Jul 1 / Anna Bromley

From Childhood Leadership to Professional Project Management: My Journey

From an early age, I had a knack for organising and leading projects. One vivid memory from primary school stands out: I volunteered to lead a bric-a-brac sale. We had to 'interview' for the role, sitting in a circle and explaining why we should be chosen. While I can't recall my exact words, the feeling of being selected was exhilarating. Arriving early on the day of the sale to ensure everything was set up perfectly was incredibly exciting. Seeing the idea of a charity sale come to life was a moment that left a lasting impression on me.

Early Lessons in Leadership and Organisation

As a child, I learned that achieving anything in life requires effort and action. This realisation shaped my proactive approach—I prefer doing and experimenting over endless pondering. This bias for action became a cornerstone of my career, driving me to seek roles where I could make things happen and lead initiatives effectively.

Academic Path and Career Crossroads

After earning my MA in philosophy, I found myself at a crossroads with three potential career paths: development, business analysis, or project management. Development didn’t appeal to me much; I had dabbled in it during my business undergrad and found it lacking the excitement I craved. A career filled with data analysis sounded tedious, as math has never been my strong suit.

Discovering Project Management

But project management? That was a different story. I had taken a module in project management during my undergrad and found it both challenging and stimulating in the best ways. Project management allows me to combine my love for organizing, leading, and turning ideas into reality. It’s a career that constantly challenges my brain and keeps me on my toes. Every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a tangible impact.

Passion for Project Management

This passion drives me every day as I navigate the ever-evolving landscape of my career. Project management isn’t just a job for me—it’s a reflection of who I am and what I love to do. Looking back, it's clear that those early experiences and my natural inclinations led me to a profession where I truly feel at home.

Embracing a Proactive Approach

My journey underscores the importance of embracing a proactive approach and seeking out roles that align with your passions and strengths. By doing so, you can find a career that not only fulfils you professionally but also resonates with your personal values and interests.

A Fulfilling Career Path

From leading a primary school charity sale to managing complex projects in my professional life, my journey has been one of growth, learning, and dedication. Project management offers a dynamic and rewarding path where I can leverage my organisational skills and leadership abilities to drive success and make a meaningful impact.

Reference Link: 

  • Project Management Community - PMI 
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