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Networking opportunities for project management professionals abound, both online and offline.
From industry conferences and networking events to online forums and social media platforms, there are numerous channels through which you can expand your project management network and access new program manager or project manager opportunities. The world is your oyster!
In this article, we will explore the diverse landscape of networking opportunities available to project management professionals. You'll learn how to identify relevant networking events and platforms, how to effectively engage with industry peers and thought leaders, and how to leverage this network to advance your career goals.
Whether you prefer face-to-face networking or virtual networking events, here are several opportunities available to project managers.
Professional Associations and Organizations
Joining project management associations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the International Project Management Association (IPMA) provides access to networking events, conferences, workshops, and online forums tailed specifically for project managers.
Industry Conferences and Seminars
Attending industry-specific conferences, seminars, and workshops tailored to project management allows you to network with peers, industry leaders, and potential employers.
One of the primary reasons to attend conferences and seminars should be to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in project management. This is a perfect reason to gain required PDUs!
These events are a prime opportunity to meet new people and strategically network! Your attendance at these types of events shows those in the industry you have a more than casual interest in project management.
Networking Events and Meetups
Participating in networking events, meetups, and mixers organized by project management groups, alumni associations, or industry-specific organizations offer you opportunities to meet and interact with like-minded professionals in a casual and social setting.
Online Networking Platforms
Leveraging online networking platforms such as LinkedIn, professional forums, and social media groups allow project managers to connect with peers, join discussions, share insights, and build relationships with professionals from around the world, irrespective of geographic location.
Alumni Networks
Engaging with alumni networks from your college or university, or previous workplaces provides project managers with access to a diverse pool of professionals who share common educational backgrounds or career paths. Alumni networks are many times untapped opportunities to strategically network, seek out future hiring managers, and find potential collaborators.
Project Management Communities
Participating in project management communities, online forums, and discussion groups dedicated to project management topics enables project managers to exchange ideas, seek advice, and collaborate with peers facing similar challenges or working on similar projects.
Professional Development Programs
Enrolling in project management professional development programs, courses, or certifications not only enhances project management skills but also provides opportunities to network with instructors, classmates, and industry professionals in a structured learning environment.
Industry Networking Events
Attending networking events, trade shows, and exhibitions relevant and adjacent project management to allows you to network with professionals from allied industries, potential clients, vendors, and stakeholders, expanding professional network and business opportunities.
By actively seeking out and participating in these networking opportunities, you can expand your professional network, stay updated on latest trends, exchange knowledge and resources, and advance your project management career.
About the Author
Lori Schoenhard is the Founder and Principal of Athena Project Consulting, LLC.
Lori possess two decades of IT leadership expertise, building and leading Project Management Offices (PMO), managing complex global enterprise programs across cross-functional teams, spearheading change management initiatives, and providing coaching to program and project managers. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, SaaS companies, digital agencies, and SMBs to deliver impactful results.
Lori holds several project management and industry certifications: PMP, CSM, CSPO, SAFe, ITIL. Lori holds a Masters Degree from Boston University in Computer Information Systems and IT Project Management.
