Should I be a Specialist or Generalist Project Manager?
When you’re starting out in the contract market it can be difficult to know how to position yourself. Do you take the generalist route of being an expert in project management, meaning that you can turn your hands at any project that comes along? Or should you choose to specialise in delivering one type of project?
The truth is there's no real right answer, it very much depends on what you're looking to achieve from your contract career but there are a couple of things to bear in mind before you start on your journey, so we’ve outlined three benefits of becoming a specialist here;
1. Create your own demand
Some of the most experienced contractors have created demand for their skills by becoming a specialist. Perhaps they have carved out a career in CRM implementation, or even one step further, becoming an expert in Salesforce CRM Implementations. Whilst to some it might seem a bit short sighted, if a business is looking to recruit specific Salesforce CRM experience, they’ll be at the top of the list!
2. Build your own Network
When you’re part of a great project team that delivers great outcomes, you’re working with your team every day, but when the project is completed and everyone goes their separate ways and onto new specialist projects, that’s when networking starts. If you’ve just demonstrated your value, skills and expertise (as well as being great to work with) then your specific experience will likely be relevant to someone’s next project. Building your own network of people within your specialism means that you can recommend and refer, as well as securing new opportunities through your contacts. Networking at its best!
3. Gain a Depth of Knowledge
Becoming a specialist means that you can really get into detail and have a depth of experience that sets you apart. Being knowledgeable on new enhancements of your specialist technology, or understanding the best tools available to create more efficient workplaces if you specialise in office relocations, will help make you stand out to a future contract.
When businesses are looking to engage contractors, they're looking to bring in skills that they don't already have internally. Most businesses have built a core team of project managers with great flexible project skills so they can lend their hand to the majority of projects out there. So when they're looking to bring in external expertise, it's often for a specific reason so if you demonstrate the expertise that they're lacking internally then you can really stand out from the crowd.
Reach out to us at nicola@thesearchproject.co.uk