Career Path in the IT Industry: Becoming a Project Coordinator After PGDM in IT Project Management

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The IT industry is evolving rapidly, and so are the roles that keep complex projects running smoothly. One such vital role is that of a Project Coordinator. For graduates who have completed a Post Graduate Diploma in IT Project Management (PGDM in IT PM), becoming a Project Coordinator offers a strong foundation for a rewarding career in tech project leadership.

Who is a Project Coordinator?

A Project Coordinator is a key supporting role in project management teams. While the Project Manager sets the strategy and leads, the Project Coordinator ensures day-to-day operations are aligned and on track. Think of them as the engine behind the scenes, making sure all parts move smoothly.

They assist with:

  • Scheduling meetings and managing calendars

  • Coordinating between departments and stakeholders

  • Tracking progress and maintaining documentation

  • Ensuring resource availability and proper allocation

  • Supporting risk and issue tracking

In IT, where projects are often complex and highly technical, this role requires both strong organizational skills and a basic understanding of IT systems, software development, and project lifecycles.

Why Choose This Role After a PGDM in IT Project Management?

A PGDM in IT Project Management equips you with:

  • Foundational project management skills (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, etc.)

  • IT industry-specific knowledge

  • Business communication and stakeholder management techniques

  • Tools like MS Project, Jira, Trello, Asana, and Gantt charts

After graduation, the Project Coordinator role is a natural entry point into the world of project leadership. It bridges the gap between academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

Career Progression

The role of a Project Coordinator is not the end—it's just the beginning. With experience, you can climb the ladder:

  1. Project Coordinator

  2. Project Manager

  3. Senior Project Manager

  4. Program Manager

  5. Portfolio Manager

  6. PMO Lead / Director of Project Management

Some even pivot into Product Management, Business Analysis, or IT Consulting, depending on their interests and skill sets.

Education and Certifications to Consider

While your PGDM provides a strong foundation, continuing education and certification can set you apart:

Entry-Level & Intermediate Certifications

  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – Offered by PMI, ideal for beginners

  • Scrum Master Certification (CSM) – For those working in Agile environments

  • PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner – Popular in Europe and Asia, focuses on process-driven project management

Advanced Certifications (2–5 years into your career)

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Highly respected, requires experience

  • PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) – For Agile and hybrid project managers

  • ITIL Foundation – For those involved in IT service management

Skills That Matter

  • Communication: You’ll be interacting with multiple teams and stakeholders.

  • Problem-Solving: Projects often hit roadblocks—you’ll need to think on your feet.

  • Time Management: Managing timelines, resources, and schedules is your daily job.

  • Tech Literacy: Understanding how tech projects work—whether in software, infrastructure, or support—is essential.

Final Thoughts

Starting your career as a Project Coordinator in IT after completing a PGDM in IT Project Management can offer exciting growth opportunities. With the right mix of experience, continuous learning, and certifications, you can move into leadership roles that shape the future of technology projects across industries.

The tech world needs skilled coordinators who can turn vision into delivery—and you could be one of them.  Click here to view the book - "Cracking the PM Interview: How to Land a Product Manager Job in Technology"

By The Thoughtful Quill

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