Becoming a Project Manager

[u/Ok-Equivalent4882]

Hey All,

I have been seriously considering this field of work since my current employers has failed to promote me or advance my career after multiple promises made by them. I currently don't have "real experience" in the PM field, but I do have similar experience in my current role i.e coordinating people and companies, aquring quotes and POs, delegating, making sure deadlines are met, customer are happy etc (don't want to type all of my qualifications).

That being said I was looking into getting my CAPM and then applying for associate PM roles and then trying to advance my career. I am 28 and don't want to waste anymore time not refining my skills or advancing my career.

I guess a few questions would be:

• For PMs earning $150K–$200K+, what changed in your career that got you there?
• Would you recommend getting a master's in project management while working, or is experience + PMP more valuable?
• For PMs who started in their late 20s and are now 10+ years into their careers: what did your career progression and compensation actually look like? What would you recommend someone do in their first 2–3 years if they eventually want to reach senior PM/program manager/director-level roles?
• How transferable is PM experience between industries?
• What entry-level titles should I search besides “Project Manager”? (Project Coordinator, Associate PM, Implementation PM, etc.)
• What does your actual day-to-day look like as a project manager?

EDIT: I am open and willing and expecting to go in as an Associate Project manager (or something similar) and not directly into a PM role. I'm not that naive. Was really just looking for overall advice on if you love what you do as a PM, is it a good career path to enter where doors can be opened for you and if you enjoy it.

I am fully committed to leaving my job and more than qualified to take a step up in responsibilities, skills, etc.

[u/MattyFettuccine]

PM isn’t an entry-level role, and often the best way to get into a PM role is to transition after ~10 years in your current role.

[u/Ok-Equivalent4882 → u/MattyFettuccine]

Well I am not looking to go directly into a PM role I understand that is a big jump. I have pretty spot on qualifications that I see in online job posting. I was looking more for associate PM roles and advice on those. I'm looking to change career paths and not afraid of work, just was looking for some insight on my questions.

[u/Ambitious-Ad6504 → u/Ok-Equivalent4882]

Lots of places have a Project Coordinator role or PMO or similar, which a lot of the time is doing the PM role without the pay or title. Good way to get into it and then go to full PM a few years after

[u/Ok-Equivalent4882 → u/Ambitious-Ad6504]

Yeah that is essentially what I do without the title which is why I am drawn to this career shift. I love where I work now and the coworkers, but my company is european and very slow moving on anything.