Project assistants: Unsung heroes in the world of project management

When it comes to the role of project assistants in IT projects, many decision-makers ask themselves the following question: "Isn't that a waste of resources?"

IT projects are extremely complex and require a variety of different skills and resources to be completed successfully. Project assistants play a modest yet crucial role in unraveling the complexity of projects. In fact, their support is often the key to seamless project management. Many a project manager have regretted implementing projects without them.

Project management office vs. project office

At companies, a project management office (PMO) is a centralized department that is responsible for planning, controlling, and monitoring projects. The PMO serves as an authority for establishing project management standards. Unlike the PMO, the project office manages individual projects, while its project assistants help with a single project.

Project assistants perform administrative tasks such as scheduling, document management, and the preparation of presentations. With such a support structure, managers experience less organizational stress - which in turn helps ensure the success of the project. In particular, project assistants enable project managers and project teams to focus on their core tasks.

With the right time and resource management, project assistants can help avoid bottlenecks, increase the team's productivity, and meet tight deadlines. Project assistants also allow for effective communication between team members and stakeholders. They ensure that information flows and teamwork runs smoothly.

"What would Batman be without Robin?"

Anyone familiar with Batman knows that Robin is an ally and partner who helps the superhero with his missions. And while Batman would still be great without Robin, he would probably be overwhelmed by his many tasks.

A qualified project assistant is an invisible yet indispensable part of a project. Project assistants allow managers to focus on the essentials, and thereby play a major role in ensuring the success of a project.

Although we offer standard software, no two IT projects are ever alike. It is therefore important to define the scope and action areas during the project initiation phase to allow project assistants to work autonomously and make their own decisions.

Project managers are directly supported by project assistants during the organization and implementation of operational project management. Project assistants should therefore be able to apply project management methods and be qualified to perform manager-level tasks. Since the two work closely together, project managers even share certain responsibilities with project assistants.

Often serving as middlepersons between project managers and project teams, project assistants must possess excellent communication skills, a good feel for conflicts (and their resolutions), and an outstanding sense of empathy during day-to-day projects.

As the middlepersons between project managers and project teams, they work with a variety of contact people in an ever-changing work environment.

Project assistants therefore have a wide range of responsibilities during projects at adesso insurance solutions, which makes their role so important.

Good job - with Robin at his side, Batman can concentrate on his core tasks and successfully complete his mission!

Would you like to learn more from one of our experts about how our software helps modernize the IT of insurance companies? If so, feel free to contact Karsten Schmitt, Head of Business Development at adesso insurance solutions.