This document summarizes an event titled "Kick Start Your Project Management Career" presented by the University of South Wales and the Association for Project Management (APM). The event included an introduction by Paul Johnson of Atkins, a presentation by 2017 APM Young Professional Winner David Cross of Rolls-Royce, and breakout discussion sessions. David Cross discussed his career progression at Rolls-Royce, managing projects from £34M to £800M. He advocated for project management as a challenging and developing career that allows one to shape practices and leave a mark. The document provided contact information for Paul Johnson and next steps for students to get involved with APM.
1. ‘Kick Start Your Project
Management Career’
University of South Wales,
19 Feb 2020
Paul Johnson
2. Agenda
▪ Networking (and buffet!)
▪ APM Welcome
– Paul Johnson, Atkins
▪ David Cross– APM Young Professional Winner 2017
▪ Breakout Sessions
▪ Q&A Session
3. ▪ Chartered Engineer and Chartered Project Professional with 20 years PM
experience in Defence
▪ Volunteered for the APM for last 13 years
▪ Previously worked for Defence Equipment and Support, Ministry of Defence
▪ Joined Atkins 5 years ago; part of the SNC-Lavelin Group
▪ 1st role in MOD: technical PM – retrained in PM (PRINCE2, APMP, APM PQ)
▪ My career has spanned several Portfolio, Programme and Project Management
(P3M) roles, from Project Manager to Head Programme Management Office (PMO)
to Delivery Director
▪ Current role is Atkins - Engineering Delivery Partner (EDP) Delivery Director
▪ Worked on a variety of projects – from £3m to £3Bn!
Introduction – Paul Johnson, Atkins
4. Who is APM?
Not for profit
charity
Almost 31,000
individual
members
Europe’s largest
professional
body for PM
Chartered
body
Over 40
years old
525 corporate
members
7. – 3800 individual and 42 Corporate members
– One of the most active APM branches in UK
– Around 20 members events per year
▪ suitable for all levels of experience
▪ 891 members attended events in 2019
– An opportunity to take advice from experienced professionals
South Wales & West of England Branch
15. Breakout sessions
Table Facilitator Discussion
1 Martin Gosden What makes a successful project manager - qualifications or experience?
2 Allan Reid
What three core 'personal' competences or attributes must I demonstrate to have a
chance of success as a professional project manager?
3 Paul Johnson What does project success look like?
4 Gary Mainwaring
What are the challenges for managing a project which is highly complex and
technically challenging?
16. Next steps
▪ Become a Student member if you can – it’s free
▪ Use LinkedIn eg
– Follow and join APM groups and corporate members
▪ Sign up for free APM webinars, and events
▪ Build your network and knowledge through the branch
▪ Ask us to help you gather data for research