ABSTRACT
This was my introduction to program management. Apparently, I had been put into a management position and was being informed. This is not exactly how I envisioned my transition from engineer to manager to take place. I was expecting something like: “Charlie, we have been watching you, and we think you have the talent to be a leader in our organization. Would you consider taking on a management position?” Well, my vision and that of my management was not completely aligned, but this path of entry into management does illustrate one important aspect of one’s career-there are a lot of outside forces that “affect” your career direction.
