How to Become a Project Manager

If you are considering a career in project management, you’ll be pleased to know that many degree paths can lead to this field. While it’s possible to enter general project management roles with almost any undergraduate degree, certain areas like construction, engineering, or IT require more specialized knowledge. Degrees in business or project management can provide a solid foundation, but for roles in these specific fields, a degree related to the industry is often more beneficial.

A postgraduate qualification, such as a Master’s degree, isn’t always necessary. However, if your undergraduate degree is unrelated to project management, pursuing a relevant Master’s program could enhance your job prospects. Project Management Degree programs accredited by the Chartered Association for Project Management (APM) are especially valuable. Some universities offering an

The APM-accredited MSc Project Management is offered by a number of institutions, including:

• University of Liverpool
• Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
• University of Northampton
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Westminster

Additionally, the University of Salford offers an MSc in Project Management in Construction, in collaboration with esteemed organizations like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Professional Courses in Project Management

While obtaining a degree is a significant first step, further professional qualifications and training can help advance your career. Employers often provide on-the-job training, so completing certifications before starting your first role is optional. That said, many project managers benefit from gaining knowledge in methodologies such as:

• PRINCE2: A widely-used framework for managing projects, PRINCE2 offers certifications at foundation, practitioner, and agile levels. New professionals typically start at the foundation level before progressing to more advanced certifications.
• Agile: Particularly useful in fast-paced environments like IT, Agile emphasizes continuous improvement and short development cycles, called sprints. Training is available at foundation and practitioner levels.

Other certifications are offered by organizations like APM and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Notable APM certifications include:

• APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ): An entry-level course covering basic project management terms and concepts, with no prior experience required.
• APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ): A more advanced course requiring some prior experience, offering a comprehensive understanding of project management.
• APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ): Aimed at experienced professionals, this certification covers key competencies across different project management fields.

PMI also offers certifications for experienced project managers, such as:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Program Management Professional (PgMP)
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

Skills Needed for Success in Project Management

In addition to formal qualifications, project managers need a wide range of skills to succeed. These include:

• Time Management: Balancing your workload while managing the schedules of others is a key responsibility. Prioritizing tasks and knowing when to delegate are essential skills.
• Organization: Being highly organized allows you to effectively set goals, manage meetings, and monitor progress.
• Communication: Clear communication is critical for collaborating with team members, stakeholders, and clients. Strong verbal and written communication skills help convey ideas, issues, and updates effectively.
• Negotiation: Resolving conflicts, allocating resources, and balancing competing interests require excellent negotiation skills.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential risks ensures projects run smoothly and meet their objectives.
• Leadership: Inspiring and motivating your team while overseeing their work is a crucial aspect of project management.

Building Experience in Project Management

Gaining hands-on experience is a great way to strengthen your project management skills. Look for internships or entry-level roles, such as assistant project manager positions, in industries that interest you. For example, IT companies like Microsoft or construction firms like Mott MacDonald often offer opportunities for aspiring project managers.

Other ways to build experience include:

• Work shadowing: Observe experienced professionals to gain insights into their methods and practices.
• Volunteering: Take on leadership roles in volunteer organizations or community projects to develop your skills.
• Extra-curricular activities: Joining university clubs and societies can provide valuable experience in organizing events, running campaigns, and leading teams.
• Professional memberships: Joining organizations like APM or PMI as a student member gives you access to networking events and resources.

Project Management Apprenticeships

If you prefer a practical approach to learning, apprenticeships are an excellent option. These programs allow you to earn a salary while gaining qualifications and experience. Apprenticeships are available at various levels, including Level 4 (foundation degree equivalent) and Level 6 (degree level).

Common roles in project management apprenticeships include:

• Assistant project manager
• Project co-ordinator
• Project executive
• Project manager
• Project support officer

Employers offering project management apprenticeships include Amazon, BAE Systems, British Airways, NHS, Network Rail, and Vodafone. Apprenticeships typically last between two and five years, depending on the program.

Career Opportunities and Progression

Project management roles are available across industries, including marketing, finance, engineering, and law. Entry-level positions, such as junior or assistant project manager roles, offer salaries between £20,000 and £35,000 in the UK. Higher wages are often available in specialized fields like construction and IT.

As you gain experience, you can progress to senior roles with increased responsibilities and earning potential. To enhance your employability, thoroughly research potential employers, tailor your CV to each role, and prepare for interviews by practicing responses to common project management questions.

Common Interview Questions for Project Managers

During interviews, you may encounter questions such as:

• What project management methodologies do you know?
• How do you plan and allocate resources for a project?
• How do you handle competing stakeholder interests?
• What steps do you take to manage risks?
• Can you share an example of a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles?

Prepare examples from your experiences to showcase your skills and suitability for the role. Additionally, have questions ready to ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the position and the company.

By combining the right qualifications, skills, and experience, you can build a successful career in project management and thrive in this dynamic and rewarding field.