how to move into project management?

[TheAngryDog]

And should I move into project management?

My work are putting me up for doing a capm course next year. I have no PM experience though have been involved in projects, specifically being the end of line doing the work. I've been involved in a lot of bad projects that I know shouldve been done better and would've been had I been the PM.

I've been in IT for all of my working life (16 years, Im now 32). During that time I've done software support, server support and currently desk side and help desk. I fancy a change but also want to earn more. Houses in the south aren't cheap. 

Is anyone here a PM? Do you have any advice etc that you would kindly offer?

Thank you

[944fan]

I have never done PM as a specific role but have had to do a fair bit of project management in my other roles. I find it quite boring and repetitive.

You should really get PRINCE 2 certified. Almost no-one I have come across actually uses it, but everyone asks for it. A general project management course would help as well.

Can you transfer over to development if you are looking for more money? I have worked in software development for 12 years and now as head of it. My earnings have always gone up significantly more the support colleagues. Appreciate it isn't the easiest of areas to get into but if you already have some significant IT experience you may be able to move, particularly internally.

[TheAngryDog]

Hi, thanks for your reply.
I wish I could get into Software Development, however I feel that I would be no good at it as all of my previous attempts at writing a program have failed miserably

[944fan]

TheAngryDog said:

all of my previous attempts at writing a program have failed miserably

Quite like some of the developers I have worked with

PM then maybe a good step up for you. Another area to look at is service management. For that you would need ITIL qualifications but there is some good money there. Otherwise there is the traditional IT Management type role which I have moved into. It is endless meetings at this level though, I do miss being at the coal face a little and getting my hands dirty.

[GraemeP]

OP, I've worked in IT for 15 years, started in service, then technical support, ops management, service management, project management and now programme / portfolio.

Best move I ever made, like you coming from an area where I delivered projects, or took delivery of new products and services I was able to see the full lifecycle & where transition & transformation went wrong.

PM skills are market agnostic, and GOOD accountable PMs that can deliver are valued.

Technical roles that can be delivered off shore seem to go that way. Good project delivery demands customer intimacy and schedule pressures generally see remote delivery struggle or fail.

Happy to talk off line, but I fail to see why you wouldn't go for it!