Three-Month Reflection: Project Manager Coordinator at University Communication Center
It’s been three months since I took on the role of Project Manager Coordinator at the University Communication Center (UCC) under the supervision of Imelda Mongillo. Reflecting on this period, I have gained invaluable insights and experiences that have significantly enhanced my understanding of project management and have led to noticeable improvements in both my hard and soft skills.
What I Hoped to Learn and What I Have Learned
When I began this position, I aimed to gain comprehensive experience in project management, particularly focusing on acquiring new hard and soft skills. My background includes previous roles in project management and coordination, which motivated me to further develop these skills in a structured environment like UCC. I also have a keen interest in technology and finance, and I saw this role as a way to bridge my academic pursuits with my career aspirations.
Hard Skills:
1. Adobe Workfront Proficiency: Over the past three months, I have become proficient in Adobe Workfront, which is a powerful project management tool. Initially, I was familiar with tools like Trello, Jira, and Notion, but Workfront offered a more integrated and robust solution for managing complex projects. I have learned to effectively manage deadlines, assign tasks, and track project progress, which has been crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of various projects at UCC.
2. Excel Spreadsheets and VBA: My Excel skills have significantly improved thanks to the hands-on experience I’ve gained by building reports, databases, and project wikis. The Excel and VBA class with Professor Oleinikov was instrumental in this regard. I now understand the versatility of Excel and its application in managing and analyzing project data.
3. Deadline Management and Task Assignment: Learning how to manage deadlines and assign tasks effectively has been a critical part of my development. I’ve been responsible for setting up projects for Imelda to review and adjust, which has honed my ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
Soft Skills:
1. Communication in the Workplace: One of my initial goals was to improve my communication skills in a professional setting. With guidance from Imelda, I have learned to articulate my questions and concerns clearly, providing context and motivation in emails and messages. An easy example of this is my increased communication on Microsoft Teams with Imelda. I make sure to notify her of my working hours for the week, what tasks I’m currently working on and any questions that arise. However, it should be noted that there was a lapse in communication during finals season. After some reflection, I believe I should have more clearly communicated my situation with my supervisor.
2. Understanding the Project Life Cycle: Gaining a deeper understanding of the project life cycle has been a valuable experience. I now have a clearer grasp of the different phases of a project and the day-to-day maintenance required to keep projects on track. This knowledge is vital for my future career as a project manager in the tech industry. While going through the Workfront project archives, I could see the progress and improvements in efficiency of project setups.
3. Project Management and Maintenance: Managing and maintaining projects at UCC has taught me the importance of attention to detail and proactive problem-solving. I’ve learned to anticipate potential issues and address them before they escalate, ensuring the successful completion of projects and related tasks I’m assigned. One such task I’ve worked on was the reorganization of Teams on Workfront. I noticed duplicate teams, came up with possible solutions, and communicated with Imelda about them before finally moving forward with one.
Complementing Academic and Career Interests
My academic background in Computer Science, coupled with my recent interest in finance and business, aligns perfectly with the skills I am developing in this role. The hands-on experience with project management tools and techniques complements my studies and provides practical applications for the theories I learn in class. I’m considering working as a project manager in the tech field post-graduation, and the skills I am acquiring at UCC are directly relevant to this career path.
Feedback and Support
Open communication has been key to my success in this role. Imelda’s feedback, which often includes the reasoning behind her suggestions, has been particularly helpful. Understanding the underlying logic of her feedback has allowed me to grasp the root causes of issues and apply this knowledge to prevent similar problems in the future.
Competencies Developed
Among the six Ideals into Practice competencies, I have strengthened my abilities in Communication, Digital Literacy, Inquiry and Analysis, and Creativity. However, I recognize that I still need to further develop my skills in Collaboration, Communication – Listening, and Sociocultural Awareness. These areas are crucial for effective teamwork and understanding diverse perspectives, and I am committed to working on them in the coming months.
In conclusion, my experience as a Project Manager Coordinator at UCC has been incredibly enriching. I have not only enhanced my technical skills but also developed a deeper understanding of project management and effective communication. I am confident that these skills will serve me well in my academic pursuits and future career in the tech industry.
