Canned Project
I've had a project cancel on me before, but not one where I was the project manager. I think I didn't feel it as much because we were still in the pre-development stage, and everything I had done was only on word and pictures.
What's there to learn from it? A project manager should never be that fully invested into the project, and they should always be, as I learnt from one of my classes, "a conduit of other people's dreams". Any kind of change in business conditions, as witnessed these last few months, can turn a project on its head. Probably the other thing to learn is that a PM should always have contingencies and different scenarios thought through. If I'm constantly thinking "what if...?" I would probably be better prepared for what was going to happen.
However, my big boss has indicated he's keen on using ICT money to fund the project and have it ready for the business when they need it. I'm not so sure that is a good idea, but if the project gets revived, I'll be ready.
Pity, though, I now can't say I have another project under my belt. I wonder what I should write for my resume for a project that gets the shaft?
4 comments:
Easy! Use words like:
* Design and analysis
* Scoping
* Feasibility
All the parts that come at the start of the project. You don't have to say the project never took off on your resume :P
True dat. Thanks Reenie!
This is where you use it as an example for a situation where things "didn't work out like you'd planned them" - plus, it wasn't your fault, so you can emphasise the positives, express "disappointment", and then talk about how you took the learnings into you next "kick-ass" project. :)
Don't stress bro - more projects will come your way!
As mentioned by Reenie and Ben...i fully agree. If you are ever asked about the project, focus on what you accomplished and emphasise the fact that it didn't take off - due to lack of funding(???). Which is completely out of your control. And any interviewer will fully understand.
I get projects canned on a regular basis. I go through the process of scoping, scheduling, & designing the project and then I get advised that the design needs to be changed and the customer doesn't know what they want to change it to. Project gets put on hold and then before I know it, I get told by my Program Mgr that its been canned.
I fully understand how you feel. I can soo relate because of the project I'm managing now. Its hard not to get attached and wanting to see it through. Its worse that due to reasons out of your control, the project is almost over but you can't finish it and have to pass it to another company, not even a team member. Who will end up getting the glory for all your hard work...*sigh*...
PS: You don't need to mention every project you ever managed on your resume. You only include the relevant ones, tailored to the next role you intend on acquiring. So, its all good!
=)
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