How to Become a Project Manager

by Danielle Antosz | Published on November 25, 2024

Are you considering a career as a project manager? This exciting role involves overseeing projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget and that deliverables meet stakeholder expectations. 

It's a fast-paced, constantly changing role that can bring a lot of personal satisfaction. But is it right for you?  Project managers are crucial to the success of many organizations, and they can earn a pretty solid salary. 

In this article, we'll explore what it takes to become a project manager, the skills and education you'll need, and what you can expect from a job in this industry. 

What is a Project Manager?

In a world driven by productivity, project managers' roles have become crucial in nearly every industry. Think of them as the captains of the ship—they chart the course of complex projects, manage the crew, and ensure the journey stays on track through each step of the process.  

Project managers wear multiple hats. Their work combines organization, communication, and problem-solving to guide a project from concept to completion. Here’s a breakdown of their core responsibilities:

• Define Project Scope and Goals: Project managers work with stakeholders and senior management to define the project’s goals, scope, and deliverables. This phase sets the foundation, ensuring everyone agrees on what success will look like.

• Create Project Plans: Once the project’s goals are clear, the PM develops a roadmap of the project timeline and assigns tasks. They ensure every team member knows their role and what’s expected of them—and when. 

• Monitoring Progress: The project manager is responsible for monitoring progress, ensuring timelines and budgets are met, and resolving issues if necessary.

• Managing Communication: Project managers act as the bridge between stakeholders and the project team. They communicate updates, manage expectations, and address any issues that arise.

• Risk and Change Management: Projects often face unexpected challenges, like shifting goals or budget constraints. Project managers assess and manage risks, adapt plans as needed, and keep the project moving forward.

Day-to-Day Activities of a Project Manager 

On any given day, project managers will juggle a wide range of tasks. Their main goal is to keep the project on course. A typical day might include:  

• Heading up Meetings: From daily check-ins to strategic planning sessions, meetings are a massive part of a project manager's daily workload. They help ensure everyone is aligned and keep the project moving forward. 

• Tracking Project Progress: Project managers are constantly reviewing timelines, double-checking budgets, and following up on tasks to ensure everyone has the support they need. They often use tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or Jira. 

• Adjusting Timelines: If a project is veering off track, the project managers will adjust timelines, update stakeholders, and check in with staff to ensure they have the resources and support they need to be successful. 

• Status Updates: Team leadership and stakeholders rely on PMs to update them on progress, risks, and other issues. 

Technical Skills for Project Managers

Being successful as a project manager requires a mix of hard and soft skills. You could be dealing with everyone from the most introverted coders to the most high-profile executives at your company, depending on the importance of the projects you manage. High emotional intelligence is a must. Other skills you'll need include: 

• Project Management Tool Proficiency: You'll want to be a whiz at tools like Microsoft Project, Asana, or Jira. Consider taking advanced training on the tools your team uses to improve your productivity. (There are often advanced features or customizations that the average user isn't aware of.) 

• Risk Management: Analyzing budgets and spotting risks before they become huge challenges is crucial to avoiding project pitfalls. The ability to foresee and prevent issues and adjust plans when things go wrong is essential to being a successful project manager. 

• Communication skills: As a project manager, you'll work with people from various teams who have a wide range of communication styles. It's crucial to be able to communicate successfully with different personalities. 

• Conflict Resolution: A main part of the role is managing conflicts between different teams and personalities. Good project managers use their people skills to resolve disagreements quickly.  

You'll also need soft skills, such as organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to solve problems quickly.

Industry Demand and Job Outlook

Demand for project managers is high and expected to increase in the next few 10 years. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the role is projected to grow by 7% in the next few years. From IT and construction to finance, organizations are increasingly prioritizing efficiency and strategic planning, making the role essential.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has noted a steady rise in demand for project managers, especially as businesses expand globally. They expect the demand for PM will grow faster than the number of people available to fill those roles. In North America, construction, IT, and energy companies are expected to see the highest growth.  

Education and Training Resources

To start a career in project management, having the right skills, degrees, and certifications can make a big difference. Depending on the industry, you might consider the following training: 

• College Degrees: A bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field is typically required. Some universities offer specialized project management degrees.

• Project Manager Certifications: Consider certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), CompTIA Project+, or PRINCE2. These can provide formal recognition and improve career prospects.

Project Manager Career Path and Progression

The journey to becoming a project manager often begins with entry-level roles. As you gain experience and skills, you'll start managing small projects before moving on to larger, more complex projects. Here's a brief look at what career progression might look like: 

• Entry-Level Positions: Common entry points include roles such as project coordinator, assistant project manager, or operations assistant. These positions provide exposure to project management and help develop essential skills.

• Advancement Opportunities: With experience, project managers can advance to senior project managers, program managers, or even portfolio managers. As a senior project manager, you’ll take on larger projects and lead multiple teams. Some experienced project managers transition to roles like director of project management or even chief operating officer (COO).

• Alternative Career Paths: Project management experience can open doors to related fields. Many project managers transition to roles like business analyst, product manager, or operations manager. These positions allow you to apply project management skills to broader business functions.

What's the Difference: Project Manager vs. Product Manager

While the titles sound similar, project and product managers have different roles and different focuses. A project manager is responsible for executing a specific project within a defined timeline, while a product manager oversees the entire lifecycle of a product. Product managers work closely with marketing, sales, and development teams to shape a product’s long-term strategy. 

If you’re considering both paths, think about whether you prefer handling individual projects or contributing to a product’s evolution from start to finish. When a project manager finishes a project, they move on to the next one, so the role is constantly changing. Product managers, on the other hand, generally stick with one product for the lifetime of their role or the lifetime of the product. 

How Much Does a Project Manager Make?

Project manager salaries vary based on experience, industry, and location. Here’s a quick look at the average annual salary ranges:

(Source: Glassdoor, [10/13/24])

Factors Affecting Project Manager Salary

Several factors can impact what you'll make as a project manager, including education, experience, and location. Certifications like PMP often lead to higher salaries, and location can also impact earnings. Project managers in urban areas typically earn more than those in smaller towns. 

Project managers with more technical skills, like those used to managing IT projects or with the skills to customize PM tools, are likely to earn a higher salary. 

Conclusion

Project managers are essential for today's fast-growing companies. Becoming a successful project manager requires a blend of organizational skills, leadership, emotional intelligence, and tech skills to help you use the right tools to drive productivity. Whether you're just starting or considering a career pivot, there are plenty of opportunities to grow. 

If you’re ready to dive in, start with CBT Nuggets' foundational project management courses or consider certifications like PMP or CAPM. And if you’re already in the field, look for ways to expand your skills—there are always new skills you can learn in project management!

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