Project Manager Expectations vs Reality (Is Project Management Worth It?)

Project Manager Expectations vs Reality! In this video, I'm finally sharing what it's like to actually work as a Project Manager, and whether or not it matched the expectations I had going into the Project Manager role. Watch until the end of the video to learn the biggest lessons I've learned working as an Engineering Project Manager, and how you can apply this to your own career.
🔥 RESOURCES I RECOMMEND TO LEVEL-UP AS A PROJECT MANAGER
Please note that some links are affiliate links and I may earn a small commission for any purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.*
🔥 FREE Software I Use as a Project Manager:
Jira (Agile Projects): atlassian.sjv....
Confluence (Team Workspaces): atlassian.sjv....
Books I Recommend to Advance Your Career:
Get any book for FREE with Audible: www.audibletria...
Fast Forward MBA in Project Mgmt- amzn.to/3ELz8Pk
Making Things Happen- amzn.to/3ga7KQR
Project Mgmt for the Unofficial PM- amzn.to/3TtoKQt
Epic Guide to Agile- amzn.to/3eCEEt2
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Recommended Udemy Courses:
1. Practical Project Mgmt- bit.ly/UdemyPr...
2. Beginner to PROject Manager- bit.ly/ProPMCo...
3. Ultimate Agile Scrum Master Training- bit.ly/PSM1Course
4. Scrum for Beginners Training- bit.ly/ScrumCo...
5. Learn JIRA with real-world examples- bit.ly/JIRACourse
6. Business Analysis Fundamentals- bit.ly/Busines...
7. Practical Leadership- bit.ly/Practic...
8. New Manager Training- bit.ly/Manager...
9. Write Better Emails- bit.ly/BetterE...
10. Visually Effective Excel Dashboards- bit.ly/ExcelDa...
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Recommended Coursera Courses:
Coursera Plus Platform: imp.i384100.ne...
Google Project Management Certification: imp.i384100.ne...
UC Irvine Applied Project Management Certification: imp.i384100.ne...
UC Irvine Project Management Specialization: imp.i384100.ne...
Engineering Project Management Specialization: imp.i384100.ne...
Leadership & Management Specialization: imp.i384100.ne...
Leading Teams Specialization: imp.i384100.ne...
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🔥 PROJECT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION
CAPM Exam Resources: www.alvinthepm...
PMP Exam Resources: www.alvinthepm...
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// Watch my other Project Management Career Videos:
Write the PERFECT Project Manager Resume: • Write the PERFECT Proj...
My Career Goals for 2023: • Opening up about my ca...
Top Coursera Courses for Project Managers: • Top 7 Coursera Courses...
Day in the Life of a Project Manager: • Day in the Life of a P...
Master Microsoft Project in 20 Minutes: • Master Microsoft Proje...
How to Become a Project Manager with No Experience: • How to Become a Projec...
This Book Changed How I Manage $1 Million Projects: • This Book Changed How ...
Project Manager Salary REVEALED: • Project Manager Salary...
The Perfect Resume to Land Your Project Manager Job: • The Resume That Got Me...
Become A Certified Professional Scrum Master: • How to Pass PSM™ 1 Cer...
🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more videos to advance your career and become a Project Manager!
💡QUESTION - Have any questions about becoming a project manager with zero experience, a career in Project Management, or passing the CAPM and PMP Exam? Leave a comment down below!
ABOUT VIDEO: Alvin the PM shares EVERYTHING about expectations versus reality of being an Engineering Project Manager!
ATTRIBUTES:
Stock images from Pixabay.
Icons made by Freepik (www.freepik.com) from www.flaticon.com/
DISCLAIMER: All material has been created with the careful consideration of, and ensuring compliance with PMI’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. Please read the full Disclaimer at this link: www.alvinthepm...
Alvin the PM is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thank you for watching this video, your support means a lot! Please take a moment to smash the LIKE button and consider SUBSCRIBING to the channel for more videos like this. If you liked this video, watch this video next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW7eXmaoLiHhNE (Project Manager Career Path | How to become a Project Manager + What to do next?) What video topic do you want me to cover next? I want to hear from you and how I can help you in your career!

[@AkshayKumar10xTech]

wow! your content is clear about the project management and very clarity and its most helpful

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@@AkshayKumar10xTech - THANK YOU SO MUCH! It truly. means a lot to me, and I'm glad you're finding a lot of value out of it. Feel free to share my videos and content with anyone else you know who might find it helpful!

[@deezy-dn6cq]

26 years old - been a project manager since 18( started as a coordinator and worked my way up - got qualified 3 years ago fully and recently got a new role as an IT PM) . Vid was helpful to me as I’ve been suffering from imposter syndrome and needed some reassurance!

[@sebastianking24]

I’m a fresh men how is IT project manager since I wanna do it

[@v.5967]

Must be nice

[@aartijaglan3229]

how to get into entry level role ? I have done post graduate certificate in project management

[@KennethMorales_640]

Thanks for sharing your journey. It really gives a realistic view of the job. I wonder if using an ATS-friendly resume tool like Resubot could help streamline the job application process for project managers.

[@aakritisinghal3865]

A big thanks Alvin. U clarified my mindset about this role. I was struggling to fulfill these expectations but now u made me see the reality 😃

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@Aakriti singhal, so glad you found the video helpful! I'm really happy I was able to share my experience with you, and hopefully, it inspires and motivates you that you aren't alone with the role as a Project Manager!

[@aakritisinghal3865]

@@alvinthepmofficial To be honest, I have recently subscribed your channel and find your videos really helpful and amazing. You have gained loads of knowledge from your experience and I truly appreciate the efforts you put to deiliver your extensive learnings to the viewers. Thanks again Alvin

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@@aakritisinghal3865THANK YOU!! That means a lot to me (:

[@jatingirdhar1589]

Awesome videos... The best thing one can do to become a PM is MEDITATION....Increase your patience level exponentially...Keep your ego in your pocket. Keep everyone happy..company is paying you for that.😂

[@matthoffman6962]

Great video. Exactly my thoughts as well. Just because you’re a project manager doesn’t mean that you will get the answers you need. They don’t report to you so they don’t feel the need to give you things in a timely manner. Hopefully you have a good rapport with those people.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@Matt Hoffman, completely agree with you, it's all about building good rapport with others!

[@EDG1965]

Excellent video! I was an Operations Manager. I earned my PMP in March this year. As I look for a job as a PM, I’ve had these exact questions on my mind. Love your channel. Topics are always on point. TY!

[@alvinthepmofficial]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! It means a lot, and I'm glad I was able to help inspire and motivate you as well.

[@HUNCHO._]

How’s it going so far?

[@Sandra-jc2fs]

Hey, how is it going so far? Can you give us an update? Also what field do you work in?

[@BluntEnigma]

As a project manager, you're the representative of your team. Your core job is to provide the best environment possible for your team to work and update the stakeholders about the progress. Both the team and higher management will have issues but your job is to maintain the peace and understanding. A project manager is just like one of our parent who is the peacekeeper of our family. Peace.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thank you for sharing @BluntEnigma, l appreciate your insights!

[@ykpr]

I have a senior PM in my company who told me, il you become a PM, prepare to be yelled at by the management about things you have no control over. And bigger the project will be, less the control on activities you will have but more problem you will need to face.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

The biggest challenge I've had growing my career from Engineering to Project Management is learning to "let go" and trusting people who are the experts in what they're doing. As I've learned from my mentors and others who are in much more Senior roles (Senior Managers, Directors, etc), there will be times where you will face uncertainty and you will not have control over things in your work. It's about how you embrace the uncertainty, face it head on, and keep moving forward. There are two sides to every story, and not every company and culture is the same.

[@clcoleman3839]

Wow. Thank you. 👏🏾👏🏾 Your content is so needed and helpful.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

I am so glad you found the video helpful! I will be releasing more videos like this, so be sure to stay subscribed to the channel!

[@RoyGaryRoss]

Great insights on the real challenges of project management. It’s definitely not as glamorous as it seems. I think having the right tools, like an AI resume builder, can make a big difference when applying for these roles.

[@RonaldChristopherNguyen]

Very informative. The lessons you shared are invaluable. I think an ATS-optimized resume could really help aspiring project managers get their foot in the door, just a thought.

[@time.dealer]

I just know by watching this video that you are a great person to work with. I wish our PM was this chill.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

So glad to hear that!

[@waqstudios2663]

Great advice, I am 1 month into new PM job

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Nice work with landing your first PM Job! I'll be sharing even more advice from working as a PM, so definitely stay subscribed to my KZbin Channel so you don't miss it!

[@waqstudios2663]

@@alvinthepmofficial I subscribed and liked, I hope this helps make more videos. Thanks!

[@deckerjake438]

Thank you for the video. I’m entering the field and this was perfect.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thanks for the support, glad you found the video helpful!

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@Skull211 Short answer - Being a Project Manager focuses more on the soft skills with integrating, negotiating, and communicating across leaders in a company, which AI cannot replace.

[@ChrlzMaraz]

It is a requirement to watch this at 1.5 times speed.

[@SMAbdurRaheem]

You rock

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Good suggestion! Glad you found the video helpful

[@gsanti22]

ungrateful lately?

[@Idkchangethislater]

2x for me 🥱

[@МарианнаКлавинг]

Every time doing it😂

[@FKNomad]

Thank you very much friend, really liked your work, keep up doung better and better!

[@alvinthepmofficial]

I appreciate you watching! Glad you liked it.

[@SteveHoover69]

Not using everything you learn is fairly standard. That’s part of a rounded education. With almost all of the classes, certificates, or even just on the job trainings I’ve attended I get trained in a lot wider scope than I will actually use.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thank you for sharing your experience, Steve! I completely agree with you

[@gaziz3225]

do you think the demand and value of project managers will incline or decline in the next 10 years?? I am thinking of beginning the journey to get a PMP now but want to know if project managers will be in high demand in the future

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Per PMI, the demand of project managers will continue to increase over the next years. Refer to my video here about the Project Manager Roadmap, where I go over this in more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5fKpGCYZceEbLMsi=WIJ-nWUkN6ivZu92

[@romaro_c]

Great content! I recently passed the test and received my PSM1 & PSM2. What are your thoughts on becoming a Scrum Master vs Project Manager? Is there a need to get the PMP if going in the Scrum Master direction? Seeing as though so many companies are changing from waterfall?

[@matthoffman6962]

100% there is a need. Why? Most companies will treat a scrum master exactly like a PM.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

From my own job searching experience, I've seen many postings requesting for a PMP AND a Scrum Master Certification. I recommend having both, so you'll always be one of the top candidates when you're applying to jobs, and having to speak to the Hiring Manager. It gives you an edge over those who don't have it. Plus, you never know what leverage it can give you, when you're negotiating salaries and other promotions in your career

[@romaro_c]

@@alvinthepmofficial Thanks! I think I will take this advice and start working on that as well. It definitely can't hurt!

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@@romaro_c Good luck, Feel free to check out other videos on the PMP Exam and writing the PMP Application on my KZbin channel so you have an idea on how to get started. You can do it!

[@AkshayKumar10xTech]

Congratulations on passing your PSM1 & PSM2! Both Scrum Master and Project Manager roles offer valuable career paths. If you're focused on agile methodologies like Scrum, PMP might not be necessary, but it can still provide broader project management skills. Assess your career goals and the demands of your industry to make the best choice.

[@swlol3335]

Hey Alvin,thanks for the video! These expectations are in my mind along when I accepted an Asst.Project Manager role. I was anxious thinking I have to know everything in order to lead the team. I just graduated and have to experience in managing project but I took CAPM as an extra course. May I know how will CAPM being use in Project Management and also how do you manage that expectations and knowledge gap during discussions? As for a fresh graduate like me (in architecture) who do not have any real life experience in the industry,how to manage that expectation/knowledge gap? btw ps: your thumbnail picture putting “trap” scares me because I thought going into Project Management is a scam 😂

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@swlol, Really glad you found the video helpful, and that I was able to share my experience with you! From having the CAPM myself, it's helped me master the technical side of project management. Specifically, in being more technically competent and savvy in managing project schedules, budget, scope, etc and being able to speak the lingo to Leadership and the team I'm leading. If you have a knowledge gap and do not have the technical knowledge of certain topics in your industry, I recommend stating that first and being upfront with the people you speak to that you're willing to learn from them, since they're the Subject Matter Experts and that you respect their time and knowledge. I've found that by being 100% transparent with those you work with, that this will help you out tremendously in the long-run, especially if you're a complete beginner in the field. For example - "Could you help me better understand Topic ABC. I don't have experience in this, and I would love to learn more about this from you." Be a sponge and learn as much as you can. Over time, you'll increase your knowledge significantly and you'll also be seen as a Subject Matter Expert with the projects you lead. You could even ask them for any references which could you point you in the right direction. The key takeaway here is - be 100% transparent that you want to learn from them. Hope this helps!

[@AkshayKumar10xTech]

CAPM provides a solid foundation in project management principles, terminology, and processes, which can be applied directly to your role as an Assistant Project Manager. You can use the knowledge gained from CAPM to understand project management methodologies, tools, and techniques, and apply them effectively in your projects.

[@swlol3335]

@@AkshayKumar10xTech Hey thank you for your reply! Almost 1 year in to my career as an Asst.Project Manager and I could say its a roller coaster ride! It does help me understand Project Management in technical terms better but oh boy the knowledge gap that I have whilst supporting the project really is huge and I feel so small. Its really learning on the job and I have to google lots of things to understand the technical terms of the proposed project 😮‍💨

[@kevinsaint9203]

@@swlol3335anymore updates ?

[@vidyaan5179]

Hi Alvin. First of all I would like to thank you and congratulate you to make on this video. I plan to take CAPm certification, however am not sure why am I am asked to fill in project management office: education course as a mandate field. Could you please assist me here..

[@alvinthepmofficial]

To apply to take the CAPM Certification, you do need to fill in the application which educational course you took which gave you the 23 contact hours of project management education. Hope this helps!

[@yasir_talks]

Thank you this is quite benefit tips that helps

[@tropicalsunshine4689]

very informative and true

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Glad you liked it

[@МарианнаКлавинг]

Thanx!

[@alvinthepmofficial]

My pleasure! Are you planning to pursue a career in project management?

[@padraigreilly5559]

Do you recommend been a PM?

[@alvinthepmofficial]

I absolutely recommend being a Project Manager, it's a very rewarding career path, with a great income as well. You have the opportunity to lead teams, make a huge impact on your company, lead projects from start to finish, and there are many opportunities to grow as a PM - from Entry-level PM to Program Manager and beyond. I recommend checking out other videos I've created about being a PM here: 1. *brutally* Honest Career Advice I Wish Someone Told Me (Landing a Project Manager Job: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3TMZ3x5ebt9Y7Msi=YJGWE5E_ULVLqmRM 2. How to Think like a PM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6vdmaCMerGEodksi=Dx8h4-8vnSx1fesg 3. $0➝$100k: Lessons I Learned to Become a Project Manager: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWbCma1nqJKokMUsi=dKaVHvozxWf3Yes5

[@padraigreilly5559]

@@alvinthepmofficial Cool! I'm an Architectural Designer with loads of construction management experience! And currently doing a PM course online. I'm thinking I might branch off into a different industry to do PMing. Which industry would you recommend?!! Thanks 🙏

[@padraigreilly5559]

@@alvinthepmofficial Also do you think it's a very difficult role?

[@smilekapoor]

Thanks for sharing 🍀

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thanks for watching!

[@shridharsharma7280]

Totally relate with you

[@NicoleG-xn7hq]

I'm transitioning from a human service degree to hopefully project management what do you recommend my steps should be?

[@alvinthepmofficial]

That's so awesome to hear Nicole! I have a ton of videos on my YT Channel that talks about this, feel free to check out these videos specifically: 1. PM Career Path: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJW7eXmaoLiHhNEsi=meeBI2CgRV-Z91dN 2. Entry vs Mid vs Senior PM Roles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5eyf6Nmetp6j80si=cvU5M9EQk9vcBcQy 3. Project Manager Roadmap: Skills You MUST Learn: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5fKpGCYZceEbLMsi=uo3UTgMBjxLPrDws

[@er.sanjeev9597]

Is master in project management is worth doing in Ireland?

[@gurpreetsinghtaluja4442]

Hi Alvin, I have bachelors in commerce and I worked with leading bank, I want to start my career in PM! Do i go for capm or csm! I am focusing much on ms -excel and ms-project! Can you please add recommendation

[@patelsalman9663]

Ultimately what is your suggestion weather I should do Bachelor degree in project management or not

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Since I don't know your background , your skillset, and your experiences and what level you're currently at, Im only able to give high level advice - I'd recommend weighing all your current choices & opportunities and pursuing the ones which best interests you, but still gives you the highest ROI and career growth

[@CGillSP]

Modern job postings are requiring PMs to be SMEs.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Good feedback, I've also been looking, and have seen a mix of SME knowledge required and others which don't require technical knowledge. It will depend on which type of roles you're looking for, and which industry. Which companies and which job postings did you see requiring a PM to be SME?

[@Tim--3573]

​@@alvinthepmofficialhi Alvin! My question is how can I get into project management if I don't have retail/hospitality/wide tech experience/construction?

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@@Tim--3573 I'll add this as a future video topic. In the meantime, please watch this video next where I share my top tips to land an entry-level PM role: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4CrmGdrrbCtsM0si=xgSuYXArYTTkIz2H

[@Tim--3573]

@@alvinthepmofficial thank you! I will check that out!

[@lizzymtjoy834]

Because they can hire 1 person to do 2 roles. We all love they 2 for the price of 1 special. Make sure the pay, if you really are both SME and PM, reflects two jobs.

[@davem8114]

I find it amusing when senior stakeholders say something like 'If you don't use MSP then you can't manage effectively' and I ask them how the Egytians coped with building the pyramids. You can use anything to plan and track just as long as it works for you, although the annoying insistence by some orgs to churn out a gantt for steerco decks in a specific format which then mandates one piece of s/w and usually unhelpful/confusing templates. I get why it happens, and we always need to standardise on some things for cross portfolio /exec reporting for example but I genuinely think PMs would be more effective and would derive more job satisfaction if there was a degree of choice regarding the actual tools required to manage any given project. It would I' sure lead to some great innovation also

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Great feedback, I completely resonate with all of your points, well said!!

[@AkshayKumar10xTech]

Absolutely, flexibility in project management tools can foster innovation and adaptability. While standardization is necessary for consistency, allowing PMs to choose tools that suit their projects can enhance effectiveness and satisfaction. It's about finding the right balance between standardization and empowerment for optimal results.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

@@AkshayKumar10xTech Completely agree!

[@tercial]

I realized that searching for a project manager role in this market is near impossible. Anyone know other careers that a project manager can pivot too that pays similar?

[@jeannazario2996]

Start is a smaller role as Coordinator or Specialist. Demonstrate initiative and accountability. It will open doors.

[@Tim--3573]

​@@jeannazario2996 @tercial I have a question, do I need field specific experience to get into project management?

[@MorDreadful]

Good video, though in the UK we use PRINCE2 instead of PMBOK, basically. Though PMBOK will still have it's uses, PRINCE2 is the go to here. PRINCE2 is very different to PMBOK, not saying one is superior to the other, just what is UK standard for those who do not know. Currently studying MSc Project Management in the UK. I have also just been referred for an Autism Assessment. Anyone with Autism then figures currently are that 30-40% of PMs out there are actually Autistic and making very good PMs. Autism would also explain why I haven't been able to get a job, currently in the UK 85% of Autistics can't find a job with 50% of employers not wanting to take on an Autistic person even though it has been shown to be very beneificial to employ us, for many reasons. Seems I am in a better career choice for me, finally. Basically, know your teams.

[@alvinthepmofficial]

Thanks for sharing your background about PRINCE2 and also your aspirations for studying PM in the UK! Just remember you can accomplish you anything you set your mind to, I believe in you, and you can do it!

[@projectmanagementwes1716]

Project Management Role is very good with very high salaries.

[@atfpv]

Manager with no authority is a huge downside for me

[@lizzymtjoy834]

It’s called influence. Be a psychologist, an empath and a communication expert.

[@prajaygaonkar5991]

​@@lizzymtjoy834Spot on!

[@prajaygaonkar5991]

Managing people with authority is Management. Managing without authority, is an Art!

[@ludditerebel]

So, no trap.

[@JG-xt6eu]

#2-Sounds like a man’s expectations when getting married and having children lol