Presentation: Finding PM Opportunities in a Non-PM Role in Government
Abstract: Working in the federal government is a dream for some people. But it does not always provide clear-cut opportunities to lead projects. Even in agencies involved in projects, the government staff is often overseeing the project, providing strategic guidance and, let’s face it, editing deliverables. In other roles, government employees are asked to take on generalist positions, fill high need posts, or assume operational or strategic roles without a direct implementation component. Three federal government employees from different agencies, focused in international diplomacy and development, will discuss ways in which they have carved out PM roles for themselves when they either don’t have much control over their portfolio or are not directly involved in project implementation. Two takeaways include: 1) there is always a way to craft a project out of your work, including the consular section of an Embassy; and 2) the federal government provides training and other resources to improve your PM skills.
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
Biography: Jenny Niedinger is a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, currently serving as Vice Consul in Bogota, Colombia. Prior to her foreign service career, Jenny worked in project implementation at the Millennium Challenge Corporation and various NGOs, including two years for UNICEF in Liberia. Jenny holds a Master of Public Health, with concentrations in management and global health, from Yale University.
