How did you get into Management?

[Maxellious]

I have a technical job in engineering. But I want to go more into management/strategy type roles. I have lots of project management experience and also develop and manage the strategy for my technology as part of my current job role.

But how do I get into the management bit? Upshot is, it can't happen at my current place of work. So I need to move companies. Has anyone got their first management role by this route? How did you demonstrate your skills/potential?

I would arrange some coffees with people in your sector who’ve made the move and ask them. Ask them also to break down their roles so you understand all the skills involved. If you don’t know people reach out to a few contacts to ask for people to talk to - on the whole people like giving advice and want to help.

Then get your CV and self description in order so it’s clear you have all the skills. If you have project managed and shaped strategy that’s the building blocks sorted. What can you use to demonstrate people management? - that’s probably part of project management. You’ve probably got it all if you write it down, but always good to do some mentoring if you can, join your professional body, read the trade news. Get help w re-working your CV if necs. Get a LinkedIn profile, and have a regular feed (one a week or couple weeks) commenting on what’s going on in your industry).

Once you have your spiel sorted then go and see senior managers at your target companies for a coffee, so they get to know you before a job comes up (contact HR also, but it’s the actual hirers you need to get to know.) Go to network events so you are on people’s minds.