for the last 15 years i have been a technical designer for the clothing industry and i want to break into the project management space.

Anonymous

November 10,2022 at 6:16PM UTC

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for the last 15 years i have been a technical designer for the clothing industry and i want to break into the project management space. i've managed small project through out my career but now i want to do that full time. im having such a hard time with transitioning (im thinking my job titles might have something to do with it when applying) any suggestions or advise?

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AnonymousNovember 12,2022 at 9:42AM UTC
You always have to move forward and find a new way to express yourself despite your age! Way to go!
A SMay 28,2023 at 11:42PM UTC
I moved into project/product management space after years in QA. As a technical designer if you've had opportunities to lead aspects of a project, these are great skills to begin preparing for a transition. I'd suggest look up a current job description you'd be interested in, and look at the soft and hard skills. Compare against where you're currently at to identify your skill gaps. I took this approach and volunteered for projects, took online classes in project management, became more proactive in other areas in my existing job to begin filling gaps.
Once I was ready I also tailored my resume & updated my linkedin to reflect the project management space.
I took this approach to cross career boundaries so far twice in my career.
A SMay 28,2023 at 11:49PM UTC
Yes, a resume strategy based on your target job title and current experience will help market you to potential employers. If you'd like to chat more, I'm now in product management (my 2nd career transition) but I also work with women facing same challenges.
LinkedIn -> Angelle Ferrer Sanders
AmandaSeptember 12,2023 at 5:35PM UTC
It also might have something to do with what industries you are looking into as well. For instance, I have a background in PM in tech very robust and applications-based environment ie mostly analytical.
I have on the other hand seen openings for PM in different industries which to me read more administrative. I am FAR!! from a career advisor, but I think knowing which area your background is suited for can help to start.
Hope that makes sense
Tamara PigeonNovember 6,2023 at 7:14PM UTC
As someone already said the industry can play a big part in this as some industries just think a PM is a paid admin while other industries understand all the nuances that go into project management. If you are wanting to stay in the clothing industry and do project management is there a way to find anyone who has done that type of work before? It might be called something else in your industry too.