Shifting into Project Management

With over 15 years of senior management experience in retail and finance, Thomas Claassen decided to transition into project management. After observing project teams in previous roles, he enrolled in ITOL Recruit’s Project Management Job Programme in May last year.

His goal: to gain the qualifications and support needed to confidently enter the project space.

Fast-Track Learning with Strong Foundations

Thomas wasted no time. Within just four months, he completed a comprehensive training package including:

• PRINCE2 Foundation
• Change Management Foundation
• Business Analysis Foundation
• AgilePM Practitioner

This combination of certifications gave him a competitive edge, preparing him for the realities of delivering projects in today’s fast-moving environments.

Practical Case Study and Recruitment Induction

Following his exams, Thomas completed a two-week case study and participated in a recruitment induction. This practical component helped him connect theory to real-world delivery and laid the foundation for successful job interviews.

Multiple Job Offers and a PMO Role

Thanks to the programme and dedicated career support, Thomas received multiple job offers. He accepted a role as a PMO Project Manager at a global IT company — a position that allowed him to immediately apply his skills and bypass entry-level roles.

He now works directly with C-level executives to implement internal projects and changes.

Business Analysis That Made the Difference

Thomas highlighted the business analysis module as particularly impactful. It enabled him to translate his senior management background into a language that resonated with employers in the project delivery space.

This insight helped him stand out from other candidates.

Personalised Support That Delivered

Thomas expressed gratitude for the user-friendly study platform and continuous support throughout his training. He gave special thanks to Gregory Peter, his Recruitment Advisor, whose expertise in CV development and job targeting played a vital role in his success.

Final Advice to Career Changers

Thomas encourages anyone considering a career shift or additional qualifications to explore ITOL Recruit. For him, the blend of structured learning and practical recruitment support proved essential to launching a new career with confidence.

Ready to make your move into project management?

Explore our Project Management Job Programme and start your transition today.