From Infrastructure Engineer to Project Manager to...what?

[six wheels]

Hi all,

I'm hoping for some advice on what kind of roles my skills and experience could transfer over to.

About 4 years ago I moved into Project Management from Infrastructure Engineering. This is IT Infrastructure so networks, servers, storage etc. rather than, well, Infrastructure.

I'm actively looking to move on from my current company and I'm interviewing but no offers yet. I suspect that my relative lack of experience doesn't contrast well against more experienced PMs competing for the same roles around £55K and near Farnham. I'd like to think strong technical experience is valuable but it doesn't seem valuable enough.

I've no desire to go back on the buttons - and I'd likely be too rusty - but equally, maybe project management isn't for me?

Can anyone suggest what roles my skills might transfer to please?


Thanks, Steve.

[silent ninja]

4 years sounds like a good level of experience. Perhaps there is an issue with your CV and you're not doing a good job of selling yourself? Have you demonstrated key projects you have delivered and achievements (not responsibilities) to date? There are a couple of CV helpers on here that might be able to help.

Secondly, no longer does it work to issue out a couple of applications. As a rule of thumb I would send 1-2 applications every day. The scatter gun shot method works.

[six wheels]

silent ninja said:

4 years sounds like a good level of experience. Perhaps there is an issue with your CV and you're not doing a good job of selling yourself? Have you demonstrated key projects you have delivered and achievements (not responsibilities) to date? There are a couple of CV helpers on here that might be able to help.

Secondly, no longer does it work to issue out a couple of applications. As a rule of thumb I would send 1-2 applications every day. The scatter gun shot method works.

That's reassuring, thanks. And thanks for responding.

I *think* I'm selling myself well but the results speak for themselves.

I'm applying for all the PM roles I find that meet the right location/commute/salary criteria.

Wondering whether PM + hands-on technical skills migrate easily to something else so I can expand my search criteria?

[paul789]

Out of interest, why the move to PM roles?

Have you considered retraining (building on your infra experience) and moving into security? Far more interesting (and lucrative).

[six wheels]

paul789 said:

Out of interest, why the move to PM roles?

Have you considered retraining (building on your infra experience) and moving into security? Far more interesting (and lucrative).

I went into Project Management as I wanted to get off the buttons into management. Careful what you wish for and all that.

Good shout on security. I was thinking about picking up some courses if I stay at this company. I’m assuming any free or quick courses I could do now wouldn’t hold much weight if I start applying for security jobs?

Edited by six wheels on Tuesday 20th February 22:35

[paul789]

six wheels said:

paul789 said:

Out of interest, why the move to PM roles?

Have you considered retraining (building on your infra experience) and moving into security? Far more interesting (and lucrative).

I went into Project Management as I wanted to get off the buttons into management. Careful what you wish for and all that.

Good shout on security. I was thinking about picking up some courses if I stay at this company. I’m assuming any free or quick courses I could do now wouldn’t hold much weight if I start applying for security jobs?

Edited by six wheels on Tuesday 20th February 22:35

To provide a very general response, I think it makes sense as a target to work towards. I'd target some key qualifications (CISSP, or equivalent - experts in this area will soon be along to advise on the most up to date qual), work towards that (and others) in my free time alongside any professional development offerings with the existing employer.

Alongside that, it should be possible to lean towards projects with a security or compliance element to them. I think it's an arena to be transitioned into by gaining exposure and experience over time. Applying 'cold' puts you in competition with others with a long career history in the field.

But understanding the underlying technology puts you in a strong position.

[six wheels]

paul789 said:

To provide a very general response, I think it makes sense as a target to work towards. I'd target some key qualifications (CISSP, or equivalent - experts in this area will soon be along to advise on the most up to date qual), work towards that (and others) in my free time alongside any professional development offerings with the existing employer.

Alongside that, it should be possible to lean towards projects with a security or compliance element to them. I think it's an arena to be transitioned into by gaining exposure and experience over time. Applying 'cold' puts you in competition with others with a long career history in the field.

But understanding the underlying technology puts you in a strong position.

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to respond on this.

In spite of my tardy response it is appreciated.


Cheers, Steve.