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This is post is part of our summer blog series, “So You Want a Job in Advertising?” Check back for more intern insights or sign up for our RSS feed to be the first to know.

Project management is part juggling act, part strategy and part charm school. As an Interactive Strategist and Project Manager for a Moosylvania, I never find myself bored. The variety in both projects and clients keeps every day both busy and exciting. Are you an intern thinking about getting a job with an interactive marketing company and project management has caught your eye? Here’s a few things to ask yourself to see if you’d like the role:

1. Do I love to be organized?

I get giddy walking into the Container Store. When I got my first labeler years ago, one week later my apartment could have been mistaken for a kindergarten classroom. Brushes. Long Sleeve Shirts. Food Processor. Cat. (Just kidding, I didn’t really label my cat. But I did have a label for a drawer in the bathroom devoted to fake eyelashes. Another story for another day.)

As a Project Manager, you could be managing several aspects of several projects for several clients at any given time. This is not done well without tools. My favorite is Basecamp. This project management software is used by quite a few advertising agencies, so it would be a good idea to get to know it. Once you do, you realize how awesome it is. And that now you only have to remember random things like changing your air filter every three months.

2. Do I work well with others?

Be nice. This applies to whatever job you do. Especially when you have to manage projects with deadlines that require other people to make it happen. No one wants to do anything for a jerk.

3. Do I like to keep up with the industry and ongoing strategies?

Project management is not just moving projects through. Another rewarding part of this job is weighing in on strategies for the overall campaign. You will be in a lot of meetings. Go beyond taking notes and give your ideas and opinions. Those ideas and opinions should come to you fairly easy because you spend time understanding your industry, the changes and current campaigns. So load up that Google Reader with RSS feeds of good stuff to keep you in the know. To get you started, here’s a list a online marketing blogs I follow. MooseTracker is also a great source for case studies on the latest digital campaigns.

Did you answer yes to all three? Then keep an eye out for Project Management internships or Interactive Project Manager jobs at Moose.

Have other questions about project management? Let me know in the comments.


 

Comments »

4 comments on So You Want to be a Project Manager?

Andrew Swank says:

Really excellent article. I’m thoroughly enjoying (and learning a lot) from this series. Keep on keeping on!

June 28, 2012 @ 10:14 am


lisakeller says:

Thanks Andrew! Stay tuned via our RSS for more.

June 28, 2012 @ 11:05 am


Erin says:

I’ve noticed the labels on your office file cabinet – fake eyelashes, office slippers and penguins…

June 28, 2012 @ 1:27 pm


lisakeller says:

#MrFancy loves his label.

June 28, 2012 @ 1:54 pm


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