By Alex Robinson 
A project manager oversees a project from its initial planning phase to its successful completion, ensuring that resources are organized, timelines are met, and budgets are adhered to. This role is crucial across many industries, making project management an in-demand and rewarding career path. With professionals in this field often earning competitive salaries—experienced managers can earn upwards of £65,000—it’s easy to see why so many are obtaining a project management degree and are simply drawn to this career. While entry-level positions may have lower pay, the strong demand for project managers offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement.
If you’re considering a career in project management, here are five essential steps to help you get started.
1. Invest in Training
The first step toward becoming a project manager is obtaining the right education and training. You can enter project management with a general degree, but choosing a business-focused or project management-specific program can provide a more direct path. If you’ve already earned a degree in another area, pursuing a master’s degree or additional certifications can enhance your credentials.
For industries like IT or engineering, specialized knowledge is often required. For example, if you want to manage engineering projects, a degree in engineering will be beneficial. Alternatively, IT project managers often benefit from technical training alongside their project management qualifications.
The Association of Project Managers (APM) offers a range of certifications tailored to different levels of expertise:
- APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ): Ideal for beginners, this course introduces key project management concepts without requiring prior experience.
- APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ): Designed for those with some experience, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles.
- APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ): Aimed at experienced professionals, this program focuses on advanced competencies and is a stepping stone toward APM membership.
These certifications can be complemented with short courses to help you gain additional skills and stay up to date.
2. Build a Strong Skill Set
While qualifications are important, successful project managers also need a range of practical skills. Strengthening these abilities can increase your chances of securing a job and excelling in your role. Key skills include:
- Communication Skills: Project managers must communicate clearly and confidently, whether they’re leading meetings, writing reports, or coordinating team efforts. Developing both verbal and written communication skills is essential.
- Time Management: Managing your own schedule effectively is just as important as organizing tasks for others. A time management course can help you set priorities, meet deadlines, and maximize productivity.
- Leadership Skills: Leading a team requires the ability to inspire and motivate others. Leadership training can teach you how to set clear goals, resolve conflicts, and keep your team focused on success.
- Stress Management: Project management can be demanding, with tight deadlines and high expectations. Learning techniques to manage stress will help you stay calm and focused under pressure.
Other valuable skills include organization, negotiation, and risk management. Enhancing these abilities through focused training or real-world practice will set you apart from the competition.
3. Expand Your Knowledge
To stand out in interviews and excel in your career, it’s important to build a strong foundation of knowledge about project management. Reading industry books and blogs is a great way to learn more about the field and stay informed about new trends and practices.
Highly recommended books include:
- Project Management for Dummies: A beginner-friendly guide that simplifies key concepts and exam preparation.
- Managing Successful Projects With Prince2: An in-depth look at one of the most widely used project management methodologies.
- Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager: Ideal for those without formal training who want to learn practical project management skills.
- A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide): A comprehensive reference covering all aspects of project management, suitable for those pursuing advanced certifications.
In addition to books, blogs like ProjectManagement.com and The APM Blog offer insights, tips, and updates about the industry. Staying informed will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your passion and commitment during job interviews.
4. Perfect Your Resume
Once you’ve gained the necessary skills and knowledge, it’s time to craft a strong resume tailored to project management roles. Highlight your project management abilities in every section, from education to previous job experience.
Focus on your key skills and how they align with the job description. Instead of simply listing your abilities, use examples to show how you’ve applied them in past roles. For instance, if you excel in communication, describe a time you led a successful team meeting or presented a project plan to stakeholders.
If you’re struggling to structure your resume, the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help. This approach allows you to present your experiences in a clear, concise, and impactful way.
5. Gain Practical Experience
Having the right qualifications and skills is important, but real-world experience is the best way to determine if project management is the right fit for you. Start by exploring internships, volunteer opportunities, or entry-level positions that allow you to apply your knowledge and develop your skills.
For example, you could volunteer to organize a local event or assist with planning a small project in your current job. These opportunities will not only give you hands-on experience but also help you build a network of contacts in the industry.
If you find project management isn’t the career you want to pursue long-term, this exploration could lead you to discover another role that suits your strengths and interests.
Final Thoughts
Starting a career in project management requires a combination of education, skill development, and practical experience. By following these steps—investing in training, building your skills, expanding your knowledge, refining your resume, and gaining hands-on experience—you can position yourself for success in this rewarding field.
With dedication and the right approach, you can turn your passion for organization and leadership into a fulfilling career as a project manager. Take the first step today, and begin building a future in this high-demand profession.