Patrick,
Welcome to the world of EPM! This field is a rare one where you require a lot of different skill set. Here are few pointers that I hope will help.
- As a first step, understand that EPM is NOT limited to just being a technical administrator of project Server. EPM is more about helping customers achieve their organization project management goals through a combination of processes, training, change management,
and obviously technical work.
- Secondly, get a grip on the project management fundamentals. You cannot empathize with a Client's issue if you do not understand what project management is all bout. I would even venture out to suggest that if possible, take up the role of a project coordinator
or manager for a while. A lot of us you see in this forum and the EPM world have spent quite a bit of time as project managers first.
- Understand the technology: you needs to know some about Windows Servers, SQL Server, Business Intelligence, Network and Infrastructure while being an expert on Project and SharePoint Servers.
- Read a lot: there is a ton of excellent material out there for EPM/Project Server. I would suggest following all the Blogs , especially all MVPs, read all articles, and ANY information that comes out about Project/EPM/Project Server
- Try and contribute. Blogs, Support forums etc., the more you try to contribute, the more you learn.
- Get certified. Preparing for certification/and getting certified gives you the validation that your knowledge is real and can be applied.
I am sure the other experts in this forum could add more valuable suggestions, but here is my two cents.
Hope this helps.
Prasanna Adavi, PMP, MCTS http://thinkepm.blogspot.com
