Junior Project Manager Review

I'm a junior project manager, which involves managing smaller projects independently or supporting more senior colleagues with larger, more complex projects. This involves standard PM tasks such as managing the project plan, budget, resources, risks and issues, change control, etc. It also involves a lot of engaging with various stakeholders, some very senior through executive steering groups.

I have definitely developed existing skills during my apprenticeship. I've been involved in the world of projects for over 2 years now and garnered a lot of knowledge on-the-job, but the theoretical knowledge I have gained has helped me in my day to day role as I've had the confidence to question ways of working or decisions, based on the theory of the methodology.

The programme itself has been quite hard work as it's felt like an independent journey of self-study. An outline of the programme is provided with key milestones to hit, e.g. sitting the PFQ exam, sitting the PMQ exam, completing the portfolio of evidence, but other than, there's been little active support. I haven't minded this too much as I'm comfortable working alone, but it has been difficult at times and made the programme a little less enjoyable.

The high level structure and organisation is fine, it's generally clear what you need to be aiming for, but at a lower level, the organisation is quite poor. Meetings with tutors are arranged at late notice with no consideration for other commitments, I didn't receive invites to group sessions. Tools aren't explained and so I feel a little lost using them.

My employer has done everything they need to in allowing me to take the time I need to be successful on this programme. I suspect if we hadn't been working from home as frequently as we have over the past year, that they would have pushed for a more collaborative approach between the numerous colleagues taking part.

Very little support is provided. They gave access to a website with training materials, but I found the official APM study guide more useful. I have been assigned a personal tutor but find the meetings with them to be more of a tick box exercise than something which adds value to my work.

The qualification is definitely helping me in my role. It has helped me develop a theoretical understanding of how I should approach managing projects and I'm able to apply that to real world scenarios and adjust my ways of working to match. It's also given me the confidence to question others, because I know my queries are founded in solid theory.

Yes, there are lots of opportunities for extra-curricular activities and they cover a wide range of things such as training courses, networking events, volunteering and social activities. There are specific opportunities within teams and departments but also company wide opportunities which are shared via internal comms sent to all colleagues.

Yes

Co-op is a great place to work, it's very inclusive and actively encourages everyone to be themselves, always. This creates a really nice, safe environment. There are also lots of opportunities to develop, internal and external training courses, a wide range of experienced colleagues to learn from. Plus there are great company benefits.

Don't try and pretend to be someone you're not to get through an interview. The best approach is to be yourself and if you're right for the job and the job is right for you, you'll get it. Focus on behaviour in your interview prep; how something you did demonstrated a behaviour, rather than just the outcome for the business.