Cracking the Code: How to Break into Digital Project Management
Are you intrigued by the fast-paced world of digital project management but don't know where to start? Do you find yourself asking, "How can I break into this exciting field?" Look no further because in this blog post, we'll unveil the secrets to cracking the code and launching your career in digital project management.
I think as a general rule, the main reason people don’t embark upon certain fields is because people in that field say words to them they don’t understand.
Competency and skillset doesn’t seem to be the deciding factor when people take up a role - it’s whether or not they can “sound the part”.
And that frustrates me, because really good people don’t get digital project manager is no different than any other project manager. Project management, in the main is about leveraging your astute communication, leadership, organisation and problem-solving skills in a way that drives an idea to inception. Project managers already possess a wide breadth of skills that make it easy for them to excel in digital, and that is, the desire for fast moving, high-impact change.
But admittedly, sometimes the jargon just gets a bit confusing… And people don’t always possess the patience to explain it to you if you’re just starting out. Worst, there are project professionals that don’t even bother to understand the jargon, forcing technical and development teams to overly justify their very essential work to ensure the tech meets the brief.
Flexing into another career, such as digital project management, becomes hampered (not just by a lack of IT ability, or cloud infrastructure aptitude) - but simply not knowing what those blasted words mean. You don’t have to know how to do it, but you need to know what it is.
Afterall, if … “Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied." ~ Robert Boyce
ERP (Enterprise Systems Planning) systems: This is taking the business (finance, sales, production, human resources, every component) and linking it together in a single data repository. It allows for data to be held in a centralised place, helps to streamline processes, ensures efficiency (by removing repetitive tasks), enables better decision making, provides cost savings (through improved efficiency) and is scalable as you can bolt on different technologies when needed. Examples - Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Oracle ERP cloud, SAP ERP, etc. Some organisations build their own ERPs, and some companies use Integration Engines, but these are different.
IE (Integration Engine). Also called middleware or integration platform: This is a software component or system that facilitates the integration of various applications and data sources within an organization. Its primary purpose is to enable different software systems to communicate and share data in a seamless manner. This differs from ERPs, in that a IE would not manage the various applications, but just ensure they communicate.
MVP (Minimum Viable Product): An MVP is the most basic version of a product that can be released to satisfy early users / customers and gather feedback for further development. The last sentence is integral - an MVP should be scaled up or changed once feedback is gathered. MVPs allow early wins in the project, and where they can be released to the benefit of the programme, integrate that as a key component in the deployment cycle.
API (Application Programming Interface): APIs are sets of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. An API is like a menu at a restaurant, it tells you as the user what can be ordered. A restaurant usually has all kinds of ingredients in the kitchen that are in different places - meat in the fridge, spices on the shelf, flour in the pantry, etc.
What’s important to understand as a project manager is if spaghetti isn’t on the menu, you won’t be able to order spaghetti. The computer programmer / developer would need to build an API for spaghetti. But if ravioli is on the menu, you can order it directly from the waiter (the computer programme) and they can relay the request to the kitchen who will put all the different ingredients together. It’s common to assume data is accessible from every system, but you need the appropriate API to actually facilitate the API communication with different computer systems.
Developer Framework or Library: framework or library is like a toolbox filled with pre-built tools and instructions that programmers can use to build software applications more easily and efficiently.
Front-End Development: This refers to the part of a software application that users interact with directly. Front-end developers work on user interfaces, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Back-End Development: This involves the server-side of an application. Back-end developers handle data storage, security, and server communication. Understanding these distinctions helps project teams allocate tasks effectively, ensuring that both the user interface and underlying functionality are well-coordinated.
UI/UX Design: User Interface (UI) design focuses on the visual aspects of a digital product, while User Experience (UX) design considers the overall user journey and interactions. Effective collaboration with designers is vital for delivering user-friendly solutions. This is usually supported by user stories, which are short, simple descriptions of a feature from an end-user perspective. These are used in Agile methodologies to define project requirements and prioritize tasks.
QA (Quality Assurance) and Testing: QA involves systematically checking a project for defects and ensuring it meets specified quality standards. Understanding testing methodologies like manual testing, automated testing, and regression testing is crucial for ensuring product quality.
Wireframe and Prototyping: Wireframes are visual representations of a website or app's layout, while prototypes are interactive models that help stakeholders and team members visualize the final product. These tools aid in early project planning and design phases.
SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle): SDLC is the process used to design, develop, test, and deploy software applications. Familiarize yourself with various SDLC models, such as Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps to choose the most suitable approach for your projects.
Cybersecurity: The practice of protecting digital assets from threats, such as hacking, data breaches, and malware. Awareness of security best practices is vital for safeguarding sensitive project data. Cyber security specialists use a variety of techniques to ensure digital assets are safe, such as penetration tests (PEN testing), network scanning, vulnerability scanning, ethical hacking (actively finding vulnerabilities in the system by hacking it in the same way that a malicious hacker would), and password cracking.
Cloud computing: Allows organizations to store and access data and applications over the internet. Familiarity with cloud services like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud can streamline project infrastructure management.
The above should get you started on the right path. And don’t forget the practical components:
Get into the digital culture
Digital project management involves overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of digital projects, which can range from website development to optimising existing systems and everything in between. So start to learn the digital tools and technologies used in the industry, such as agile methodologies and design thinking.
Tailor your CV/Resume and present a portfolio
Craft a compelling curriculum vitae that highlights your relevant skills and experiences. Emphasise your ability to manage projects, collaborate with teams, and deliver results. Tailor your documents to showcase how your background aligns with the demands of digital project management.
Start the CPD cycle
Knowledge is power in the world of digital project management. There are countless online resources, books, and courses available that cover the fundamentals of project management. Consider upping your certifications toward Agile Scrum Master qualifications. And if you’ve done mostly waterfall methodologies (such as Prince 2) increase your knowledge base around Agile tools and techniques, such as agile focused software (Jira), retrospectives and team standups.
Start small and grow
Breaking into digital project management may not mean landing your dream job right away. You might start in a junior or assistant role and gradually work your way up. Be patient and open to learning from every experience. Each opportunity will help you build your skills and credibility.
Keep trying
Changing career isn’t easy, but it is doable. Project management is a growing industry, as technology is a key growth area for PMs in Europe and North America.
