Gearing Up for a Project Manager Career: Junior vs. Internship

Deciding whether to start as a junior project manager or an internship is a crucial step in your career journey. Both paths have their merits and can provide valuable experience, but which one is right for you?

Opportunity through Mentorship

One path to consider is working directly as a junior project manager. This route allows you to take on project management tasks from the beginning and gain hands-on experience. If you are fortunate enough to find a senior project manager willing to mentor you, this can be an incredibly valuable learning opportunity. A senior PM can guide you through the intricacies of project management, offer insights into best practices, and provide constructive feedback. This mentor can also introduce you to key stakeholders and help build your professional network.

Internship as a Foundation

Another popular approach is to start with an internship. Internships offer a more comprehensive introduction to the field of project management and often provide a broader range of tasks. It’s an excellent way to get an overview of what project management is really about. During your internship, you can get your hands “dirty” with specific tasks and gain real-world experience. This can help you understand the project management process from different perspectives and lay a solid foundation for your future career.

Real-World Experience is Key

While both junior roles and internships are valuable, the most critical advice is to gain real-world experience on the types of projects you want to manage. If you aspire to be a software project manager, start by getting a taste of programming. If you aim to manage construction projects, consider working in one or more of the construction trades. Practical experience is invaluable in understanding the complexities and challenges of project management. Without real-world experience, you risk becoming a “project bookkeeper” instead of a true project manager. Recording what is happening without the ability to direct or manage the process can limit your growth and potential.

Worst-Case Scenario

While internships and junior roles can provide a lot of value, remember that without practical experience, the risks are significant. Without real-world experience, you might find yourself in a role where you are simply documenting events instead of leading and managing projects. This can be a frustrating and demotivating experience. To avoid this, seek out opportunities that allow you to be actively involved in the project management process. Even if you start at a low level, hands-on experience is critical.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to start as a junior project manager, an intern, or pursue a combination of both, the key is to gain real-world experience. Both options can be valuable, but the practical experience will set you apart and position you for a successful career in project management. If you are passionate about project management, take the initiative to get involved in the projects you want to manage—whether through programming or construction. This will provide the insights and skills you need to excel in your future career.