Many jobs have different meanings depending on the industry you’re working with. To explain what a junior project manager does at Reynolds and Reynolds, we talked to Stephanie about her role with the company.

Where did you attend school?

I attended University of Evansville, and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus on Management.

How do you describe your job?

My team works with outside companies that want to have their software connect to the computer systems Reynolds develops for car dealerships. In order to do that, the outside company needs to be certified in the Reynolds Certified Interface (RCI) Program. My job is to help those companies complete the certification process. I’m usually working with multiple companies at any given time.

What has made this job a good fit for you?

This job is a good fit for me because it allows me to use both my communication skills and project management skills. I interact with the RCI Program companies as well as many different departments inside Reynolds to help make sure tasks are completed and deadlines are met. No two projects are alike, so I am constantly encountering new situations and learning new things.

What is a typical day like? What kind of tasks do you work on?

Projects can vary from two to six months in length, and I am responsible for multiple projects simultaneously, so there is not really a “typical” day. While the actual timeline varies for each certification project, each one goes through the same general stages, usually beginning with designing the project and ending in certification.

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of my job is the people I work with. My teammates help one another by answering questions and working together to complete testing when needed. The team’s managers are open to suggestions for process improvements and support me in getting my work done. I also enjoy the opportunities to participate in team-building activities within the department.

What is one thing that surprised you about this position?

One thing that surprised me about the position was the amount of technical information I would learn. Since starting with Reynolds, my technical knowledge has improved.

What do you like about working at Reynolds.

I like that I have had the opportunity to grow in my career while also maintaining work-life balance and a healthy lifestyle. Reynolds has supported me in letting me take on new challenges and responsibilities in my role, while I can still make time for things that are important to me outside the office.

What qualities would make someone a good fit for this role?

The qualities that would make someone a good fit for this role are the ability to communicate effectively and work efficiently.  Time management skills – the ability to manage multiple projects at once – are also important. Someone interested in this role will also need to be very comfortable and efficient in learning new software programs and computer systems.  Experience in high level customer service and experience with software integration would both be great knowledge baselines; however, they are not required as this position receives extensive on the job training.

For more information on becoming a junior project manager with Reynolds and Reynolds, head to our Careers page.