How to Become a Project Manager
One of the unique and exiting aspects of embarking on a career as a project manager is the
inherent diversity, flexibility, and unlimited possibilities within the field. The educational
opportunities in the discipline build a timeless and solid foundation for work in almost any area
of business, industry, vocation, and the like. Because project managing involves and requires a
myriad of varying tasks and skills based on academic success, the first logical question to ask
would be:
What Does a Project Manager Do?
One way to conceptualize the job of a project manager is to imagine yourself standing atop the
tallest building in a large city, and realizing that from where you stand, you are at a perfect
vantage point for observing the big picture of how the city operates by seeing all the major
aspects of activity. Project managers do much the same in overseeing and directing the strategy
and scope of each project in its entirety by planning and forecasting, delegating, making key
leadership decisions, creating reports at various stages of development, keeping track of tasks
and monitoring development, just to name a few. In other words, a project manager has a bird’s
eye view of the essential processes involved in the goals within organizational contexts.
Interestingly enough, and part of what makes project managing such a fulfilling career, is in
addition to big-picture thinking, a project manager is simultaneously guiding and leading teams
at ground level, so to speak. Project management academic programs teach individuals how to
assess and examine social processes and human interactions which apply to the everyday work
environment, as well as handle quality concerns regarding output from individuals as well as
product development. Project managers are also responsible for assessing the financial needs of
the project by generating cost estimations, managing cash flow, controlling costs, and determine
risk allocations.
Before You Begin…
Before you begin the search for the academic institution which will best meet your needs and
aspirations, it is important to be aware of the certification categories set out by the Project
Management Institute (PMI) https://www.pmi.org . The Project Management Institute is a not-
for-profit professional membership association for aspiring and established project managers.
Founded in 1969, it is globally recognized as the leading authority in the field, with over 300
chapters in more than 80 countries around the world. It provides training and education, in-
person and virtual events, a “Thought Leadership” platform, community support and academic
research opportunities advancing the science, practice and profession of project management.
Needless to say, in order to ensure the very best education for your investment of time and
money, it is imperative to become familiar with the standards, requirements and certifications
recognized by the PMI.
Educational Considerations For PRoject Managament
For those who have not enrolled in a college or university, the first step would be to find an
institution which offers either a B.A. or a B.S. in Project Management. Typically, colleges offer
an undergraduate degree in Project Management or combine various business degrees with an
emphasis or concentration in Project Management. Either way, these undergraduate degrees
provide a broad scope of business fundamentals which facilitate application to a wide spectrum
of industry-specific opportunities. For those who already have a B.A. or B.S., Master’s Degrees
can be achieved at some of the top-ranking institutions within as little as a year, and many do not
require the taking of the GRE. Some colleges allow these degrees to be achieved either via the
traditional brick-and-mortar attendance, or by choosing one of the ever-increasing online
accredited options. A student need not feel that an online degree would hinder their
competitiveness in the job market. Many institutions of higher learning with stellar reputations
do not distinguish between traditional attendance on campus or a degree achieved online.
Potential employers requesting information, therefore, are advised that you completed the
program, without mention of how the degree was earned.
One thing to consider when choosing your college is how they address the certification processes
which are so prevalent in this particular profession. When researching and speaking with
admissions counselors, be sure to discuss how they address those certification considerations
outlined by the PMI.
Job Outlook for Project Managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (htts://www.bls.gov) the field of project
management with regards to specialists is projected to be one of the fastest rising job
opportunities with a substantially higher average growth rate of 6% over the decade (2022
through 2032). The typical and preferred entry level education is a bachelor’s degree, no
experience in related occupations and no on-the-job training is indicated as necessary to secure
employment. As of May of 2022, the median annual wage for project management specialists
was $95,370.00. The national average mean hourly wage was $48.85, and the mean annual wage
was $101,610. To visit and assess industry projections specific to the state in which you live,
visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-
financial/project-management-specialists.htm.
One thing to keep in mind: the project management degree and career applies to a plethora of
industries: architectural, engineering, computer systems design, technical consulting services,
nonresidential building construction, management of companies and enterprises, land
subdivision, personal care services, securities, commodity contracts, financial investments, oil
and gas extraction, petroleum and coal products manufacturing and pipeline transportation of
crude oil, hospital administration and management, healthcare facility management, media
production and development, just to name a few.
Good Luck!
A degree in project management can be tailored to fit any and every career goal, and with proper
planning, you can choose the traditional or online program to fast-track your aspirations and turn
them into a rewarding and successful career. Visit the websites of colleges which offer these
degrees, the PMI portal and the projections provided by the U.S. Department of Labor. You’ll be
on your way to an exciting and profitable future!