InformationWeek
Defining The Business Value Of Technology
November 5, 1998
I'm in middle management in MIS and was assigned to be the project manager for designing and
implementing an enterprisewide application. During the design phase we had some unanticipated
major delays. As a result, upper management is bringing in an outside consulting firm to take
over the project. I'm feeling dejected. I failed. How can I turn around what I feel is a career
setback? Project management seems like an exciting field. I can't be in tech support and be a
programmer the rest of my life, can I? I feel like I lost a great opportunity. How can I make the
best of the situation and not let this setback affect my attitude? Is project management a
career by itself?
Expect the unexpected. Given the rate of technology innovation and change, there are bound to be
setbacks. Assigning a consulting organization either addresses an immediate "quick fix" or it
provides human capital that is not readily accessible. It sounds like your company entrusted you
to handle this project initially, but that there were unforeseen circumstances. Make the best of
the situation by continuing to perform. If this is a long-term engagement, maybe your best bet is
to start looking outside your current company for opportunities that will broaden your skill set
or give you the stretch toward project-management roles. Although project management is a
stepping stone in your career, you will continue to use those skills throughout your career. Even
at the executive level, it is essential that IT professionals have strong project-management
capabilities.
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Am I too young to be moving into lower management? |
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