From Lesson Plans to Project Plans: A Career Transition Tale With Melissa Chapman
08/08/23 • 34 min
Dreamt of trading your teaching career for something different? Meet Melissa Chapman, a middle school teacher turned international project manager, who skillfully made this bold transition. She'll walk us through her journey, sharing invaluable insights on how teaching skills can cleverly be repurposed into the project management world. Melissa's personal story promises to inspire those considering a career switch or those simply curious about project management.
Switching careers is no small feat, but Melissa stayed steadfast and attacked each hurdle with enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. From preparing for the PMP certification exam to handling the technical aspects of project management, she's got a wealth of knowledge to share.
Our conversation takes a broader turn as we delve into the escalating trend of teachers moving towards project management roles. Why is this happening and what opportunities does this hold? Melissa shares her take on this and introduces resources like free LinkedIn optimization courses for teachers contemplating this transition.
Favorite Tool(s):
- ASANA - https://asana.com/
- OneNote - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app
Books Mentioned:
John Connolly - The Unready Project Manager
Jerimiah Hammon - The Project Management Pathway
Links:
- Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissachappy
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- PM-Mastery.com
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)
Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/
PM-Mastery Links:
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- Become a PURE PM: https://pm-mastery.com/pure
- Check out Instructing.com for all your PM course needs: https://www.instructing.com/?ref=bd5e5c
- Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource_links/
Dreamt of trading your teaching career for something different? Meet Melissa Chapman, a middle school teacher turned international project manager, who skillfully made this bold transition. She'll walk us through her journey, sharing invaluable insights on how teaching skills can cleverly be repurposed into the project management world. Melissa's personal story promises to inspire those considering a career switch or those simply curious about project management.
Switching careers is no small feat, but Melissa stayed steadfast and attacked each hurdle with enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. From preparing for the PMP certification exam to handling the technical aspects of project management, she's got a wealth of knowledge to share.
Our conversation takes a broader turn as we delve into the escalating trend of teachers moving towards project management roles. Why is this happening and what opportunities does this hold? Melissa shares her take on this and introduces resources like free LinkedIn optimization courses for teachers contemplating this transition.
Favorite Tool(s):
- ASANA - https://asana.com/
- OneNote - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app
Books Mentioned:
John Connolly - The Unready Project Manager
Jerimiah Hammon - The Project Management Pathway
Links:
- Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissachappy
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- PM-Mastery.com
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)
Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/
PM-Mastery Links:
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- Become a PURE PM: https://pm-mastery.com/pure
- Check out Instructing.com for all your PM course needs: https://www.instructing.com/?ref=bd5e5c
- Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource_links/
Previous Episode
From Chalkboards to Computer Screens: A Transformation Tale with Elizabeth Grace
In This Episode:
Ever thought about making a major career shift but are uncertain about what lies ahead? Join us on a journey as we sit down with Elizabeth Grace, a former educator turned tech enthusiast, now ardently crafting her path in project management. Elizabeth brings to light her transformative journey from the realm of education to the dynamic world of tech, driven by her deep-seated desire for a balanced work-life harmony. She lays bare her aspirations and navigations within tech, ed tech, and healthcare industries, giving us a peek into the robust 'why' that fueled her transition into project management.
We also crack open the complexities of communication challenges inherent in project management with Elizabeth, and how she deftly maneuvered them in her past role. Listen as she uncovers the tactics she employed for team management and the vital tools she found indispensable. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we explore the promising opportunities available for educators keen on project management. We shine a spotlight on the plethora of transferrable skills – customer service, conflict resolution, and account management to name a few, that educators can leverage. Whether you're contemplating a career switch to project management or hungering to enhance your own skills, this episode is a treasure trove of insights.
Let Elizabeth's story fuel your own journey's inspiration.
Favorite Tool(s):
Links:
- Connect with Grace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-grace/
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- PM-Mastery.com
PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership/Power Skills (Learn More)
Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/
PM-Mastery Links:
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- Become a PURE PM: https://pm-mastery.com/pure
- Check out Instructing.com for all your PM course needs: https://www.instructing.com/?ref=bd5e5c
- Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource_links/
Next Episode
Mastering Organizational Transformation: Inside the Mind of a Six Sigma Master Black Belt
In This Episode:
Meet Aylin, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a knack for transforming organizations from the inside out. As an 'organizational therapist,' Eileen has spent over a decade honing her craft in industries spanning government, finance, healthcare, and technology. Her most recent stint at a Fortune 500 e-commerce powerhouse has equipped her with rich insights into the world of tech transformation. Listen to Aylin break down her role in designing processes that enhance digitization while emphasizing the critical nature of simplifying work experiences and giving voice to people in the workplace.
In this engaging conversation, Aylin takes us through some of her favorite tools for decision-making and process improvement. She introduces the Rapid Decision Making Model - a tool designed for organizations with a complex matrix structure. Additionally, she discusses her experiences with the FMEA tool for risk assessment and solutioning and how it can be instrumental in proving to senior leadership that all potential risks have been addressed.
We wrap things up by discussing the benefits of the Six Sigma Greenbelt certification for project managers and the importance of continuing education in keeping pace with evolving trends. Aylin shares her unique networking approach through LinkedIn, so don't miss this opportunity to glean insights from her diverse experiences in project management!
Check out the full episode's show notes for some great resource links!
Favorite Tool(s):
- Rapid Decision-Making Model (Bain and Company):
- Check out his article by Harvard Business Review:
- https://hbr.org/2006/01/who-has-the-d-how-clear-decision-roles-enhance-organizational-performance
FMEA: Failure mode and Effect Analysis (Think of RISK assessment)
Links:
- Check out Aylin's incredible career story here: https://www.aylinroeben.me/about
- Connect with Aylin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroeben/
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- PM-Mastery.com
PMI Talent Triangle: Multiple areas:
- Technical /Ways of Working
- Leadership/Power Skills
- Strategy/Business Acumen
- (Learn More)
Get your free PDU Tracker here: https:/
PM-Mastery Links:
- For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
- For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
- Become a PURE PM: https://pm-mastery.com/pure
- Check out Instructing.com for all your PM course needs: https://www.instructing.com/?ref=bd5e5c
- Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource_links/
PM-Mastery - From Lesson Plans to Project Plans: A Career Transition Tale With Melissa Chapman
Transcript
It's interesting that people you interviewed , like Jeremiah and Logan and Scott Henson , are all people that I've like connected with also , you know , through the LinkedIn network and it's just been . It was really fun to see you interviewing all those people that I've been like connecting with outside of you know , just through LinkedIn . So Lots of good people .
Intro/OutroIf you like this episode you’ll love
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