Friday, July 6, 2012

I'm personally a strong proponent of PMOs so I'm glad this question came up.  If correctly done, a PMO can enhance an IT organization's effectiveness and productivity.

For those who are not familiar with PMOs, a PMO is a department within the IT organization that specializes in methodology, documentation, process, and/or project management best practices. This department then works with people throughout IT by teaching them these best practices and facilitating their IT-wide use.

Your first task is to do some independent research into PMOs in general and nature of the PMO within your organization. This will expand your PMO knowledge and give you additional data points to help assure that joining a PMO is right for you.

Next, begin your quest by finding out what methodologies and processes are supported by your company's PMO. For example, your company most likely uses an Agile or Waterfall based software development methodology.  Hopefully you will have the opportunity to learn these supported methodologies as part of your job as a business analyst. If not, learn them on your own.

Your next goal is to gain an understanding of the other processes, methodologies, and software supported by the PMO. Examples of these may include project management software, application documentation standards, and user training processes. Logic would dictate that the PMO should have documentation on these items on the company intranet.

Lastly, if possible, work on projects and cross-department initiatives that include members of the PMO. This will not only allow you to learn exactly what they do, but it will give you a chance to meet them and let them see the quality of your work.

This blog is based on a column I wrote last year, as part of my weekly blog in IT World. For my most recent IT World blogs, go to http://www.itworld.com/blogs/eric-bloom

Until next time, work hard, work smart, and continue to grow.