Digital project management is a dynamic and multifaceted role that plays a crucial part in the successful execution of projects within both startups and large corporations. However, the responsibilities, challenges, and day-to-day experiences of digital project managers can vary significantly depending on the size and structure of the organization they work for. Let’s take a closer look at what a typical day might entail for a digital project manager in a startup versus a big company.
Startup Scenario
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Arrive at the office and kickstart the day by reviewing emails and messages from team members. Prioritize tasks for the day and create a to-do list.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Morning stand-up meeting with the project team. Discuss progress made on ongoing projects, address any roadblocks, and set goals for the day. As a digital project manager in a startup, you may wear multiple hats, including coordinating tasks, communicating with stakeholders, and troubleshooting technical issues.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Dive into project planning and execution. Work closely with developers, designers, and other team members to ensure project milestones are met. Since startups often operate in fast-paced environments with limited resources, adaptability and problem-solving skills are essential to overcome challenges as they arise.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break. Use this time to recharge and connect with colleagues outside of work-related matters.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct client meetings or demos to showcase progress on projects and gather feedback. In startups, digital project managers often have direct contact with clients and play a significant role in building and maintaining client relationships.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Focus on project documentation, such as updating project plans, creating status reports, and documenting meeting minutes. Communication and transparency are key in startup environments, so keeping stakeholders informed about project progress and next steps is crucial.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wrap up the day by checking in with team members, addressing any last-minute issues, and updating task boards or project management tools with the day’s progress.
Big Company Scenario
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Start the day by checking emails and reviewing the calendar for scheduled meetings and tasks. Digital project managers in big companies often work within established processes and frameworks, so adherence to company protocols is important.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Attend a team meeting or scrum session to synchronize with team members, discuss project updates, and allocate resources. In larger organizations, digital project managers may oversee multiple projects simultaneously and collaborate with cross-functional teams across different departments.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Dive into project management tools and platforms to track project progress, allocate resources, and monitor budgets. Big companies often have dedicated project management software and standardized reporting formats to streamline project workflows and ensure consistency across projects.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch break. Use this time to network with colleagues from other departments or participate in professional development activities, such as webinars or training sessions.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Conduct stakeholder meetings or presentations to provide project updates, address concerns, and gather feedback. Digital project managers in big companies may interact with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior management, clients, and external vendors.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Work on project documentation, such as risk assessments, project plans, and status reports. Attention to detail and documentation is essential in big companies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and audit standards.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Wrap up the day by reviewing the day’s accomplishments, updating project trackers, and preparing for tomorrow’s tasks and meetings.
While the core responsibilities of digital project managers remain consistent across startups and big companies, the work environment, pace, and scope of projects can vary significantly. Whether navigating the dynamic landscape of a startup or managing complex projects in a corporate setting, digital project managers play a vital role in driving project success and delivering value to stakeholders.