Career101.org - Project Management

Project Management

This is a hybrid role as it requires some heads down time as well as time interacting with others. You are a team problem solver and motivator. You make sure things get done. If you feel you sit right in the middle of the introvert / extrovert scale, this could be a fit for you. If you have enjoyed leading teams or groups, you may be a natural for this role. Let's talk through some examples.

- - Create: Many companies create something new. This could be software (Snap Chat), a product (a car, phone), media (video games, TV show), medicine (a cancer drug) or anything else. Whatever it is, it only gets created when people with different skill sets and contributions work well together. This is where a Project Manager comes in. The Project Manager has the ability to work with all types of people and guide them to a common goal in a specific amount of time. One day it might be working with an engineer to talk through a problem. Another day it might be working with a sales team on how to best market the product. It is a varied role and one of my favorites. Job titles can include project manager (software), production manager (television), warehouse manager (manufacturing), construction manager (construction), asset manager (commercial real estate).
  - Service: Companies need people to service its existing products and clients. This requires the core Project Management skills but with a focus on different areas. Examples: account manager (software, advertising, insurance), portfolio manager (financial services), property manager (real estate),
  - Transactions: Some sales or business development transactions are complicated or long enough that someone is assigned to oversee the transaction. An escrow agent plays this role when someone buys a house. So does a college counselor who helps a student navigate the college application process. These roles tend to be more deadline driven.

Roles Focused on Creating

- Social Media Assistant - Social Media
  - Supports social media managers by scheduling posts, monitoring engagement, and creating content. Skills Required: Basic understanding of social media platforms, creativity, organizational skills.
- Project Management Associate - Biotech
  - This focuses on organizing the people doing the work. Just like a Producer in the video game industry or the Asset Manager in the real estate industry, Project Management Associates make sure things get done.
- Associate Consultant - Consulting
  - Works with senior consultants to deliver client projects, including data analysis and strategy development. Skills Required: Strong communication, teamwork, analytical thinking.
- Producer - Video Games
  - Producers focus on making sure the game gets built as designed, on time and on budget. It doesn't always work out as planned but the Producer is pushing to make it happen. Entry level roles include (i) an Associate Producer who might be mainly focused on timelines and schedules or (ii) a Project Manager who might get more into the nuts and bolts of making sure a specific aspect of the project gets done.
- Associate Asset Manager, Construction Project Engineer - Commercial Real Estate
  - An asset manager focuses on executing a business plan for a collection of properties. You might also see this role with a Lender with the focus on making sure the loans perform.
- Construction Project Engineer - Commercial Real Estate or Assistant Project Manager - Real Estate Development
  - This role exists at construction and inspection companies. It helps to have an undergraduate degree in construction management. The roles tend to be out of the office at the property as opposed to behind a desk.
- Real Estate Development Assistant - Commerical Real Estate
  - Supports development projects by assisting with administrative tasks, coordinating with contractors, and managing project documentation. Skills Required: Organizational skills, communication skills, basic knowledge of project management software.

Roles Focused on Service

- Doctor, Nurse - Medicine
- Teacher - Teaching
- Legal Assistant - Legal
  - Provide administrative support to lawyers, including scheduling, document preparation, and client communication. Skills Required: Communication skills, organizational skills, proficiency in office software, attention to detail.
- IT Support Specialist - Technology
  - Provides technical support and troubleshooting for computer systems. Skills Required: Technical knowledge, communication, problem-solving.
- Community Manager - Social Media
  - Engages with the online community, responds to comments, and fosters a positive environment. Skills Required: Communication, empathy, problem-solving.
- Cashier - Retail
  - Handles customer transactions, processes payments, and provides receipts. Skills Required: Basic math skills, customer service, attention to detail.
- Stock Clerk - Retail
  - Manages inventory, restocks shelves, and maintains store organization. Skills Required: Physical stamina, attention to detail, organizational skills.
- Host/Hostess - Restaurants
  - Greets and seats customers, manages reservations, and ensures a pleasant dining experience. Skills Required: Customer service, communication, organizational skills.
- Server - Restaurants
  - Takes orders, serves food and beverages, and handles customer inquiries. Skills Required: Communication, multitasking, customer service.
- Sales Coordinator - Sales
  - Supports the sales team by managing schedules, preparing sales documents, and handling customer inquiries. Skills Required: Organizational skills, communication, proficiency in office software.
- Bank Teller - Banking
  - Assists customers with transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and account inquiries. Skills Required: Customer service skills, attention to detail, basic math skills.
- Customer Service Representative - Insurance, Consumer Goods, Retail
  - Assist customers with inquiries. Skills Required: Communication, problem-solving, customer service.
- Editorial Assistant - Book Publishing
  - Supports editors in manuscript preparation and coordination.
- Production Assistant - Book Publishing
  - Manages the logistics of book production, including layout and printing.
- Production Assistant, Assistant or Associate Agent - Film & Television
  - You will be supporting an agent who represents an actor or actress. If working closely with actors and actresses is your passion, this is the direct path to take.
- Administrative Assistant - Government (and most other industries)
  - Supports office operations by handling clerical tasks. Skills Required: Organizational skills, communication, attention to detail.
- Program Assistant - Government
  - Assists program managers with administrative tasks and project coordination. Skills Required: Administrative skills, multitasking, teamwork.
- Enlisted Personnel - Military
  - Participate in military operations, maintain equipment, and support activities. Skills Required: Physical fitness, teamwork, technical skills.
- Logistics Specialist - Military
  - Manage supply chains and inventory. Skills Required: Organizational skills, attention to detail, problem-solving.
- School Counselor - Education
  - Provides academic, career, and emotional support to students. Skills: Empathy, communication, problem-solving.
- Medical Assistant - Healthcare
  - Supports doctors by performing administrative and clinical tasks. Skills Required: Communication, organizational skills, basic medical knowledge.
- Pharmacy Technician - Healthcare
  - Assists pharmacists in preparing medications and managing inventory. Skills Required: Attention to detail, customer service, basic pharmacology.
- Home Health Aide - Healthcare
  - Provides basic care for patients in their homes. Skills Required: Compassion, physical stamina, basic medical knowledge.
- Property Manager Assistant - Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate
  - Supports property managers in maintaining properties, handling tenant issues, and managing leases. Skills Required: Problem-solving skills, organizational skills, basic knowledge of property management software.

Roles Focused on Transactions

- Junior Associate - Legal
  - Newly licensed attorneys who assist senior lawyers with case preparation, client meetings, and legal research. Skills Required: Legal research, writing skills, client interaction, analytical thinking.
- Loan Officer - Banking
  - Assists clients in applying for loans, evaluates loan applications, and determines creditworthiness. Skills Required: Customer service skills, knowledge of loan products, analytical skills.
- Claims Adjuster - Insurance
  - Evaluate insurance claims to determine payout amounts. Skills Required: Analytical thinking, negotiation, attention to detail.
- Nonprofit Coordinator - Education
  - Organizes and executes educational programs and events for nonprofit organizations. Skills Required: Interpersonal skills, project management, communication.
- Real Estate Agent's Assistant - Residential Real Estate
  - Assists real estate agents with administrative tasks, client communication, and property listings. Skills Required: Organizational skills, communication skills, basic knowledge of real estate software.
- Escrow Agent - Commerical Real Estate
  - Get ready for fast paced action! Some owners and lenders have a similar position called a transaction manager. The focus is on getting the purchase or financing of a property closed in a specific time deadline.

How To Learn More

Read about Sales & Business Development or Heads Down roles.
Talk to someone doing the role you want. Check out my writings on The Gift of Asking for Help, Mentors and Networking 101 on The Search page to learn how to do this.
- Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.
Already know what you want to do but are looking for general guidance on how to find a job? Check out The Search for advice.

Disclaimer: This information is provided to help you navigate the early stages of your career. It is based on my experience over 25+ years. There is no guarantee that the same principles will allow you to be successful. For the industry summaries, I have gathered information in one or more of the following ways: (a) interviewed someone in the industry, (b) researched the industry myself, or (c) used an artificial intelligence tool. No guarantee is provided as to the accuracy of the information. It is provided for research purposes only.