A Guide on How to Become a Project Manager
You’re fed up with your job and you’re ready to switch careers. One study found that the United States needs about 25 million new project managers by 2030.
But, what does a project manager do? What are the steps to becoming a project manager?
We put together a quick guide to explain everything you need to know to become a project manager. Keep reading to find out how to transition your career today!
What Do Project Managers Do?
The first question you might have is “what does a project manager do?”. Can you see yourself doing the job project leaders do day in and day out?
These are some of the common duties a project manager has:
- Develop ideas and actionable plans
- Put together a team that will handle specific tasks
- Manage teams and ensure all team members meet expectations
- Manage the project budget
- Submit the completed project to clients
The duties will vary depending on the specific industry you manage projects for.
Become a Project Manager in 4 Steps
Everyone’s journey in their career and life is a little different. But, to get a project manager career, you’ll need to take these 4 steps at some point.
1. Get a College Degree
The first step on the journey to project manager jobs is to get your bachelor’s degree. Choose something business-related or in the industry you want to work in after you graduate. Common majors include business management, marketing, engineering, and IT.
2. Pick an Industry
Either during or after your college years, it’s time to pick the industry you want to specialize in. That defines how you should proceed in the next step. The most common specializations are the energy sector, engineering, and even construction.
3. Get Certified
The next step is to get your project manager certification. This helps you get a leg up on the competition and some jobs say you need it. The most common certifications are the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications.
4. Go Get Experience
The last step is the most difficult. You’ll need to get some experience in the field from somewhere. Look for internships and ask around to find someone who will hire you and allow you to manage projects.
Make Project Management Your Passion
If you’re ready to switch careers and you would like a job as a project manager, there’s no better time! The country will need many new project leaders who have skills in managing projects over the next few years.
Keep this article in mind as you prepare to switch careers to project management. That way you can keep yourself on track as you prepare to accept your new position.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you learned how to become a project manager. For more helpful articles about writing, career strategy, and more check out the rest of our blog today!