IT Project Management: Insights from Nino Kuchashvili's Experience

In today's digital era, companies face the significant challenge of advancing technologically to offer user-friendly digital products and services. Achieving successful outcomes in this realm is facilitated by IT project management, which oversees the entire lifecycle of digital product development—from conception to delivery.

If you're considering a career in the tech industry and possess managerial skills, this profession might intrigue you. Join us as we delve deeper into this field with insights from Nino Kuchashvili, who will be leading the IT Project Management course at Commschool. In this blog, Nino discusses the role of an IT project manager, the challenges faced, and the opportunities within the industry.

Project Management Experience

Nino boasts 10 years of experience managing both hardware and software projects. A standout period in her career was her tenure at Nokia, where she oversaw projects in the telecommunications sector. Currently, she holds the position of IT Project Manager at Bank of Georgia.

Throughout her career, Nino has also served as a Product Owner, leading the implementation of various regulatory and legislative changes in Georgia's leading tech organizations.

“I essentially began my career as a project manager. I'm deeply passionate about the tech field and its possibilities. Consequently, there was no alternative career path for me.”

International Certifications

The field of project management offers numerous international certifications. Nino holds PMP, PMI-ACP, PSM1, and PSPO1 certifications. She believes that while experience is invaluable, certifications validate that a project manager possesses internationally recognized knowledge essential for their professional duties. The PMP certification remains one of the most challenging and prestigious, now predominantly covering Agile methodologies over Waterfall approaches.

“Since the creators of Scrum offer their own certification programs, I believe every manager should start with them. Preparing for and passing the PSPO1 and PSM1 certifications is relatively straightforward, primarily requiring a solid understanding of the Scrum Guide. The subsequent levels of these certifications demand more focus and practical knowledge.”

Continuous Learning in Tech

Nino considers continuous learning as a cornerstone of success in the tech industry, which is ever-evolving. It's essential to stay informed about current developments, innovations, and more:

“Project management is a field that necessitates a foundational understanding of all roles and directions within and around the team. Therefore, even if you don't see a specific need to deepen your project management knowledge, you should always strive to learn more about other professions related to your field.”

Opportunities in IT Project Management

Why choose IT project management? Nino references Moore's Law, formulated by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore, which observes that the capabilities of computer microchips double every 1–2 years. She believes this observation aptly reflects the global state of information technology. To execute innovative and transformative projects worldwide, competent project managers are indispensable.

“I don't think there's any field left untouched by information technology. Each year brings new startups and inventions, all spearheaded by technological innovation or the digital transformation of existing sectors.”

Regarding daily responsibilities, IT project management offers a diverse experience. Nino points out that even within a single project, you'll tackle various challenges and functionalities, collaborating with different teams, developers, and stakeholders. Each project phase has distinct characteristics, making daily work even more engaging.

Product Owner vs. Project Manager

You might often encounter the role of a Product Owner, a crucial component in digital product development. Specifically, a project manager develops a usable product from scratch, while a Product Owner focuses on its continuous development, adding incremental functionalities and updates to the completed project.

About the IT Project Management Course

As mentioned, Nino will be leading the IT Project Management course. Through this program, you'll acquire the knowledge and techniques essential for an IT project manager. You'll explore project management methodologies and tools (Jira, Confluence, ClickUp, Trello, Miro) currently utilized in the IT industry.

“The program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of IT project management, applicable not only in Georgia but also internationally. Additionally, we'll engage in practical exercises and a final project, providing individual feedback to students. By the end of the course, I aim for everyone to have gained the maximum knowledge and skills to pursue a career in this field confidently.”

Who Is This Course For?

Nino believes this profession is an excellent choice for anyone with curiosity and a strong interest in the tech field. Prior knowledge or experience in the industry isn't necessary. The key is a constant desire to learn and grow; the rest will come with experience.

Therefore, to explore new opportunities, join us at Commschool. Review the course syllabus in detail and embark on your IT project management learning journey with us!