert ASAP

Thanks for your help

[HYpno27]

That makes sense... after I got my PHP Cert I was getting a lot more replies from employers...

I'll go get my PRINCE2 cert ASAP

Thanks for your help

There are two levels to Prince2 - the one that get's the c.v. pulled out of the pile is "practitioner" which will cost about £1200 to get through. (pain in the ass, but does make its money back)

[Xil3]

There are two levels to Prince2 - the one that get's the c.v. pulled out of the pile is "practitioner" which will cost about £1200 to get through. (pain in the ass, but does make its money back)

Yeah, I just saw that...

I'll have to go through the e-learning course (combo of both foundation and practitioner), since I'm working mon-fri and that's the only time they offer the classes.

[TheFaQQer]

Slightly off-topic, but I've always loved this quote, and will one day summon the cojones to try it on a client....

"You have a project for me? Cheap, quick, or good; you can have two of the three."

IGMC

One of the three, surely?

[yellow]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

I think I may well give it a go - it'll be a big blow to the cashflow for my limited company, but medium-term could well be worth it.

Prince II could be an interesting option as an evening class/self-learn to get stuck into during the duration of the contract.

y x

[Tensai]

Prince II could be an interesting option as an evening class/self-learn to get stuck into during the duration of the contract.

I wouldn't advise the self-learn option unless you're really dedicated. I personally think the PRINCE2 methodology is pretty byzantine and it's a lot easier if you can get someone to take you through it.

Not to say it can't be done, just set your expectations appropriately.

[shelby68]

It's very satisfying if you get it right, but it's a lot harder than most non-PMs can imagine.

Well I agree with the second bit, I've seen it break people who get it wrong, you end up on the sh!t end of the stick at both ends

Taking this might be a way for you to dip your toe in and see if you like it.