How to become a project manager

You’ve been hearing about project management as a career path, and it’s piqued your interest. Maybe you’re drawn to the mix of leadership and organization, or perhaps you’re looking for a role that combines your love of planning with your people skills. Whatever the reason, project management offers an exciting career opportunity with plenty of room to grow.

But how do you actually get started? If you’re like most people considering this path, you might be wondering if your current skills transfer over, what education you need, or how to get that first job when everyone seems to want experience you don’t have yet.

I get it. Breaking into project management can feel overwhelming when you’re on the outside looking in.

But don’t worry – this guide will walk you through practical steps to launch your project management career, even if you’re starting from square one.

Why Start a Career in Project Management?

Let’s talk about why project management might be worth your time and effort. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), employers will need to fill nearly 2.3 million project management-related roles annually through 2030. That’s a lot of opportunity!

Here are some compelling reasons to consider this career path:

• Job security and growth – With the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 7% growth from 2023 to 2033 (faster than average), and approximately 77,000 openings annually, project management offers stable career prospects
• Competitive compensation – The median salary for project managers in the US is around $104,920, with entry-level positions often starting at about $60,000
• Versatility across industries – From healthcare to construction to tech startups, the skills transfer easily between sectors
• Clear career progression – There’s a defined pathway from coordinator positions all the way up to senior leadership roles

What I love about project management is how it builds transferable skills. The abilities you develop will serve you well no matter where your career takes you, whether you stay in project management or move to other leadership roles.

I recently spoke with Sarah, who transitioned from teaching high school English to becoming a project coordinator at a marketing agency.

“I was worried my classroom experience wouldn’t translate,” she told me. “But managing 30 teenagers with different needs turned out to be excellent preparation for coordinating project stakeholders!”

If you’re feeling stuck in your current role but have strong organizational skills, project management might be your perfect next step.

What Do Project Managers Actually Do?

Before diving in, it’s important to understand what project managers actually do day-to-day. Picture yourself as the conductor of an orchestra – your job isn’t necessarily to play any instrument, but to ensure everyone plays together in harmony.

At the heart of project management is planning and defining project scope. You’ll determine what needs to be done, by whom, and by when. This means managing resources, budgets, and timelines while coordinating team members and their responsibilities. Throughout the project, you’ll identify and mitigate risks, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure project goals are met successfully.

Projects typically follow a lifecycle with five distinct stages:

1. Initiation – Define the project and secure approval
2. Planning – Create detailed roadmaps for execution
3. Execution – Perform the actual work
4. Monitoring & Control – Track progress and make adjustments
5. Closing – Deliver the final product and document lessons

Different organizations approach this workflow using various methodologies.

The traditional “waterfall” approach moves sequentially through phases, while “agile” methodologies embrace flexibility and iteration. Many teams use hybrid approaches combining elements of both.

I’ve seen even experienced professionals struggle with the shift from individual contributor to project manager. The skills that make you great at doing the work aren’t always the same ones that make you great at orchestrating it.

As a beginner, you don’t need to master all these methodologies immediately, but understanding the basics will help you speak the language and determine which approach resonates with your working style.

Essential Skills for Project Management Success

Project management requires a blend of soft skills and technical know-how. The good news? You probably already have more transferable skills than you realize.

The People Side: Soft Skills

Communication stands at the center of everything a project manager does. You’ll need to clearly convey complex information to different audiences – from technical team members to executive stakeholders – often translating between these groups.

Leadership in project management isn’t about authority; it’s about influence. You’ll motivate teams and steer projects in the right direction, often without direct reporting relationships with team members.

Problem-solving becomes second nature for successful project managers. When (not if) obstacles arise, you’ll need to find creative solutions while keeping the project moving forward.

The best project managers I know possess remarkable adaptability. Plans change, requirements shift, and team members come and go. Your ability to adjust on the fly while maintaining a steady course makes all the difference.

The Technical Side: Practical Skills

On the technical side, scheduling expertise is non-negotiable. You’ll create and manage project timelines, often balancing dependencies between tasks and resource constraints.

Budgeting skill separates great project managers from good ones.

Tracking and controlling project expenses while delivering quality results requires financial savvy many people underestimate.

Risk management might sound scary, but it’s really about anticipation. You’ll identify potential issues before they become problems and develop contingency plans that keep projects on track when surprises happen.

Familiarity with project management tools rounds out your technical toolkit. Working knowledge of software like Asana, Trello, JIRA, or Microsoft Project helps you organize work and provide visibility to stakeholders.

If you’re detail-oriented but can still see the big picture, then project management might be perfect for you.

I’ve found that people often underestimate their existing skills. Consider Alex, who worked in customer service before transitioning to project coordination.

“I thought I had no relevant experience,” he said. “Then I realized I’d been managing mini-projects all along – tracking customer issues, coordinating with multiple departments, and ensuring timely resolutions. The skills were there; I just needed to reframe them in project management terms.”

Assess Your Current Background

Ready to take honest stock of where you stand? Let’s do it.

Evaluate Your Existing Skills

Most people already have more project management experience than they realize. That wedding you planned? A complex project with stakeholders, budgets, timelines, and vendors. The office move you coordinated? Another project with clear deliverables and constraints.

Take some time to inventory your current skills and experiences by reflecting on your past:

Have you ever organized an event that required coordinating multiple people or vendors? Think about how you tracked tasks, communicated with participants, and handled last-minute problems.

Do you naturally take initiative when something needs to be done?

This self-starter quality is gold in project management, where proactive problem identification saves projects from derailing.

Are you the person friends or colleagues turn to when they need help organizing something? This “go-to” status suggests you already have organizational abilities others recognize and value.

Your personal financial management counts too. Have you managed budgets, either professionally or personally? Tracked expenses for a department? Created a personal savings plan? All these experiences build relevant skills.

“I never thought planning my daughter’s wedding would be relevant to my career change. But in my interview, I explained how I coordinated 12 vendors, managed a $30,000 budget, and created contingency plans for an outdoor ceremony. The hiring manager was more impressed with that than with my online course certificate!” – Linda, nonprofit project manager

System creation might be another strength in your toolkit. Do you enjoy establishing processes to keep things running smoothly? This natural inclination toward structure serves project managers well.

Identify Your Knowledge Gaps

Being honest about what you don’t know is just as important as recognizing your strengths.

If you’re organized but struggle with conflict resolution, then you’ll need to develop your stakeholder management skills before taking on larger projects.

Knowledge of formal methodologies often tops the list of gaps for beginners. Terms like “agile,” “waterfall,” and “critical path” might be unfamiliar territory. Don’t worry – these can be learned.

Experience with professional PM software is another common gap. While you might be comfortable with spreadsheets, specialized tools like Microsoft Project or JIRA might feel foreign.

Technical terminology and concepts specific to project management constitute another learning curve. The good news? This vocabulary can be picked up through courses, books, and practice.

Formal risk management processes round out the typical knowledge gaps. You’ve likely dealt with risks intuitively, but structured approaches to identification, analysis, and mitigation might be new.

I’ve mentored dozens of new project managers, and almost all of them underestimated their existing capabilities while overestimating how difficult it would be to fill their knowledge gaps.

Start by creating a simple two-column list: “Skills I Have” and “Skills I Need.” Be specific and honest – this will form the foundation of your personal development plan. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and recognizing gaps is the first step toward filling them.

Educational Pathways and Certifications

While a degree isn’t always required for entry-level project management roles, the right education can give you an edge. Let’s explore your options.

Formal Education: Is It Worth It?

Bachelor’s degrees in business administration, management, or related fields provide a solid foundation. According to a 2022 PMI survey, about 65% of project managers have at least a bachelor’s degree. But don’t be discouraged if that’s not your path – many successful PMs come from varied educational backgrounds.

Master’s degrees in project management or MBAs with PM concentration might be worth considering if you’re aiming for senior roles or specialized industries like pharmaceuticals or aerospace. These programs typically cover advanced concepts in risk management, program management, and strategic alignment.

The reality is that project management values demonstrated skills over paper credentials. A degree helps, but isn’t the only path forward.

Flexible Learning Through Online Courses

For those balancing work and life commitments, online learning platforms offer accessible options to build your knowledge.

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning provide courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels. The best part? You can learn at your own pace, often for a fraction of traditional education costs.

Professional associations like PMI offer educational resources that align directly with industry standards. These resources often include practice exams, templates, and case studies from real-world projects.

If you have a specific industry in mind, look for specialized workshops. Healthcare project management, for instance, has unique considerations compared to construction or software development.

Certifications That Open Doors

The right certification can significantly boost your credibility and earning potential. PMI’s salary survey reveals that professionals with Project Management Professional (PMP) certification earn 33% more on average than their non-certified peers.

CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) stands out as an excellent starting point for beginners. Unlike the more advanced PMP certification, CAPM doesn’t require years of experience, making it accessible to newcomers.

PRINCE2 Foundation certification enjoys widespread recognition, particularly in the UK, Europe, and Australia. Its structured approach appeals to organizations running traditional projects.

For those drawn to agile environments, Scrum Master certifications provide specialized knowledge that’s increasingly valuable in technology and product development roles.

I spoke with Marcus, who transitioned from retail management to IT project coordination. “The CAPM certification was my foot in the door,” he explained. “It showed employers I was serious about project management, even without direct experience. Within six months of getting certified, I landed my first role, despite competing against candidates with more traditional backgrounds.”

Gaining Real-World Experience

Perhaps the biggest challenge for aspiring project managers is the classic catch-22: you need experience to get hired, but how do you get experience without a job? Let’s break through this barrier.

Entry-Level Roles: Your First Step In

The direct path to becoming a project manager often starts with supporting roles. Instead of shooting straight for “Project Manager” positions (which typically require 3-5 years of experience), target these more accessible entry points:

Project Coordinator roles serve as the backbone of project teams. In this position, you’ll support project managers with scheduling, documentation, and meeting coordination while learning valuable skills from experienced professionals. These positions typically pay between $45,000-$60,000 and provide essential hands-on experience.

Project Assistant positions focus more on administrative aspects but offer excellent exposure to project processes and tools. You’ll help with documentation, track action items, and maintain project records – all fundamental skills for future advancement.

Business Analyst roles can provide a side door into project management.

By identifying business needs and proposing solutions, you’ll develop crucial requirements-gathering and stakeholder management skills that directly transfer to project management.

Don’t overlook administrative roles with project components. Many executive assistants and team administrators effectively manage small projects as part of their responsibilities, creating a natural transition path.

First, gain experience in any project-related role. Then, look for opportunities to take on more responsibility.

Volunteer Work: Experience That Counts

Unpaid experience still counts as experience on your resume. Nonprofit organizations constantly run projects with limited resources, creating perfect opportunities for beginners to step in.

Community projects like neighborhood improvements or local events need coordination and leadership. Taking charge of a community garden project or organizing a fundraising event develops the same skills used in professional settings.

Professional associations in your target industry often need volunteers to run events, manage website updates, or coordinate member activities. This double-win provides both experience and networking opportunities with people already working in your desired field.

“My volunteer work managing a charity 5K run taught me more about stakeholder management than any course could have. Coordinating between the city permit office, sponsors, volunteers, and participants gave me real-world experience I could talk about in interviews.” – Jason, now a healthcare project manager

Websites like VolunteerMatch.org, Catchafire, and Idealist.org regularly list project-based volunteer opportunities you can filter by skill or interest area.

Hidden Opportunities in Your Current Role

Sometimes the best project experience is hiding in plain sight at your current job. Smart career-changers look for opportunities to:

Lead initiatives within their department. Is there a problem everyone complains about but nobody addresses? Propose yourself as the solution owner.

Volunteer to coordinate team events or activities. Planning the holiday party might seem trivial, but it involves budgeting, scheduling, vendor management, and stakeholder satisfaction – all core project management skills.

I always tell aspiring project managers to look for the pain points in their organization. Where are things falling through the cracks? That’s your opportunity to step up and demonstrate project management skills.

Jamila, who worked as an office administrator, shared her experience: “I noticed our onboarding process was a mess, so I offered to redesign it. That mini-project gave me something concrete to talk about in interviews and showed I could handle project work. My manager was thrilled to have someone take initiative, and I got to practice creating process documentation, tracking tasks, and measuring outcomes. Six months later, I used that experience to land a project coordinator role at another company.”

Building a Strong Professional Portfolio

As you gain experience, start documenting your project work to create a portfolio that demonstrates your capabilities – even small projects count!

Showcasing Your Project Experience

For each project you include, create a concise yet compelling story. Don’t just list what you did; explain the context, challenges, and results. Remember that outcomes speak louder than activities.

Start with the project objective and your specific role. Was this a team effort where you led a specific component? Or did you manage the entire initiative? Be honest about your contribution while highlighting your areas of responsibility.

Then detail the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Project management isn’t about perfect execution from day one – it’s about problem-solving when things go sideways. A portfolio that shows how you navigated obstacles often impresses more than one that only highlights smooth sailing.

Include the tools and methodologies you used. Even if you’re self-taught, mentioning your experience with project management software or frameworks demonstrates technical competency and willingness to learn.

Most importantly, quantify results whenever possible. Did you complete the project under budget? Ahead of schedule? With fewer resources than initially allocated? Did your work increase efficiency, reduce costs, or improve quality in measurable ways? Numbers validate your impact in ways that descriptions alone cannot.

For substantial projects, consider creating mini case studies with clear sections for the problem, your approach, and the results achieved. This structure helps potential employers quickly grasp the value you delivered.

Platforms for Your Portfolio

LinkedIn offers the simplest starting point. Add projects to your Experience section, either as standalone entries for major initiatives or as bullet points under relevant roles. The platform’s professional focus makes it ideal for showcasing work-related accomplishments.

A personal website gives you more creative control and space to elaborate on your projects. Simple platforms like WordPress or Wix make this accessible even without technical skills. Include a dedicated Projects page with individual entries for each significant project.

Digital project management tools like Trello or Notion can be repurposed to create shareable portfolio views. This approach has the added benefit of demonstrating your familiarity with these tools.

Remember to respect confidentiality – get permission or anonymize sensitive information before including it in your portfolio. You can still discuss the nature of the project and your contribution without sharing proprietary details.

Crafting Your Project Management Resume

Your resume needs to highlight your project management potential, even if your job titles don’t include “project manager.” With some strategic framing, you can showcase relevant experience hiding in plain sight.

Resume Structure for Aspiring Project Managers

Lead with a focused summary statement that emphasizes your project-related skills and career goals. This 2-3 sentence introduction should immediately position you as a project management professional (or aspiring one).

“Organized professional with 3 years of experience coordinating cross-functional initiatives and delivering results on time and under budget. Seeking to leverage strong communication and planning skills as a Project Coordinator at XYZ Company.”

Create a dedicated skills section near the top of your resume. List relevant soft skills (communication, leadership), technical abilities (scheduling, risk assessment), and tools you’ve used (Asana, Microsoft Excel, Trello). This section helps you pass initial screening filters, both electronic and human.

In your experience section, frame past roles in project management terms. Did you “coordinate” rather than simply “work on” something? Did you “lead” or “implement” an initiative rather than just “participate” in it? Word choice matters tremendously here.

Place education and certifications strategically based on their relevance. Recent, relevant certifications might deserve prominent placement, while older or less relevant degrees could appear lower.

Resume Language That Gets Noticed

The language of your resume can transform ordinary experiences into compelling project management credentials. Here’s how:

Use action verbs that resonate in the project management world: “coordinated,” “led,” “implemented,” “delivered,” “monitored,” “streamlined,” and “optimized.”

Quantify achievements wherever possible. “Delivered project 10% under budget” carries more weight than “saved money on project.” Numbers provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.

Include keywords from job descriptions to pass automated screening tools. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems that filter resumes before human eyes ever see them.

Here’s a quick before-and-after example that illustrates these principles:

Before: “Responsible for handling customer complaints and ensuring resolution.”

After: “Coordinated cross-departmental responses to customer issues, tracking 50+ cases simultaneously and reducing resolution time by 30% through implementation of a streamlined follow-up system.”

Notice how the revised version emphasizes leadership, quantifies impact, and showcases project management thinking – all from the same basic experience.

Developing Your Online Presence

In today’s job market, your digital presence matters almost as much as your resume. For project management roles, where communication and technology savvy are key skills, a professional online identity becomes particularly important.

LinkedIn: Your Digital Project Management Hub

Your LinkedIn profile serves as the cornerstone of your professional online presence. Unlike a resume, which you tailor for each application, LinkedIn provides a comprehensive view of your experience and connections.

Start with an effective professional headline. Instead of just your current job title, consider adding “Aspiring Project Manager” or your current role plus “Project Coordinator” to signal your career direction. This appears in search results and connection requests, making your intentions clear.

Craft an about section that tells your career story. Clearly state your career transition goals and relevant skills. Explain why you’re drawn to project management and how your background has prepared you for this path. Keep it concise but compelling – think of it as your elevator pitch in digital form.

Request recommendations focused on project-related skills. Reach out to people familiar with your organizational abilities, communication skills, or actual project work. Provide gentle guidance about which aspects of your work together you’d like them to highlight.

Showcase your growing expertise through activity. Share and comment thoughtfully on project management content. Write simple posts about what you’re learning or projects you’re working on. This demonstrates engagement with the field and helps you stay top-of-mind with connections.

According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of jobs are filled through networking – making connections isn’t just helpful, it’s essential!

Strategic Networking for Career Changers

Networking feels intimidating for many, but it’s simpler when broken down into practical actions:

Join project management groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. Start by listening and learning, then gradually contribute to discussions when you have questions or insights to share.

Attend industry meetups and events, whether virtual or in-person. Project management associations often host gatherings specifically designed for newcomers to meet experienced professionals.

Participate in webinars and online forums where you can both learn and build connections. Asking thoughtful questions can be a great way to get noticed by industry leaders.

Conduct informational interviews with project managers in your target industry. Most people are flattered to be asked about their career journey and happy to share advice. A simple 20-minute coffee chat can provide invaluable insights and potentially lead to job referrals down the line.

Consistency matters more than grand gestures. Aim to make one new connection each week rather than attempting to build an entire network in a weekend.

Preparing for Project Management Interviews

When you land that interview, preparation is key to making a strong impression. Project management interviews typically assess both your technical knowledge and your ability to handle complex interpersonal situations.

Common Interview Questions

Be ready to answer questions that fall into these categories:

• “How do you prioritize tasks when everything seems urgent?”
• “Tell me about a time you had to meet a tight deadline.”
• “How would you handle a team member who isn’t meeting expectations?”
• “What project management tools have you used?”
• “Describe how you would manage scope creep on a project.”
• “How do you communicate project status to different stakeholders?”
• “What’s your approach to risk management?”
• “How do you handle changing requirements mid-project?”

These questions reveal how you think about project challenges and whether you understand fundamental project management concepts. Even without formal PM experience, you can draw from personal projects, volunteer work, or aspects of previous roles that involved project-like elements.

The STAR Method for Behavioral Questions

When faced with behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time when…”), structure your answers using the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the context
• Task: Explain your responsibility
• Action: Detail what you did
• Result: Share the outcome

This framework helps you deliver concise, relevant answers that showcase your skills. Practice using this method before your interview so it feels natural during the actual conversation.

Remember that for project management roles, interviewers are particularly interested in how you:

• Handle conflicts
• Make decisions with limited information
• Communicate across different audiences
• Adapt to changing circumstances
• Organize and prioritize work

Networking and Mentorship

Building relationships with experienced project managers can significantly accelerate your career transition. Don’t underestimate the power of learning from those who’ve already walked the path you’re beginning.

Finding a Mentor: Your Career Accelerator

Professional associations like PMI often have formal mentorship programs that match beginners with experienced professionals. These structured relationships typically include regular check-ins and specific development goals.

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for connecting with potential mentors. Look for project managers who share your background, industry interests, or career path. When reaching out, be specific about why you’re contacting them and what you hope to learn. A personalized message shows you’ve done your homework and respects their time.

Don’t overlook former managers or colleagues who work in project management. These existing relationships can naturally evolve into mentorships, often with less formality than approaching strangers.

Project management meetups provide opportunities to connect with experienced professionals in a low-pressure environment. After attending a few sessions and building rapport, you might find someone willing to provide guidance.

A good mentor provides more than technical advice. They offer insider knowledge about organizational politics, review your resume with industry-specific insights, make introductions to their network, and offer guidance when you encounter challenges. The right mentor relationship can shave years off your learning curve and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Mark, who transitioned from sales to project management, credits his mentor relationship with shortening his job search by months. “My mentor reviewed my resume, conducted mock interviews with me, and ultimately recommended me for a position at her company. Her guidance gave me confidence I simply couldn’t have developed on my own.”

Continuous Learning and Growth

The project management field evolves constantly, making ongoing learning essential for success. Staying current doesn’t just help you land that first role—it ensures your longevity in the profession.

Staying Current with Industry Trends

Industry blogs provide accessible, up-to-date insights into project management trends. Sites like ProjectManagement.com, MPUG, and The Digital Project Manager publish regularly on topics ranging from technical tips to career advice. Subscribing to a few quality blogs gives you a steady stream of current information with minimal time investment.

Podcasts offer another convenient learning format, perfect for commutes or workouts. Shows like Project Management Paradise and The Project Management Podcast feature interviews with industry leaders and discussions of emerging practices. The conversational format often makes complex topics more approachable for beginners.

Professional communities foster discussions where trends and best practices are actively debated. These communities exist on platforms like Reddit (/r/projectmanagement), dedicated forums, and social media groups. The diverse perspectives help you understand how project management actually works across different industries and contexts.

Professional Development Opportunities

PMI membership provides access to a wealth of resources, from research papers to template libraries. While there’s a cost involved, many find the investment worthwhile for the quality and depth of materials available.

Industry conferences expose you to cutting-edge thinking and allow you to build connections with like-minded professionals. Many offer student or transitioning professional rates to make attendance more affordable. If in-person attendance isn’t possible, many conferences now offer virtual options.

Webinars and virtual events provide targeted learning opportunities, often at no cost. These short, focused sessions let you explore specific topics or tools without a major time commitment.

The most successful project managers I know share a common trait: curiosity. They approach new methodologies, tools, and frameworks with an open mind, always looking for ways to improve their practice. This learning mindset not only enhances their abilities but also makes them more resilient as the field evolves.

Sandra, a project manager with 15 years of experience, puts it this way: “When I started, I thought getting my PMP was the finish line. Now I realize it was just the starting point. The professionals who thrive in this field are the ones who never stop learning.”

Your Path Forward

Ready to take action? Here’s your roadmap for breaking into project management, with concrete steps you can begin today.

First: Complete a skills inventory. Set aside an hour to honestly assess your transferable skills and identify gaps. This foundation will guide everything that follows. Which of your existing abilities would serve you well in project management? Where do you need to develop further? Be specific and be honest.

Then: Start a small project. Look for opportunities in your personal life, volunteer work, or current job where you can take on a project role. Document the experience thoroughly, capturing both your process and the outcomes. Even organizing a neighborhood cleanup or leading a process improvement at work provides valuable experience for your portfolio.

Next: Enroll in foundational training. Based on your skills inventory, choose education that addresses your most critical knowledge gaps. This might be a certification program like CAPM, an online course in specific methodologies, or workshops on project management software. Set aside regular study time and treat this commitment seriously.

Finally: Update your professional presence. Revise your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your project management orientation. Incorporate the new skills and experiences you’ve gained. Begin connecting with project management professionals and participating in industry discussions online.

Remember, transitioning into project management is itself a project. Approach it methodically, breaking it down into manageable tasks with realistic timelines.

The journey to becoming a project manager won’t happen overnight.

But with persistence and strategic effort, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding new career.

The project management field continues to grow, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 77,000 job openings annually and PMI forecasting 22 million new project management jobs globally by 2027.

“The hardest part was taking that first step – admitting I wanted to change careers and then doing something about it. Once I committed to the path and started taking concrete actions, opportunities started appearing that I never would have noticed before.” – Miguel, former teacher, now IT Project Manager

What’s your next step? Start today by identifying one action from this guide that you can implement immediately. Your future in project management begins with that first step.

I’ve seen countless professionals successfully transition into project management from fields as diverse as teaching, nursing, retail management, and administrative roles. The common thread? They all took consistent action toward their goal, even when progress felt slow.

Have questions about your project management career journey? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to help you navigate your path forward.