A Day in the Life of a Project Manager
By Jasmin Rosen, Assistant Project Manager
Ever wondered what it's like to walk in the shoes of a project manager at MKP? Get ready, because I’m about to take you on an immersive journey through a day in my hectic yet rewarding life of managing competing tasks in our agency’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
Morning Rush and Unexpected Challenges
My day kicks off with a familiar morning routine. Armed with a hot cup of tea and a clear plan of action, I dive into my inbox, where a flurry of emails awaits. I strategically sort through the messages, swiftly addressing urgent matters and prioritizing tasks for the day ahead.
The atmosphere in the office is punctuated by the enthusiasm of our furry office companions, Oliver and Rosie. Their presence not only adds warmth to the workspace but also serves as a reminder that even the most serious workplaces can benefit from a little levity.
Amid the flurry of correspondence, unexpected challenges often emerge, requiring us to quickly pivot our focus. Whether it's a client request demanding immediate attention or an unforeseen setback in a project timeline, flexibility and responsiveness are key in our line of work. With my mind on solutions, I calmly tackle each issue head-on, ensuring that no obstacle stands in the way of a project’s success.
The Great Lunchtime Debate and Team Collaboration
Putting the commotion aside, there’s one debate we constantly have: what’s for lunch? It might sound trivial, but finding a place where we all agree is often the most difficult task of the day. These lunchtime deliberations, though seemingly mundane, provide opportunities for team bonding and lighthearted chat amid the day's demands.
As project managers, our top priority every day is our clients. We hold client satisfaction above all else, going above and beyond to ensure not just that their needs are met but that their expectations are exceeded. Regular check-ins, proactive problem-solving and a genuine commitment to understanding the client's perspective are all integral to achieving that goal. Additionally, we develop and maintain project timelines to ensure timely delivery of key milestones. We make sure everyone on our team and our clients stay informed and are on the same page. We also actively gather insights and feedback from our clients, serving as the point person for all communication with them, to ensure everything is clear and they feel confident throughout the process.
Our team is deeply passionate about collaboration. We often engage in intense debates about the best ways to do things and how to create an unmatched customer experience. Drawing from our own experiences as consumers, we are constant advocates for direct communication and positive customer interactions. By building strong client relationships built on trust and transparency, we lay the foundation for long-term success for our clients and their customers.
Embracing Variety and Adapting to Change
The journey of a project manager at MKP is one of continuous learning and growth. No two days are alike. Every day presents new challenges to tackle, which in turn create opportunities to expand my knowledge and skillset. From managing emails and “fire drills” to providing exceptional client support, I embrace the varied responsibilities of my role. And despite the occasional chaos, our entire team’s dedication to innovation and excellence remains constant. At the end of the day, I always look forward to seeing what the next one will bring.
MKP communications inc. is a New York-based marketing communications agency specializing in merger/change communications for the financial services industry.