When a project goes off the rails, it costs every stakeholder time, and most importantly, money. That’s why the demand for effective and skilled project managers (PMs) is forecasted to grow steadily — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% job growth rate through 2032, with 54,700 new project management roles to be created over the next decade. On a global scale, the Project Management Institute estimates that 2.3 million people will need to enter PM-related professions by 2030 to keep up with demand.
If you’re considering a move into a project management career, now is the time. With the right mix of experience, skills, and education, you can launch into this new career endeavor in five strategic steps.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines project management as “the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to deliver something of value to people.” While this definition seems a bit vague, it helps to understand the meaning of “project” when it comes to professional endeavors. Projects encompass any temporary effort that is aimed at creating value through a new or unique product, service, or end result.
When put into action, project management comprises specialized processes and methods to achieve specific goals and objectives throughout the lifespan of a project, and — when executed correctly — projects are delivered on time and within budget. Effective project management includes such actions as:
Effective project management and PMs are essential elements of any endeavor for a number of reasons, including:
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On the surface, project management seems like a straightforward role responsible for overseeing processes and keeping everything running smoothly. But as any seasoned professional will tell you, projects rarely go off without a hitch. This makes PMs so essential — they are equipped with certain skills and knowledge that empowers them to work through any roadblocks and achieve project success.
From project launch to completion and day-to-day, project manager tasks include:
Talented project managers have a diverse mix of soft and hard skills that help them achieve consistent success across industries. Because they are asked to wear a lot of hats, project managers are expert multitaskers — and that applies to their skill sets as well.
Just like any other competitive profession, you won’t become an expert project manager overnight. It takes time, dedication, training, and practice to build the skills needed to successfully carry projects through to completion. The following are five recommended steps to follow to enhance your hireability as a PM.
1. Assess Your Current Applicable PM Skills
Many of the hard and soft skills project managers need are common in other professions, so if you aren’t a PM already, odds are good that you are well positioned to become one. Take stock of your current strengths and weaknesses and see how you can draw a parallel between your current role and a project management job. This is also a great exercise to help you prepare for any interviews you may have.
2. Seek out Project Management Education Opportunities
There are formal project management education options for those who wish to take a more long-term approach. Many colleges and universities offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs in construction project management and general project management. If you’re looking for an alternative, shorter-term solution, consider a professional certificate program in project management. These programs are also typically offered by colleges and universities, but can be completed in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost than a formal degree.
3. Get Certified
There are a handful of project management professional organizations that offer certifications that demonstrate your universal skills and knowledge. These certifications can carry weight, especially on a resume, so it doesn’t hurt to look into adding a few to your PM repertoire. Some top options include the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the PRINCE2 certification, and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification offered through the Project Management Institute.
4. Work on Your Resume & Apply
Once you’ve honed your applicable skills, strengthened your project management education, and worked on a PM certificate, it’s time to start applying for jobs. You’ll want to make sure your resume is geared toward a project management role, so highlight your relevant experience before sending it to potential employers.
5. Gain Experience
You may have to start in an entry level position, but even that is valuable for your career. Gaining on-the-job experience will help you eventually land a more high-level position as a project manager. Not only that, but it will also give you the skills and insider knowledge to help you confidently manage projects to success.
Not everyone will take the same path to professional project management. Some people may know as early as high school that they want to be PMs, and will choose to pursue an undergraduate degree in project management; others may simply “fall into it” through necessity at some point in their careers. Which pathway will you take?
Of course, there are benefits and challenges with each path, but it’s up to you to decide which option best suits your life and career plans.
Benefits & Considerations of Project Management Pathways
The 6% job growth predicted by the BLS is faster than the national average for all occupations, indicating that project managers are in steady (and growing) demand. The current average salary for project managers is $98,580, but that number increases with education, experience, industry, and seniority. For example, project managers working in federal, state, and local governments can make up to $136,960 a year, while PMs in residential building construction make an average of $85,260.
The following sectors employ the highest numbers of project managers:
Essentially, project managers are required in any industry in which finite projects are executed. However, they are more common in certain spaces — here are five industries that are powered by project managers:
Whether you’re self-educated or formally trained, continuing education can help you stay up to date on new project management technologies, methodologies, and trends. Professional development can be as simple as reading a blog or listening to a podcast — as long as it comes from a vetted source and provides valuable insights, the world of project management resources is your oyster!
The following are a few of the most popular PM resources available today.
Websites
Podcasts
Books
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Project management is “the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to deliver something of value to people.” This thing of value — a project — is any temporary effort that is aimed at creating worth through a new or unique product, service, or end result.
Broadly speaking, project managers act as leaders for a set project or task. When it comes to day-to-day responsibilities, PMs typically handle:
These can be broken down into technical and soft skills for project managers:
Project Manager Technical Skills:
Project Manager Soft Skills:
The time it takes to become a professional project manager depends on your education, experience, and certification. Assuming the title can take anywhere from a few months to your entire career! Some PMs choose to pursue a certificate, which can take several weeks to several months; others earn a degree, which can take anywhere from two to four years. Still others transition organically into project management roles within their organization, building upon a skill set that has taken years to develop.
While a degree in project management or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills, it’s not always a strict requirement to become a project manager. Many project managers hold degrees in areas such as business, engineering, or information technology, while others may have relevant work experience and certifications that demonstrate their expertise in project management practices. Ultimately, employers may prioritize candidates with a combination of education, experience, and relevant credentials.
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