What does it take to become a Technical Project Manager? In this podcast, we have Mr. Raghavendra Krishna Murthy, who has over 20+ years of experience in IT as a Technical Project Manager, Program Manager, and Leader. I am really grateful to Raghu, for agreeing to have this conversation where today we'll discuss Technical Project Management and what it takes to become a Technical Program manager. About Career Explore Podcast: This podcast is to explore modern career opportunities. The show aims to educate newcomers about various career paths through insightful conversations, expert advice, and powerful stories that offer valuable insights for today's generation. Considering the entrepreneurial journey also as a kind of career, here is a chance for me to hear from you and converse about your entrepreneurial journey, what it takes to be successful like you and what you advise the new generation about entrepreneurship, as per your experience. Becoming a Technical Project Manager: Excerpts from the Podcast: Technical Project Management (TPM) blends traditional project management with strong technical expertise. TPMs ensure technical projects meet their goals, deadlines, and budgets while adhering to quality standards. Daily Responsibilities of a TPM A TPM's typical day is filled with meetings and work sessions involving business stakeholders, subject matter experts, development teams, enterprise architects, and the Project Management Office (PMO). These interactions focus on the project's entire lifecycle, keeping it on track, and mitigating any risks. Path to Becoming a TPM Landing a TPM role often involves a mix of technical and project management skills. For instance, job opportunities in the US led me to transition from Australia to a TPM position. The job market's demand for combined technical and managerial skills helped me secure this role. Necessary Skills for a TPM A TPM must be technically proficient, and capable of challenging development teams, ensuring solutions meet requirements, manage trade-offs, and maintain quality. While project management tools are helpful, technical acumen is crucial. Challenges Faced by TPMs Scope creep is a significant challenge, requiring tactical handling. Unlike typical project managers who draw a line at scope changes, TPMs might be tempted to take on additional tasks to meet timelines. Occasionally, TPMs may need to engage in technical work directly, though it's generally better to leave it to developers. Becoming a TPM Anyone with strong technical skills and project management understanding can become a TPM. Technical leads aspiring to this role should work closely with existing TPMs. Certifications like PMP can enhance project management knowledge but aren't direct career boosters. Career Path and Salary A TPM can advance to roles like Technical Program Manager or Technical Portfolio Manager. Salary varies based on education, experience, market demand, and location. Tools like "Levels.fyi" provide insights into salary ranges. Continuous Learning and Future Scope Staying updated with industry trends, new technologies, and evolving methodologies is crucial. As AI becomes more relevant, it will enhance TPM roles rather than replace them, emphasizing the importance of social skills. Advice for Aspiring TPMs Maintain technical expertise and embrace continuous learning. If a job becomes too comfortable, seek more responsibilities or new opportunities. #businessanalysis #technology #IT #informationtechnology #technicalprojectmanager #projectmanagement #programmemanagement