Lighting PM transitioning to ServiceNow Implementation PM
Hello!
I'm a Senior PM with 9 years of experience in commercial project delivery (lighting). I have my PMP, PSM I, AZ-900, and AI-900. I've been pursuing IT PM but due to no formal IT background I'm pivoting toward ServiceNow implementation PM, specifically targeting internal company roles rather than consulting firms.
WLB is a top priority for me, I have a wife and two young kids. I understand go-lives are intense and I'm willing to accept that. Outside of go-lives I'm hoping for reasonable structure and predictability.
My goal is to get as close to $200K as possible in 5 years in NYC.
The below is my gameplan, can you please share your feedback?:
- Pass CSA in the next 4 weeks - studying with ServiceNow Now Learning, Udemy, and SkillCertPro
1a. Start applying for internal ServiceNow PM jobs - Sit CIS-Data Foundations immediately after CSA while it's still free (June 30 deadline) - study plan TBD
- Get ITIL 4 Foundation after that
- After the required experience, get the ITSM cert
My specific questions:
Is this cert sequence right for someone targeting internal implementation PM or would you sequence differently?
I currently make $110K with excellent WLB at my current job. I'm knowingly taking a risk by changing industries but I'm confident I want to move into IT and I feel now is the right time to make that leap while I have the energy and runway to do it.
I've seen several posts here where people successfully transitioned into ServiceNow and it changed their career trajectory. But I've also seen concerns about the market getting saturated.
Do you think pursuing ServiceNow implementation PM is a smart move? Am I setting myself up for a real career upgrade or am I chasing something that's getting too competitive to break into without a technical background?My biggest fear: I'll finish my certs and every listing will still require 3+ years of ServiceNow experience I don't have. How did you break the experience paradox when you were starting out?
Beyond implementation PM - what other entry-level ServiceNow roles would build real IT experience and be accessible with a strong PM background and CSA cert? I'm open to ServiceNow BA, IT Change Manager, ITSM Analyst - anything that gets me inside the ecosystem.
For those working internally at a company using ServiceNow rather than at a partner or consulting firm - is the WLB genuinely better? And roughly how many go-lives per year should I expect at the internal level?
Any advice on finding a job after my CSA other than just refreshing job boards and applying? (I will of course network to the best of my ability)
Any honest feedback is genuinely appreciated. I've done a lot of research but would much rather hear from the feedback of professionals. Thank you!!