Holly Davis contributed this guest post.
Holly Davis, Digital Project Manager at White October. At the Digital PM Summit in Philadelphia (a conference packed with digital project managers, DPMs), it was fascinating to hear about how DPMs have made their way into project management.
As I listened to the talks, panels, and conversations with the DPM community, it was clear that many people, like me, were lucky enough to find their way into this career.
They often have the transferable skills that are required for most successful PMs. This includes soft skills, organization, and a natural ability to get things done.
The profession is growing and there are new entry routes. The most exciting are the rise of apprenticeships and the increase in internships and work experiences placements in the UK and US.
As agencies explore hybrid agile and waterfall methods, Scrum Certifications are becoming more in demand.
Dave Prior, an agile consultant at Leading Agile, ran an agile retrospective at Summit with 100 participants. 63% of them claimed to be using both scrum or waterfall within the same organization.
The Philadelphia Summit demonstrated that what works for one person, agency, or agency may not work for another.
I met up with DPMs and agencies after the conference to hear their thoughts.
Certifications can open doors
Carson Pierce, PMP and CSM Certified, works at DDB.
“Can you be a PM if you don’t have a PMP?” Yes. Most people do. It will make you a better PM. All knowledge is valuable,
Many people dismiss the PMP certification. But, it’s been huge to me. I understand the concepts behind what we do and the software that we use. I can communicate with someone from a different field if I speak the same language.
These three letters have earned me a lot respect from my clients, which has been a great help in building trust quickly.”
Learn the Skills for the Job
Mel Wilson, Incuna’s Project Manager.
“After graduating from university I decided to pursue a career as a project manager. Unfortunately, most vacancies required at least 1-2 years of experience, which I did not have.
I decided to interview for a position as a support admin at White October, one of the most prominent agencies in Oxford. Although it wasn’t the job I wanted, it gave me great exposure to the agency’s workings and all its functions.
Within one year, I had learned the basics of project management and was quickly able to prove my skills as a DPM. The support admin was a stepping stone, but 18 months later I’m where I want to go. I would recommend this route to others.
Get your Toes in the Water with an Internship or Apprenticeship
Anna Lewis, Senior Recruiter at Viget
“We recognize that certifications in certain industries or environments can be helpful, but they don’t usually prepare someone to work at Viget.
They don’t prepare them for the work that PMs do every day in an agency setting. We are looking for smart, detail-oriented, and unflappable problem solvers. Certifications don’t tell us if someone is qualified the same way that a 10- or 12-week apprenticeship can.
Our apprenticeship program is open to applicants who have never had to manage projects before. We have questions for Viget as a company, and for the apprentice, when we begin an apprenticeship. What are their strengths?
Viget believes that an apprenticeship is a great way for him to begin answering these questions.
If an apprentice has gained an informed perspective about the industry, the job requirements, and whether it’s right, then that’s really a positive and valuable experience.”
If you don’t find a scheme like this,
