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 is forecasted to grow steadily — current projections call for 22 million new project management-oriented roles to be created globally each year through 2027.
With the right mix of experience, skills and education, now is the time to consider a move into a project management career. Here’s how to launch this new career endeavor in 5 easy 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 definition of project when it comes to professional endeavors. Projects are 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 uses specialized processes and methods to achieve specific goals and objectives throughout the lifespan of a project; and when done correctly, projects are delivered on time and within budget. Here are some examples of what effective project management looks like:
As we’ve mentioned already, project management and project managers are essential elements of any endeavor for a number of reasons, including:
On the surface, project management seems like a simple role that oversees processes and keeps everything running smoothly. But as any seasoned professional will tell you, projects rarely go off without a hitch. This makes project managers (PMs) so essential — they are equipped with certain skills and knowledge that empowers them to work through any roadblocks and achieve project success.
In both the day-to-day and from project launch to completion, project manager tasks include:
Download eBook: 8 Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Real Estate Certificate Program for Career Advancement
High quality 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.
Project Manager Soft Skills:
Project Manager Technical Skills:
1. Assess Your Current Applicable PM Skills
Many of the aforementioned soft and hard skills project managers need are common in other professions, so odds are good that you are already well positioned to be a PM. Take stock of your current strengths and weaknesses and see how you can draw a parallel between your current role and 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 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) and the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certifications offered through the Project Management Institute.
4. Work on Your Resume & Apply
Once you’ve honed your applicable skills, beefed up 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 in your resume and application.
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 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.
Steady job growth is expected through the end of this decade — 33% job growth by 2027 — and with that comes increased earning opportunities for project managers. The current average salary for project managers is $81,260, but that number is growing, especially when considered by specific industries. Project managers in construction are earning approximately $89,000 while IT PMs earn $104,000 annually.
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 value 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 hard and soft skills for project managers:
Learn practical skills from expert instructors to boost your resume or succeed in your current role.