Hi Atlassian Community!
My name is Natalia, and I recently completed an Agile project management course through LinkedIn Learning. Discovering Agile has been an eye-opener for me, especially since I've naturally leaned towards Agile principles in my previous work, despite facing resistance to non-traditional processes.
A bit about my background: I've spent the last nine years working in a fast-paced R&D biotech environment, growing from a company of 15 to 320. At Calico Life Sciences, I drove key operational improvements, implemented impactful sustainability initiatives, optimized resource management, and increased environmental stewardship across the organization. While I didn't have a formal methodology at the time, looking back, I see how my work intuitively followed many Agile principles. My passion for sustainability developed in Calico and led me to pursue a BA in Environmental Studies.
I was also recently introduced to change management, and the idea of combining it with Agile project management excites me. I am now eager to transition into a career in Agile project management and change management, ideally within environmentally conscious organizations.
However, I'm facing the classic challenge of breaking into a new industry with limited direct experience.
Here are my burning questions:
- Certification Comparison: How do the Agile certifications offered through LinkedIn Learning compare to those from Atlassian University?
- Breaking In: I understand experience is often a key requirement. Are there specific strategies or entry-level opportunities I should pursue?
- Learning by Doing: Wouldn't an internship program be amazing? A chance to gain practical experience, working within a team on a specific project, and see if Agile PM is truly the right fit?
While I understand that Atlassian's core focus is on software, I wasn't sure where else to direct my questions. I've noticed that the Atlassian community is a great resource for professionals sharing their experiences, but there seems to be limited space for newcomers (individuals) looking to gain practical experience.
Who would be interested in brainstorming an internship concept?
An internship program like this would allow aspiring Agile PMs to:
- Gain hands-on experience working within an Agile framework.
- Learn from seasoned professionals in a collaborative environment.
- Develop core Agile project management skills.
- See if Agile PM is a good fit for their career goals.
I'm also located in Austin and open to informational interviews or mentorship opportunities to gain valuable insights.
Thank you for your time and support! I truly appreciate any advice, opportunities, or even just a friendly "like" to show you're listening.
Best regards,
Natalia
