Program managers typically operate at a higher level in the organization, with a much broader scope and impact requiring more advanced skills in stakeholder management (both internal and external), organizational change management and governance,” says Brian Grafsgaard, PMP, PgMP, director of professional services at QBS (Quality Business Solutions), a portfolio, program and project management consultancy in Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA. 

To gain experience, project managers should strive to apply the practices of good program management on a smaller scale, Mr. Grafsgaard suggests.

See the rest in the PM Network Career Handbook (Oct. 2011).