As a baby in the tech industry — an active student —I’ve been tasked with evaluating career paths that align with both my prior experience and developing skill sets. While roles like UX design and front-end development are exciting and could prove creatively fulfilling, the position that I believe is the strongest fit is project manager, with content manager/editor as a strong runner-up.
With decades of experience in administrative leadership, healthcare coordination, and behavioral support, along with founding and running a nonprofit, I’ve consistently thrived in roles that require planning, communication, and cross-functional coordination. My time as a federal government employee in both the military and corrections has taught me how to manage priorities under pressure, communicate effectively with diverse teams, and maintain structure in high-stakes environments. These are all essential traits for a project manager, especially in the fast-paced world of tech.
I discovered an entry-level technical project coordinator position at Epic Systems, a healthcare software company. The role includes responsibilities like coordinating timelines, tracking deliverables, and communicating with stakeholders. Key requirements include knowledge of project management tools (like Jira or Trello), familiarity with Agile methodologies, and strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Exploring the gaps:
- Strong communication and leadership skills (CHECK)—developed through managing teams, community initiatives, and business operations.
- Organizational and documentation abilities (CHECK)—a core strength from my federal admin work and nonprofit operations.
- Experience with Agile and project management tools (NEEDS IMPROVEMENT)— I’ve had some exposure but need more hands-on experience.
- Industry-specific tools or certifications (NEEDS IMPROVEMENT)—I don’t yet hold any tech-based certifications such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Google Project Management Certificate.
Here are some steps I can take to help bridge the gaps between my expertise and the responsibilities of a proficient project manager:
- Complete a project management certificate or formalize my knowledge through relevant courses.
- Start using tools like Trello and Jira to manage my projects.
- Attend local meetups to network with tech project managers to pick their brains on the ins and outs of that field.
The combination of my operational background, leadership qualities, and desire to serve makes project management in tech not only a logical next step but also a meaningful one.