Getting Into Project Management: Advice from Our Students
Looking to change careers into Project Management but aren't sure where to start? We reached out to our fantastic students who have provided us with their best advice on how to kick-start your journey.
At Learning People, we’ve seen countless inspiring career change journeys. Some have been subtle shifts, others bold leaps - but all share one thing in common: someone made the decision to take action.
We recently asked our Project Management students on LinkedIn: "what advice would you give someone who is just starting to think about a career change?”
The responses reminded us of the power of transferable skills, the importance of investing in yourself, and the value of the right support system.
In this article, I share just a handful of their valuable insights.
Written by*
With over a decade of experience in project management education and industry, Matt has become our in-house expert. Matt is an Enrolment and Growth Manager at Learning People, consistently helping students to advance their careers through learning and certification.
Adewale Agboke: "A new year, a new direction"
For Adewale, 2025 began with a resolution to transition into Project Management. His story highlights the impact of guidance and structure in the early stages of a career change. He also emphasises how the flexibility of Learning People’s resources made his pivot smoother.
"I came in contact with Learning People’s Career Consultant Gaby, who patiently listened to my career journey and advised I take the next step by becoming a qualified Project Manager.
She connected me with Frederick, my coach, and I now have a customised self-study plan with AgilePM, Change Management, and Scrum Master certifications.
Learning People's resources are rich with material, and I can replay them as many times as I want. A live tutor wouldn’t have the patience to repeat like that!”
The takeaway? Take it at your own pace - find a learning style that fits you, and stay consistent.
Ifeanyi Brown: “Transferable skills are your passport”
With several years of project planning experience in Nigeria, Ifeanyi is now transitioning into the UK market. His focus has been on aligning international experience with globally recognised qualifications.
"I am currently undertaking the Advanced Project Management Pathway with Learning People, which equips me with the certifications and knowledge I need to complement my existing expertise.
My advice for others crossing industries or borders is:
- Invest in upskilling that fits the local market.
- Build on your transferable skills - they carry across borders.
- Network widely - mentors, peers, and professional bodies open the right doors."
The takeaway? Don’t start from scratch. Build on what you already know and adapt it to kick-start your new path.
Kobina W. Essuman: “Support makes the difference”
Kobina describes his career change into Project Management as both challenging and rewarding.
“A career change isn’t exactly one of the easiest decisions, but definitely worth it with the right information and career experts available. My ongoing career change into Project Management has been smooth sailing with the help of Learning People.”
The takeaway? Surround yourself with experts and mentors who can guide you through the process - you don’t have to do it alone.
Clinton Mutombo: “Guidance you can trust”
Clinton, a Senior Administrator, has found reassurance in the support he’s received.
“My experience with Learning People has been invaluable. Gaby has been a tremendous source of support, providing exceptional guidance throughout my Project Management journey.”
The takeaway? Seek out trusted advisors who believe in your potential - they’ll help you navigate each step with confidence.
The Common Thread: Action Plus Support Equals Progress
From Adewale’s self-paced study plan, to Ifeanyi’s focus on transferable skills, to Kobina and Clinton’s emphasis on trusted guidance - one message is clear: behind every success story is someone who made the decision to act, and a Career Consultant to help kick-start that journey.
Gaby Marsom, the Career Consultant who enrolled all of these students, believes that your career to date and your existing skillset are always strengthens, not weaknesses.
“These are just some of the many success stories I’m proud to be part of. The real takeaway for me is being confident, stepping out of your comfort zone, and just going for it. The hardest part is starting - if you’re reading this, you’re already halfway there.
Another student of mine had spent 20 years teaching, managing people, leading change, and delivering projects - without ever realising she’d been a Project Manager all along. Within three months of enrolling with us, she had the confidence to step into a Programme Manager role. Sometimes it just takes someone to shine a light on what’s already there.”
Your Story Could Be Next
At Learning People, we’re proud to provide the tools, mentorship, and encouragement that make career change decisions possible.
Whether you’re looking to pivot industries, cross borders, or simply grow in a new direction, the next chapter of your career can start today - and that extends to those who have recently moved to Australia or New Zealand.
Over half of our students are international. Starting a new life in a new country is tough enough. Add in a competitive job market, no local network, and uncertainty about where to even begin, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s where the right support makes all the difference.
*This article was originally written by a Learning People Careers Advisor who work in our UK office in Brighton and Hove, Matt Everitt. In this version, the original has been edited and adapted so it's relevant and helpful for audiences in the ANZ region.
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