If you love following timelines, being organized, and keeping the team on track to reach a goal, becoming a project manager might be the right job for you. It’s estimated that up to 30 million project professionals will be needed by 2035, according to growth projections in the Global Project Management Talent Gap report. From typical tasks to certifications that validate expertise, learn what opportunities this role offers.
What Do Project Managers Do?
Though the title may sound self-explanatory, project managers work with a variety of tasks, projects, and teams. Their primary responsibility is to ensure work is done on time, within project perimeters like staying in budget, and with the right people.
Investopedia outlines five project management stages, and the project manager’s role:
- Initiation – During this stage, goals and objectives are defined, ideas are brainstormed, and the concept is created in alignment with business goals. Project managers will contribute to the ideation and ask questions to gather the information needed for planning.
- Planning – The project manager outlines a timeline and allots resources, including who will complete which tasks.
- Execution – The project starts and progresses; the project manager is available to address needs that arise but may not be involved in creating assets or executing tasks.
- Monitoring – During the monitoring stage, project managers ensure the project is progressing as planned, correcting any issues, and keeping everything on track.
- Closing the Project – Project managers close the project when everything is complete. Holding a meeting to review the project can identify what worked well and areas of improvement.
Project managers must work closely with others, however there are some tasks that don’t typically fall into the realm of responsibility, such as:
- Managing people
- Making final decisions
- Executing the work
- Setting unrealistic or unachievable goals
- Imposing expectations or decisions on the team
Project Management Job Titles
Project management encompasses a broad range of responsibilities and job titles, so don’t get stuck in a box by job searching only for a project manager title. Companies may name their project management roles differently, so expand your search to include:
- Project Coordinator
- Project Administrator
- Project Planner
- Project Leader
- Junior Project Manager
- Assistant Project Manager
- Project Director
- Implementation Manager
Key Skills and Certifications
Project managers, and the people they work with, benefit from strong skills in key areas. Hard skills are demonstrable knowledge and expertise. Soft skills are character traits or interpersonal skills. Both are essential to a successful project manager.
Common Soft Skills
- Self-awareness
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Flexibility
- Emotional intelligence
- Negotiation
Common Hard Skills
- Project management tools
- Project life cycle management
- Documentation
- Risk assessment
- Technical skills
Certifications
To validate experience and expertise, project managers can earn professional certifications, including the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP)®, and Google’s Project Management Certificate available through Coursera. Certifications aren’t required, but being certified in project management offers a competitive advantage.
Project Manager Success
Project management is a dynamic discipline that requires proficiency in both people-oriented and technical areas. Possessing essential skills and competency in project processes is essential to succeed. With project manager roles often starting at entry-level, this career can be a viable option for candidates entering the workforce or those looking for a career change.
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