📋 1. Project Title & Description

IT Department Career Advancement Project

My mission is to gain the skills and experience needed to transition into an IT role at my current workplace, beginning with a Junior Systems Administrator or IT Support position. My vision is to continue developing within the company and grow into a Systems Administrator role within the next three to five years. The goal of my project is to build the technical expertise, professional relationships, and internal visibility needed to make that move possible. I will do this by completing relevant IT training and certifications, applying new skills in practical settings at work, and seeking mentorship from experienced IT professionals. I also aim to strengthen my communication and problem-solving skills to better support users and contribute to my organization’s IT operations.

🎯 2. Vision, Mission & Strategy Alignment

Personal Mission Connection:

My personal mission is to become an IT professional who helps improve and maintain the systems that keep my organization running smoothly. This project supports that mission by helping me gain the technical skills, confidence, and internal connections needed to transition into an IT role within my current company, such as a Junior Systems Administrator or IT Support position. Through ongoing learning, practical experience, and collaboration with IT staff, I’m laying the groundwork for long-term growth toward a future Systems Administrator role.

Vision Alignment:

This project aligns with my long-term vision of becoming an IT professional who supports and optimizes the technology systems that enable others to work effectively. By focusing on developing the technical skills, confidence, and internal relationships needed to move into an IT role at my current company, I’m taking practical steps toward that goal. The experience, training, and connections gained through this project will build a strong foundation for future growth into a Systems Administrator position.

Strategic Goal Support:

This project supports my strategic goal of transitioning into an IT role within my current organization. By building technical skills, gaining hands-on experience, and forming connections with IT professionals, I will be better positioned to move into a Junior Systems Administrator or IT Support position. These efforts directly contribute to my long-term objective of advancing into a Systems Administrator role and strengthening the company’s overall IT operations.

💼 3. Business Case & Justification

Professional Value:

This updated project goal advances my IT support career by combining certification training, progress tracking, and collaboration with IT professionals. Regular feedback and shadowing experiences strengthen my accountability, technical skills, and adaptability. Overall, this project builds my credibility, expands my network, and prepares me for real-world success in IT support.

Personal Value:

This project enhances my practical understanding of IT support by connecting theoretical learning with real-world application. Through certification study, feedback, and collaboration with IT professionals, I’m developing stronger technical and analytical skills. The experience encourages continuous learning and equips me with the knowledge and mindset needed to succeed in a professional IT environment.

Learning Outcomes:

Through this project, I will gain a stronger understanding of IT support practices and the steps needed to advance my career in the field. I will learn to choose and pursue a relevant certification, apply technical knowledge in practical situations, and manage my learning through structured planning. By seeking feedback and engaging with IT professionals, I will develop communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills that will prepare me for success in real-world IT support environments.

🔍 4. High-Level Scope

✅ In Scope for Semester Project

Stakeholder Engagement: Hold regular check-ins with key stakeholders (IT Managers, HR representatives, supervisors) to track progress and obtain support.
Visibility Efforts: Demonstrate technical problem-solving abilities and achievements within my current role or through small IT-related project contributions.
Networking: Build relationships with IT professionals, mentors, and other stakeholders inside my organization or externally.

🗺️ Roadmap Items (≤6 Months)

On-the-Job Learning: Shadow IT team members and participate in small-scale IT projects to gain practical experience.
Expand Technical Knowledge: Continue skill improvements, particularly in IT fundamentals, operating systems, networking, and troubleshooting.
Soft Skills Development: Focus on improving communication and problem-solving skills through workshops or everyday team collaboration efforts.
Apply for Entry-Level IT Roles: Submit applications for positions like IT Support Specialist or Junior Systems Administrator within the company.

❌ Out of Scope

External IT Job Hunting: Sole focus on external job applications is out of scope for this semester; the project focuses on transitioning into internal roles first.
Long-Term Certifications: Certifications that require multiple years of preparation or are deeply specialized (e.g., AWS Architect, Cisco CCIE). Courses outside the beginner/intermediate level required to transition into entry-level IT roles.

👥 5. Stakeholder Register

Stakeholder	Category	Role/Interest	Power	Interest	Engagement Strategy
Myself	Internal	The central figure managing this career transition project and also the direct beneficiary.	High	High	Regular self-assessments, progress tracking, and active engagement with mentors, IT managers, and other stakeholders.
IT Manager	Internal	Potential hiring manager and a key decision-maker in the IT department.	High	High	Regular meetings to share progress (monthly), seeking guidance on relevant skills, providing updates on completed training and certifications, and building a positive and professional relationship.
Current supervisor	Internal	Provide feedback and support, interested in my professional development and success.	High	High	Quarterly check-in meetings, where I provide high-level updates about my progress and seek their support or advocacy within the organization.
Peers/Colleagues (Mailroom/Other Departments)	Internal	Provide feedback and support, interested in my professional development and success.	Low	High	Informal communication, collaboration, and team updates as needed to maintain support and leverage shared knowledge.
Existing IT Staff	Internal	Current team members in the IT department who can help guide me and provide technical learning opportunities.	High	Medium	Offer to assist with light IT tasks, initiate knowledge-sharing sessions, and be proactive in developing relationships.
HR Representative	Internal	Responsible for facilitating employee development and ensuring organizational alignment with workforce needs.	High	High	Quarterly focused updates on training and certifications, alignment with organizational needs, and requests for professional development assistance.

Power-Interest Grid Visualization

📋 6. Deliverables

Deliverable Name	Type	SMART Description	Definition of Done
Reachout to IT	Internal	By Nov 17, identify at least one IT contact, prepare an elevator speech, and complete one outreach interaction (intro, question, or update) leading to a 15–20 minute sync or coffee chat.	A meeting or chat with an IT professional is completed and documented with key takeaways or next steps noted.
Learn about job descrition	Internal	By Nov 24, review your current and next-level job descriptions, identify 3–5 gaps, and discuss findings with your manager or HR.	Summary of current vs. next-level role and skill gaps documented and shared with your manager or HR.
Career Ladder	Internal	By Jan 5, 2026, review the company’s career ladder, identify required skills and evidence for advancement, map your current level to the next, and prepare an application for a relevant job opening.	Completed career ladder mapping and updated development plan with supporting documentation or application submitted.

🗓️ 7. Work Breakdown Structure and Task Duration Estimation(PENDING)

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Work breakdown and task duration estimations

💸 8. Budget Estimation (PENDING)

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📊 9. Project Methodology(PENDING)

Reasons:

⚙️ 10. Project Tool Selection

I chose to use Asana for my project tool

Reasons:

Asana gives me more structure than Trello but isn't as overcomplicated as Monday.com
Asana's timeline and dependency features make it easier for me to see what comes first, what depends on something else, and what can be worked on in parallel.