Navigating my MSc journey: project management in action

Landing in the UK to pursue my MSc in Project Management was a thrilling leap into the unknown. It was a decision fuelled by ambition and a deep-seated fascination with how things get done. I couldn't have imagined the personal and professional transformations this journey would bring. This blog is a glimpse into my experiences, the lessons I've learned and why I'm incredibly passionate about the world of project management.

Discovering my passion

My passion for project management ignited during my time working for DHL Supply Chain India. I was fortunate enough to get a hands-on project experience on-site in the UK. Seeing how project management brought a structured approach to achieving complex business goals fascinated me. This exposure, even though I only worked there for a short period of time, from starting to work on the project to execution and then managing the project as BAU, highlighted the power of organised planning and execution. Later, my experience with B Braun Group solidified my enthusiasm. As a project leader, I gained valuable experience and saw how project management drives positive outcomes. This propelled me to seek formal education in the field, leading to my decision to pursue an MSc.

The MSc experience

My MSc program was a blend of theoretical knowledge and an enriching experience. I learnt amazing modules of project management viz, 1) Project Environment & Planning, 2) People Management and Risk, 3) Budget & Commercial Management, 4) Project Investigation & System Methods, 5) Project Management Case Study Investigation & 6) Managing Programmes and Portfolios. My assignments helped me in understanding the concepts of project management even better, the case studies I had to work on were very much realistic real-life events which I had to study from, Olympics Games to Elizabeth Line of Transport for London, to Exxon Mobile’s Oil Extraction in Guyana to London’s EV Infrastructure Plan for Zero Carbon 2050. These experiences were invaluable, solidifying my belief that this was the right career path for me.

Where I am now

After completing my MSc with merit, I'm excited to have started my career as an Operations Manager where I'm directly involved with local authorities. I'm particularly drawn to this role as this involves minute business decisions and also brings satisfaction of output being in real time. I'm constantly evolving, and my goal is to continuously learn and improve my project management skills. I plan to start my own consulting business in the near future.

Lessons learned

Looking back, this journey taught me invaluable lessons that I apply daily, both professionally and in life:

The power of adaptability: projects, like life in a new country, rarely stick to a perfect plan. Embracing flexibility and finding creative solutions is a must-have skill for any project manager.
Communication is key: clear and consistent communication, especially when working with diverse teams, can make or break a project. I learned the importance of tailored communication styles for different stakeholders and situations.
Time management mastery: juggling coursework, assignments, while navigating life in a new place amplified the importance of ruthless prioritisation and effective time management. These skills are now the foundation of my approach to any project I take on.

Reflections and advice

This journey has made me more confident, adaptable and independent. For anyone considering a similar path, here's my advice:

Build your network: project management is about people. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn and seek out mentors. A strong network can open doors throughout your career.
Master the fundamentals: get a solid understanding of project lifecycles, methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, etc.) and popular project management software. These are your essential toolkit.
Seek out diverse project experiences: volunteer for projects within your organisation, take on smaller side projects, or consider internships. Diverse experiences build your skillset and make you more adaptable.
Enhance your people skills & consider certifications: project managers are the glue that holds teams together. Focus on clear communication, conflict resolution and leadership. To boost your credentials, consider entry-level certifications like CAPM or Prince2 Foundation.

Project management gave me the power to turn ideas into reality, to solve problems in structured ways and to contribute to meaningful outcomes. I'm incredibly excited about my future in this dynamic field and the projects I'll have the opportunity to lead.