Why is it so hard for people to grasp what I do as a Project Manager?
I’m starting to dread anyone asking!
At a recent dinner party, I was being introduced to the other guests and steadying myself for the inevitable question ‘what do you do?’ I actually contemplated making something up that sounded exciting and easy to understand, but I wasn’t quick enough.
When I told them I was a Project Manager, it was met with the usual blank expression, followed by a question that I hadn’t anticipated, “in which profession?”
Is project management not considered to be a profession?
The articles published by Max Wideman demonstrate there has been much contention about the answer to this question over the past decade.
In order to answer it we need to clarify the meaning of a profession, and a professional service.
Making the distinction between profession and professional service
The definition of a profession includes ‘a paid occupation, practice, or vocation requiring mastery of a complex set of knowledge and skills through formal education and/or practical experience.
Every organised profession is governed by its respective professional body’.
Project managers are paid. Project managers gain their knowledge and skills through education and practical experience (some more than others!).
There are several professional project management bodies, including chartered. Does it therefore follow that project management is now a recognised profession within the professional services sector?
Professional services are defined as occupations in the tertiary sector of the economy requiring special training.
Some professional services require holding professional licenses such as architects, accountants, engineers, doctors and lawyers. Other professional services involve providing specialist business support to businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.
Unlike a consultant, who may only be responsible for providing advice, a professional service provider may also be responsible for the end result.
I’d say that Project Management’s both a Profession and Professional Service
According to the Project Management Institute, organizations that invest in proven project management practices waste 20+ times less money, and typically meet intended goals, on time and on budget 80% of the time.
I’d call that a professional service.
Verify your ability to deliver project management as a professional service with PS Professional™
The PS ProfessionalTM Certification recognizes project management as a fundamental skill of any consultant and their professional services teams.
Training courses are delivered by Accredited Training Organizations (ATOs) – each assessed by APMG against a set of exacting standards that ensure training’s being delivered by true experts.
You can self-study as well and book an exam to take online when you feel ready.
If you pass the exam you’ll be awarded with a certificate and a digital badge – so you can broadcast your achievement on your social media and other digital channels.
A much simpler question followed, ”are you drinking red or white?" - to which I answer, "I'll have a glass of both!"
