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How To Become A Project Manager: A Step-By-Step Guide

Mikeie Reiland, MFA

Updated: Apr 16, 2024, 10:41am

How To Become A Project Manager: A Step-By-Step Guide

Project management is among the most valuable skill sets in the current job landscape, but a persistent talent gap in the field means that there are not enough candidates with the right skills to meet the global demand for project managers.

This indicates a talent gap in the project management field, meaning there are not enough candidates with the right skills to meet this high demand.

As such, competent managers who can oversee projects throughout their life cycles are at a premium in the modern workplace. Read on to learn more about how to become a project manager.

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What Is a Project Manager?

According to a 2021 report by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the main professional organization in the industry, employers must hire approximately 2.3 million project management professionals every year to meet demand by 2030. Let’s explore what it takes to succeed in this high-demand occupation.

Skills for Project Managers

  • Analysis. Above all else, project managers are decision makers. They must make choices about staffing, budgeting and scheduling. It takes an analytical mind to make these decisions, as project managers must constantly evaluate and reevaluate a project’s unique circumstances to determine the best course of action.
  • Communication. Project managers are also delegators who figure out how to best use each team member’s skills to achieve desired outcomes. As such, project managers must effectively communicate with employees and teammates. Effective managers can clearly articulate a project’s goals and each team member’s role in accomplishing those goals.
  • Critical thinking. Critical thinking goes hand in hand with analysis. Managers must objectively analyze situations, consider all pertinent information and make the best decision for the overall project.
  • Organization. Most projects consist of various moving parts. Project managers must feel comfortable juggling disparate components like scheduling, staffing, budgeting and payroll all while keeping one eye on the project’s ultimate strategic goals.
  • People skills. Project managers spend their days interacting with clients, team members and employees. They must be able to motivate people to achieve a shared goal and have empathy to understand their team members.
  • Problem solving. Throughout projects, problems inevitably arise. The best project managers can take these obstacles in stride and decide how to overcome them and move forward toward their goals.
  • Time management. Project management is all about achieving the desired outputs within the agreed-upon timeframe. The best project managers can keep their projects on schedule even in the face of unforeseen obstacles and issues.

How To Become a Project Manager

Earn a bachelor’s degree.

A project management degree is not always required for jobs and certification in the field. However, it is much easier for bachelor’s degree-holders to earn PMI certification .

Common majors for project managers include bachelor’s degrees in project management , business and related fields. Aspiring project managers who plan to work in a specific field like health services or information technology often pursue a bachelor’s degree in that field.

Determine Your Specialization

Some project managers are generalists who work in all business-related fields and are comfortable executing projects for clients in a variety of industries. However, many project managers choose to focus on fields like construction, real estate, information technology, sustainability and transportation.

Having a defined specialization may make it easier to find jobs in the field.

Pursue Certification

PMI is the primary organization offering professional certifications in project management. The institute offers certifications in a wide variety of specialties.

Many entry-level project managers pursue PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® designation, which demonstrates a foundational skill set in the field.

In addition to the CAPM certification, many professionals pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, which demonstrates mastery and excellence in the field. Keep in mind that PMP certification requires 36 to 60 months of professional project management experience depending on your educational background.

PMI’s other certifications also have unique educational and professional requirements, so make sure to check the institute’s website for the most up-to-date information. Also check out our guides on how to get PMP certification and CAPM certification requirements.

Is PMI certification worth it ? For many, it is. According to a 2022 jobs report by PMI , PMP-certified professionals earn 16% more than their uncertified peers.

Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Project management specialists in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $98,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . PMI’s 2021 talent gap report projects that the global economy will have to add 25 million project management professionals to meet demand by 2030.

The talent gap report notes that the most drastic and rapid growth for project management-oriented employees will take place in software development, which can expect a 14% increase in demand for these professionals from 2019 to 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How To Become a Project Manager

What qualifications do i need to become a project manager.

In most cases, you can pursue entry-level project manager positions if you hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field like business or project management. However, employers often prefer to hire candidates who hold PMI certifications, and PMI-certified professionals tend to earn higher salaries than their uncertified peers.

How long does it take to become a project manager?

The time it takes to become a project manager varies by position and by employer. Some companies require project managers to hold four-year bachelor’s degrees, and some don’t require degrees. Others prefer to hire managers with CAPM or PMP certification. PMP certification requires 36 to 60 months of professional project management experience.

Can I become a project manager with no degree?

Yes. You can earn the PMI’s PMP certification—widely considered the gold standard in the industry—with only a high school diploma. However, to qualify, you must have 60 months of professional project manager experience, while bachelor’s degree-holders only need 36 months. You also need either CAPM certification or 35 hours of professional development courses in project management.

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How to become a project manager: the 2024 guide

Discover the essentials of becoming a project manager in 2024 with our comprehensive guide, covering skills, certifications, and practical tips.

Now that you know why project management is so important and you understand what a project manager actually does , you might be wondering how you can become a project manager yourself.

Project management is a rewarding career that gives you an opportunity to make a real difference to a company’s bottom line. And there’s massive, growing demand in project manager jobs: the Project Management Institute projects (heh) that employers are going to need to fill 2.3 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2030.

2.3 million.

That’s a heck of a talent gap.

No wonder more and more people are exploring the project manager career path and looking to learn how to become a project manager.

Whether you plan to go the traditional route and get certified as a project manager, or you’re one of the thousands of “accidental project managers” doing the work without formal experience or credentials, this definitive guide is for you.

Table of Contents

2 pathways to becoming a project manager, roles and responsibilities of a project manager, important soft skills and hard skills project managers should have, tl;dr: the steps to becoming a project manager.

As mentioned above, nowadays, there are two types of project manager positions:

The “traditional” project manager: Someone who intentionally embarked on the project management career path and has a degree or qualification in project management.

The “non-project-manager” project manager: Also known as an “accidental project manager.” These are the people who never set out to become project managers but who find themselves managing projects as part of their daily work anyway. NPMPMs can be anyone: marketers planning a campaign , product managers coordinating the development of a new product, web designers creating a new website. They walk among us.

For anyone wondering how to become a project manager, this is good news: it means that there are more ways than ever to get on that project management career ladder.

Let’s start with the NPMPM or accidental project manager route.

Pathway 1: How to become a project manager without a qualification

Earlier in this guide, we talked about how more people are already project managers than they realize.

Most work involves projects. And most projects involve lots of moving parts — like research, planning, budgeting, coordinating, managing resources, and much more — that all need to be managed and overseen correctly to make sure that your project stays on track.

That means even if your organization doesn’t hire dedicated project managers, it still has people doing the work of project managers and project coordinators . Accidental or unofficial project managers are everywhere, leveraging their critical thinking skills, people skills, and years of experience in other roles into project-related duties.

If you’re starting to find that you love the thrill of the project management side more than any other aspect of your job, here’s how to break into project management without a bachelor’s degree or formal certification in the field.

1. Learn where the gaps in your project management knowledge are

Whatever role you’re currently in — marketer, designer, developer, whatever — you’ve likely been honing your project management skills all along.

According to the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (or PMBOK Guide), there are 10 key project management “knowledge areas”:

Integration management

Scope management

Schedule management

Cost management

Quality management

Resource management

Risk management

Communications management

Procurement management

Stakeholder management

Think about the projects you’ve been on lately. Which of these areas have you been involved in?

Maybe you played an integral role in outlining the project plan, timeline, or scope.

Maybe you were the one who outlined the budget and were able to stop things from going off track when unexpected costs came up.

Maybe you helped to reallocate resources across team members to ensure that no one was over capacity.

Those are all project management skills that any great project manager needs to know.

On the flipside, maybe you haven’t had much exposure to some of the other knowledge areas, like risk management or stakeholder management. In that case, you know exactly what you need to focus on to gain the experience you need to become a more well-rounded project manager.

2. Get (more) project management experience

Once you’ve identified where you need to grow, it’s time to start putting your plan into action. (Which is what project managers do every day — double win!)

That’s because the #1 thing you can do if you want to become a project manager without experience is start getting that experience.

Projects are all around us, so volunteer when you can. Take on extra responsibilities and develop your organizational skills, scheduling skills, people management skills — everything you identified in step one.

3. Learn everything you can about project management

Always seek out opportunities to develop your project management skills and knowledge.

Learn by doing. Learn on the job. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from other project managers (in your company or elsewhere). See if you can find a mentor who’ll teach you their project manager tips.

If you want to pursue your project manager education but you don’t yet feel ready to fully commit, take one of the many online project management courses available on platforms like Udemy or Coursera .

You can also look for conferences or local networking events that will help you to stay on top of new industry trends and meet people who can help you navigate the project management career path.

4. Start using the right project management software

Using a PM tool can help you to develop your project manager experience.

It allows you to automate your work, quickly assign tasks to groups of teams, and easily view projects in Gantt charts, as well as being able to manage all of your project resources from one place.

Using a flexible and intuitive project management tool like Teamwork.com to manage your work also means that you can get up and running without needing to spend a ton of time on training or onboarding .

Pathway 2: How to become a certified project manager

Whether you’ve been an accidental project manager for a while and you’re looking to add a formal qualification to your CV, or have always known that you wanted to be a project manager when you grew up, a qualification is a great way to signal your expertise and commitment to the PM career path to employers.

Even though a formal qualification is no longer a necessity to become a project manager (see: all of the above), it’s still worth considering if you’re really serious about upping your project management game.

Not only will it make more job opportunities available to you and give you a higher earning power, but it will also teach you some project management best practices and techniques that you might not otherwise have been exposed to.

Here’s what you need to know if you want to become a certified project manager.

1. Identify which project management certification is right for you

PMP, PRINCE2, CAPM, PMI-ACP… There's a whole alphabet of project management degrees. It can be overwhelming. So, how do you know which project management certification is right for you?

The first step is to check out your options. Which qualification is most common in your industry? Which one do you see listed most in the kind of job descriptions you’re interested in? Which one is best suited to your available time and budget? Which one will better fit the kind of processes your company uses? Where in the world do you want to work?

There’s lots to consider. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular degrees for project managers to help start your formal project manager education.

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the leading global organization for project management professionals.

It’s one of the most popular and well-recognized qualifications in the field — and it can have a major impact on your salary. According to the PMI, project managers (and other project management professionals such as PM consultants, PM specialists, and program managers) with PMP certifications earn a 33% higher median salary than non-credentialed project managers . Over the course of a career, that difference easily adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars! 

The PMP qualification is based on the PMI’s standards and guidelines as outlined in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge , or PMBOK Guide.

It’s aimed at people who already have project management experience (at least 4,500-7,500 hours of it, to be specific), as well as either 35 hours of project management education or a CAPM certification.

So, while it’s not for absolute beginners, it’s definitely one to consider as you build out your project management portfolio.

For more on the requirements and process, check out the official PMP site here .

Projects In Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)

PRINCE2 stands for PRojects IN Controlled Environments, which also emphasizes how it differs from a PMP certification.

While the PMP certification is knowledge-based — i.e., it focuses on general project management knowledge and best practices for each stage of the project — the PRINCE2 is project- and process-based method in and of itself.

Unlike the PMP, it doesn’t have the same prerequisites, so it might be more suited to someone looking for a PM grounding at the beginning of their project management career. It also comes in both Foundation and Practitioner flavors for every stage of your project management journey.

If you’re trying to decide between a PMP and a PRINCE2 certification, there are a few other factors that should influence your decision, such as industry and geographical location (both of which can affect which qualification is preferred).

Ultimately, it’s not an either-or situation. Both certifications have benefits, and the two certifications can actually complement each other.

Learn more about getting a PRINCE2 certification here .

Certified Associate In Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level project management qualification offered by the PMI. It can be a standalone certification, or you can use it as one of the “prerequisites” needed to progress to getting a PMP.

The CAPM provides you with a foundational knowledge of project management based on the standards and guidelines outlined in the PMBOK Guide.

Learn more about the CAPM certification here .

Agile certifications

If you work in an industry where agile practices are the norm, you might decide to get an agile certification instead (or as well!).

The PMI offers a qualification specifically designed for agile practitioners, the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) .

There’s also an agile-specific PRINCE2 certification, PRINCE2 Agile , which is available at both Foundation and Practitioner levels.

Depending on which agile methodologies you (and your organization) prefer, you could also choose to specialize even more. For example, if you’re a Scrum aficionado, you might decide to become a Certified ScrumMaster with the Scrum Alliance .

It all depends on what processes and frameworks your industry (and company) prefers to use — so do your research, talk to others in the field, and decide what the best agile certification for you is.

2. Get (and maintain) your qualification in project management

You probably thought there were going to be more steps to becoming a certified project manager than just:

Decide which project management certification you want.

Get the certification.

But once you’ve decided which project management certification is right for you, it’s all about knuckling down, putting in the hours, and preparing for the certification exam. You might also need to log more practical hours as well as make time for all the book-learning.

There are lots of prep courses available online that can help you study and prepare for the exam, but ultimately, it’s all about putting in the time and effort. (You can do it! We believe in you!)

Then, once you’ve got your certification, you need to maintain it.

Most project management certifications — such as the PMP — expire after a few years. This means that you’ll need to retake the exam every few years to show that you’re still up-to-date with PM best practices and standards.

3. Master the tools of the trade

As a project manager, you’re always looking for ways to increase efficiency and improve processes.

Finding the right project management tool will help you to put everything you’ve learned in your project manager education into practice. It allows you to oversee your projects with more clarity, forecast more accurately, manage your resources more efficiently, and report more precisely.

A good project management tool amplifies the project manager's work: It helps you take care of the everyday details so you can focus your skills where they’ll have the most impact. It works with you to elevate your best practices and scale your project successes — so learning how to use your PM tool to your advantage is essential, and will save you tons of time and money in the long run.

Teamwork.com was built to support you and your workflow, regardless of which project management methodology you use. Whether you need a Gantt chart or a Kanban board , it has all the features you need to deliver your project — your way.

Project managers — whether credentialed, accidental, or somewhere in between — are responsible for numerous facets of their projects. These roles and responsibilities typically fall within and deal with most, if not all, of these responsibilities.

Planning and initiation

The planning and initiation phases of a project are where the project takes shape conceptually: what is it, how long will it take, who’s gonna work on it, what kind of budget will it have, and so on. 

Whew — it’s a lot of work even before the project even gets off the ground!

Within planning and initiation, project managers lead, execute, or assist with four areas.

Conceptualizing the project: Projects don’t get started without some kind of raw idea, but that vague notion has to be transformed into something a little more fleshed out. Here, the project manager defines the project's goals, scope, and deliverables, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Creating a roadmap: Here’s where we go from concept to “this is how we’ll get it done.” The PM establishes a detailed timeline that outlines tasks, dependencies, and milestones. This roadmap serves as a guide throughout the project's lifecycle.

Resource allocation: To succeed with that concept and roadmap, you’ll need to assemble a team. Project managers assess resource requirements and ensure everyone has what they need to succeed.

Budgeting: Project managers also typically establish and manage the project's budget.

Execution and monitoring

With a strong plan in place, it’s time to actually do the work of the project. This is the execution phase, where the team members build, make, and do all the things, following the project plan and project roadmap. 

The project manager usually doesn’t do much (or any) of the actual work of the project. But that doesn’t mean the project manager gets to sit back and relax — there’s still plenty to do. 

Instead, the PM ensures that team members do the right things in the right order at the right times, monitoring the project’s progress all through execution.

Specific project management responsibilities during these phases include:

Team leadership: Time to don your coach/captain hat! Project managers motivate and guide their team members, creating an environment where people feel safe to collaborate. This leadership includes conflict resolution, problem-solving, delegation, and as-needed support. 

Communication hub: Lots of people (stakeholders) need to know what’s going on in a project. But if they’re all interrupting the people doing the work, well… those people can’t do the work. Project managers act as a central point of communication, keeping stakeholders informed about progress, roadblocks, and important decisions — taking that communication burden off of team members.

Monitoring and tracking: Project managers should have a strong handle on how the project’s going: who’s working on which tasks, where the project is  deviating from the plan, and so on. They track KPIs, analyze data, and adjust the course as needed to ensure the project stays on track.

Risk management: Every project has risks. Like with communication and monitoring, the project manager takes the risk management load off the rest of the team so they can focus on successful delivery. The PM should proactively identify new and ongoing risks and have a plan for how to mitigate them if needed. By anticipating challenges and developing contingency plans, PMs can minimize disruptions to the project's timeline and budget.

Control and closure

Last up are control and closure: control is the stuff that has to happen when your monitoring reveals an issue, while closure is the litany of details and steps needed once the project wraps.

Let’s get a little more specific on these phases as well:

Quality assurance: Project managers are one of the earliest lines of defense on quality. They implement quality control measures so they can ensure deliverables don’t just finish on time but also meet client/customer expectations.

Issue resolution: Roadblocks and challenges are inevitable, and sometimes the team members themselves can’t resolve issues without an outside hand. Project managers tackle these problems head-on, finding the right solutions that keep the project on track.

Stakeholder management: Keeping stakeholders satisfied is key — and so is keeping stakeholders from distracting or slowing down your team members. Project managers take the lead here, managing expectations, addressing concerns, and ensuring everyone is happy with the project's outcome.

Project closure and evaluation: Once the project is complete, there’s still plenty to do to wrap it up and close it out. Reflecting on lessons learned — sometimes called a project postmortem — is another area where project managers take charge, facilitating the team and stakeholders as they evaluate what worked, what didn’t and what adjustments should be made for future similar projects. 

Every successful project manager needs to master a broad set of skills, including both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills for project managers

Soft skills — those relational skills you can’t usually learn in a classroom — are vital for success in project management. These include:

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Decisiveness

Time management

Conflict resolution

Hard skills for project managers

Hard skills are the ones you learn in a more conventional sense, whether in the classroom or through on-the-job experience. 

These are some of the most important hard skills for project managers:

Fluency in project management systems and tools (including project management software)

Data and analytics

Technical expertise

Start managing projects.

Keep managing projects.

Learn the skills and theory behind managing projects.

Use Teamwork.com to manage your projects.

Get better at managing projects.

Decide if you want to get a project management certification.

Continue to manage projects.

That’s it — all you need to know to get started as a project manager!

Bonus tip: If you’re ready to start developing your project manager experience, look out for these project management methodologies you need to know .

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Project Management Qualifications: Here’s What You Need to Know

  • Written by John Terra
  • Updated on August 27, 2024

Project Management Qualifications

The right project can help a company meet its goals faster and cost-effectively, ensuring longevity and competitiveness. However, successful projects need qualified project managers to make them happen.

This article tackles the subject of project management qualification, including a definition, what qualifications entail, the eligibility requirements, a sample project manager career path, and why PMP certification training is so necessary.

But first, let’s review the definition of project management as it applies to today’s business world.

Project Management: A Brief Definition

According to the Project Management Institute , the first and last word on project management, “Project management is the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to deliver something of value to people.” Similarly, projects are temporary efforts designed to create value via a specific process, service, or product. Since projects have characteristics like tasks and activities and stages such as initiation, planning, and execution, they require oversight and management.

That’s where the project management professional comes in. As the name implies, they manage projects, providing control and structure so that all the activities create the proper results that meet the client’s expectations. With a certified project manager at the helm, leading and directing projects, things get done, and the organization and the customers benefit.

Now, let’s dissect the concept of PMP qualifications.

Also Read: Program Manager vs. Project Manager: Here Are the Differences You Should Know

What Exactly Does “Qualification” Mean?

Simply put, being qualified means possessing the necessary experience, skills, and temperament for the position. This definition applies to any vocation, including a project management career. So, an overarching set of qualifications is standard in project management regardless of the industry or company. Here’s a collection of typical qualifications typically expected of a project management professional, or PMP, irrespective of the organization’s size or type:

  • At least three years of experience in the role of project manager
  • Formal training, typically an undergraduate program that emphasizes management and human resources
  • The ability to communicate effectively
  • Project management professional certification of some kind

However, organizations typically have unique, different project management requirements. This demand could be anything from the candidate’s years of project management experience, different sets of project management skills, or how many project management certifications the candidate has earned.

So, let’s look closer at specific project management requirements and qualifications and see if we can create a complete picture.

Project Management Qualifications and Requirements

In this section, we sort the project management requirements into four groups loosely based on the above-mentioned general qualifications.

Project management training is divided into formal and informal methods. Formal training covers organized courses of study provided by an undergraduate or graduate program, continuing education classes, or online courses and bootcamps. Informal training includes in-house mentoring and shadowing programs where candidates acquire training as they observe and help the established project managers in their everyday tasks.

Four core competencies are associated with every project (Cost, Quality, Scope, and Time), and project managers must have the skills to manage all four. Project management also requires business skills. This skill set includes understanding the project’s financials, comprehending profit and loss, and the ability to create and stick to a project budget. Finally, a project manager needs sound leadership and communication skills. These skills include conflict resolution, clear communication, speaking and writing, negotiation and persuasion, and the ability (and confidence) to lead a team. Granted, some skills can only be gained through practice and experience; others can be learned through classes and organized education. And while we’re on the subject of expertise.

Experience is a great teacher and a vital part of project management education. There are several fulfilling paths available to the aspiring project manager.

  • Entry Level Positions. Entry level positions offer the project management candidate an open door on the ground floor. Although not typically the best-paying work, it’s an excellent way to improve a skill set and earn project management qualifications through on-the-job training.
  • Internships. Internships tend to pay even less than entry level positions, if at all. On the plus side, they typically don’t require a full-time commitment, so the candidate can work a part-time job and earn a living while benefiting from the hands-on training of an internship. In addition, many internships eventually lead to a full-time job and help the candidate make valuable connections and contacts in the industry.
  • Volunteering. This option applies only to aspiring project management candidates currently employed in the organization, perhaps in a different department. In this instance, volunteering means offering your time and energy to help with a project management-related task to gain valuable experience, get noticed as a project management hopeful, and make solid connections like an internship.

Note that, of the three methods mentioned above, only the entry level position offers any measure of security and appreciable compensation. Internships and volunteering involve taking a chance and investing time and energy into something which may or may not work out. But at least, ideally, the candidate will have gained skills to turn into a stable, secure project management career.

Certifications

Lastly, there are internationally recognized certification programs that help professionals meet project management requirements. Project management certification programs give the candidate valuable skills and training while showing a prospective employer verifiable proof of the candidate’s abilities. Here are some of the more popular project management certification programs:

  • Agile or Scrum. These project management philosophies are prevalent in today’s business world. Organizations such as the Scrum Alliance provide the needed training and certification.
  • PMP. The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional certification. Once you pass the PMP exam, you’ll be a certified professional with PMP qualifications with have an advantage over other candidates.
  • Project Management Certification via Degree. You can participate in an undergraduate program that majors in project management.
  • Other Programs. Many different project management certification programs are available online through classes and bootcamps.

Also Read: Project Leader: Responsibilities, Job Description, Salary & Everything You Should Know

Why Should You Pursue a PMP Certification?

So, why are certifications worthwhile? Here’s a list of reasons why.

  • Certifications provide recruiters and potential employers with verifiable proof that you have the skills necessary for the positions they’re posting for. In addition, they provide a paper trail of your training.
  • Certification courses typically teach skills, knowledge, and best practices that conform to an industry standard. Thus, you become eligible to apply for project management positions in any industry, anywhere in the world.
  • Certified professionals typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts. For example, Ziprecruiter.com shows that, as of March 2023, a PMP-certified project manager in the United States can make an average of $112,973 annually.
  • Since certified professionals are assumed to have a standardized set of appropriate skills, they have an advantage over the non-certified competition.

The Project Manager’s Career Path

A career in project management offers an impressive variety of potential positions. Consider this career path for professionals with project management qualifications, and the different jobs featured in its trajectory.

  • Training/Education. The best place to begin is by getting your education and skills squared away. This education creates a solid foundation for building your fulfilling project management career.
  • Project Coordinator. This is an entry level position that covers generating and distributing project reports. Consider this position as a support role for the project management team.
  • Project Scheduler. As the name implies, project schedulers are responsible for scheduling the project’s work and deadlines, work, and managing project requirements. In addition, project schedulers help project managers plan, coordinate, and monitor the project’s timelines.
  • Assistant Project Manager. Assistant project managers typically cooperate with the project manager, assuming tasks the latter cannot finish. APMs are usually needed for large-scale projects. The assistant project manager usually attends meetings and works on selected minor parts of the project as time allows. Finally, the assistant project manager regularly meets with the project manager to report on the project’s progress and discuss any potential challenges that may arise.
  • Project Manager. Here’s the position that we’re shooting for! The project manager oversees the whole project from beginning to end, handling the project’s budgets, timelines, plans, and product demos. Whether working alone or with an assistant project manager, the project manager delegates chosen tasks and collaborates with the remainder of the project management team. In summary, the project manager is responsible for seeing the project through to its successful completion.
  • Senior Project Manager. This position is the next logical step for the standard project manager. The senior project manager usually manages several projects simultaneously and determines their priority. A senior project manager is often part of a larger management team comprising other project managers, assistants, and related professionals.
  • Director of Project Management. The chief purpose of the director of project management is to develop, guide, and instruct project management operations and structure the workflows. In addition, project management directors provide overall project governance by establishing protocols, standards, and tools that ensure effective project delivery. The director’s position typically requires at least five years of experience in project management, plus specific additional skill sets.
  • VP Of Operations, COO. Welcome to the top of the mountain! The VP of Operations is responsible for coordinating, planning, operating, and managing the overall project handling operations. The VP of Operations implements rules and procedures that ensure smooth operations. In addition, the VP of Operations deals with individuals outside of the project and collaborates with other companies to guarantee the best project delivery operational services.

Also Read: Why Is Project Management a Good Career Choice?

Which Industries Use Project Management Most Often?

Although many industries benefit from project management, these industries require professionals with he right project management qualifications the most.

  • Architectural
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology/Software Development
  • Health Insurance
  • Manufacturing

How to Learn More About Project Management

Consider this highly informative project management course if you’re contemplating a career change or are already on the project management career path and want to upskill. This post graduate program in project management, delivered by Simplilearn in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts, is aligned with PMI-PMP® and IASSC-Lean Six Sigma and trains you in invaluable skills such as agile management, customer experience design, design thinking, project management, leadership skills, and much more.

Once you meet the PMP certification requirements, you receive your certificate, membership in the UMass Alumni Association, and 146 Professional Development Units (PDUs) to help you maintain your CCR for future PMI-related certifications.

Sign up today to boost your project management qualifications and chances for a better project management career.

You might also like to read:

Mastering Project Manager Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Ace the PMP Exam? A Comprehensive Guide

Is PMP Certification Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know in 2023

PMP Certification Requirements in 2023

What Does a Project Manager Do? Role & Responsibilities

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Project Manager

  • Certifications
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what education does a project manager need

What Does a Project Manager Do? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

Project managers provide the foundation for projects by defining their scope and establishing teams to carry them out. They set deadlines and budgets to ensure teams have the resources and tools they need to complete their tasks. Here’s what to know about a project manager’s salary, needed skills and how to become one.

What Is a Project Manager

A project manager is the driving force behind a company’s projects, ensuring they are done on time and within budget. For that reason, project managers need to know how to efficiently allocate time and resources. Their responsibilities may also include quality assurance, risk management and financial analysis, and they must be able to communicate proficiently both internally and externally.

What Do Project Managers Do?

Project managers establish teams, assign tasks, set deadlines and communicate with both internal and external stakeholders. Their leadership duties typically involve tracking the progress of projects and making decisions to adjust as issues or changing priorities arise.

Project Manager Responsibilities

  • Establishing and coordinating project teams.
  • Assigning tasks, setting deadlines and budgeting.
  • Onboarding, training and mentoring new hires.
  • Using software and tools to organize projects and track their progress.
  • Communicating with internal and external stakeholders.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of a Project Manager

  • Identifying timelines, resources and manpower for new and upcoming projects.
  • Checking in with team members for updates on projects already in progress.
  • Assigning tasks and deadlines to team members.
  • Documenting and reporting project statuses.
  • Scheduling and conducting meetings with clients and other project stakeholders to plan for upcoming projects, discuss projects already in the works and gather feedback on completed projects.
  • Meeting with team members for retrospective discussions about feedback and lessons from past projects.

Types of Project Managers

Project managers operate across a variety of industries. Though their general functions are typically similar, some work in more technical fields or have positions with senior titles because of their level of experience. Here are some of the common types of project managers:

  • Marketing project manager
  • Construction project manager
  • IT project manager
  • Engineering project manager

A Project Manager’s Role Within a Company

The project manager is in charge of formulating the overall project vision and strategy. Companies rely on them to construct teams with the right personnel for each project, as well as understand what resources are needed to perform all tasks necessary to complete the project. In a larger organization a project manager will likely report to a senior project manager or director of project management, but in smaller companies, they may be answering directly to a VP or CEO.

Importance of Project Mangers

Project managers enable teams to complete projects within deadline. They also act as liaisons who provide clients updates on project statuses and make sure they are satisfied with the quality of the work. If an obstacle arises or a change needs to be made, the project manager is the decision maker who recharts the path to getting the project done correctly and on time.

What Skills Are Needed to Be a Project Manager?

Qualifications to be a project manager.

  • A strategic and collaborative mindset.
  • Proficient at time management and delegating tasks.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Leadership experience.
  • Familiarity with project management tools and software.

Project Manager Prerequisites

  • A bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the chosen industry.
  • Professional certification is not always required, but is beneficial.

Project Manger Hard Skills

  • Proficiency in project management software.
  • Ability to create budgets and foresee what tasks are possible with available financial resources.
  • Understanding of complex foundational aspects of certain technical industries.

Project Manager Soft Skills

  • Leadership qualities.
  • Problem solving abilities.
  • Organized with a high attention to detail.
  • Collaborative mindset.

Tools and Programs Project Managers Use

  • Project management software like Asana, Basecamp, Trello and Scoro.
  • Video conferencing platforms like Zoom.
  • Messaging and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack.
  • Programs like Calendly and Google Calendar for scheduling meetings.

How to Become a Project Manager

Project manager education and experience.

A project manager will commonly have a four-year degree, industry-approved certification and at least three years of relevant experience. They often get their bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications or other related fields, but they can also bring equivalent professional experience. Those who plan to enter advanced fields like the IT industry may want to explore software engineering, computer science and other technical majors.

Project Manager Certificates and Courses

  • Project Management Institute Certifications
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • PRINCE2 Certification

Project Manager Career Path

Aspiring project managers often spend time learning the ropes in a position such as project coordinator, assistant or associate project manager or junior project manager. For anyone seeking a position in a more technical field, they may serve in roles like software developer or product analyst before moving up in the ranks to become a project manager. As project management professionals gain experience, they may move into an advanced position like program manager, become a senior project manager or eventually serve as director of a project management office.

Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Approximately 2.3 million workers need to enter the project management field each year to meet the anticipated need for 25 million new project professionals by 2030, according to a report by the Project Management Institute .

The full compensation package for a project manager depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average project manager salary.

Expand Your Project Manager Career Opportunities

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Project Manager Certifications + Programs

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Learn how to build products that deliver continuous value to customers using an Agile approach to software development. By the end of this program, students will be able to differentiate between Scrum, Kanban, and XP, create an environment that fosters high performing teams, and manage iteration planning using Agile techniques. Students will also be able to create a release plan for a Minimum Viable Product, create metrics that show project status, and effectively communicate progress both within and outside of the development team.

Careers Related to Project Manager

Related project management jobs, companies hiring project managers, most common skills for project manager, related project management careers.

How to Become a Project Manager

Learn what it takes to become a Project Manager in 2024, and how to start your journey.

  • What is a Project Manager
  • How to Become
  • Certifications
  • Tools & Software
  • LinkedIn Guide
  • Interview Questions
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Professional Goals
  • Resume Examples
  • Cover Letter Examples

Land a Project Manager role with Teal

How do I become a Project Manager?

Acquire a solid educational background, develop essential project management skills, gain practical experience, build your professional network, create a portfolio of your project management work, stay current and continue professional development, typical requirements to become a project manager, educational requirements and academic pathways, building experience in project management, key skills for aspiring project managers, additional qualifications for a competitive edge, alternative ways to start a project manager career, starting from a supportive role, capitalizing on industry-specific experience, utilizing leadership roles in non-corporate settings, education and certification focused approach, how to break into the industry as a project manager - next steps.

  • Master the Fundamentals of Project Management: Begin by solidifying your understanding of project management principles, methodologies (like Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall), and the project lifecycle. Aspiring Project Managers should invest in learning the core skills such as project planning, risk management, and resource allocation to build a strong foundation.
  • Enhance Your Leadership and Communication Skills: Effective project management relies heavily on leading teams and communicating with stakeholders. Work on developing clear, concise communication and leadership qualities that inspire confidence and motivate your team to achieve project goals.
  • Understand the Importance of Time and Budget Management: Projects are defined by their deadlines and budgets. Acquiring the ability to manage time efficiently and control project costs is essential. Practice these skills by managing smaller projects or aspects of larger ones to demonstrate your capability in these areas.
  • Get Certified: Consider obtaining a project management certification such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2. These certifications are globally recognized and can significantly boost your credibility and job prospects in the project management field.
  • Develop Analytical and Problem-Solving Abilities: Project Managers must be adept at analyzing complex situations and finding solutions to unforeseen challenges. Sharpen your analytical thinking by engaging in activities or courses that require problem-solving and critical thinking.
  • Build Your Technical Expertise: While you don't need to be a technical expert, having a good understanding of the technologies and tools used in your industry can be a huge advantage. Familiarize yourself with project management software and any relevant technical skills that can help you manage projects more effectively.
  • Gain Real-World Experience: Nothing compares to hands-on experience. Volunteer for project teams, take on project coordination roles, or manage small projects within your current job. These experiences will provide practical knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to a career in project management.
  • Network with Professionals in the Field: Join project management associations, attend industry conferences, and connect with experienced Project Managers. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities, insights into industry best practices, and potential job leads.

FAQs about Becoming a Project Manager

How long does it take to become a project manager, do you need a degree to become a project manager, can i become a project manager with no experience.

Project Manager Skills

what education does a project manager need

Related Career Paths

Driving agile teams to deliver high-value projects, fostering adaptability and growth

Driving tech projects from concept to completion, ensuring efficiency and quality

Orchestrating multiple projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and goals

Orchestrating project details, ensuring smooth execution from inception to completion

Leading agile teams, optimizing workflow and ensuring timely, quality project delivery

Driving tech projects from conception to completion, ensuring efficiency and innovation

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Herzing University

Become a Project Manager: What You Need to Know

Discover if project management is right for you—and what you need to know to pursue a career.

Project managers help businesses keep track of and oversee multiple teams, assignments, deliverables, and deadlines. Project managers can work in a variety of different industries and environments given their transferrable and valuable skills.

In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, the value of a competent, diligent project manager cannot be overstated. Project managers play a pivotal role in the success and sustainability of businesses across all industries. It serves as the guiding force that enables organizations to effectively plan, execute, and deliver projects on time, within budget, and according to predefined quality standards. By employing structured methodologies, efficient resource allocation, and strategic risk management, a good project manager facilitates the optimization of processes, enhances productivity, and fosters innovation within an organization .

Looking for a career path demanding an organized, disciplined, people-oriented coordinator with a penchant for getting things done? A career in project management could be best for you.

Project manager and team members coordinating project with documents on desktop

Skills needed for success in a project management role

Regardless of where they work, all  project managers must have a few skills in common .

They are team-and detail-oriented and understand how to communicate and motivate others effectively. As a project manager, much of your time will be spent managing multiple people and details simultaneously. It’s important for project managers to have strong critical thinking and organizational skills, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Some common skills needed for success as a project manager include:

  • Communication skills . Good project managers are in regular communication with individual contributors and managers to ensure projects are kept on track. An effective project manager makes sure all parties are in the loop and nothing is lost in translation.
  • Time Management. Project managers play a crucial role in ensuring the successful completion of projects within the allocated time frame. Effective time management is essential for project managers to juggle various tasks, meet deadlines, and keep the project on track.
  • Attention to detail . While project managers should not get completely bogged down in the details of every aspect of the project (that’s what individual contributors are responsible for), there are boxes that must be checked to keep teams moving. Losing track of the details specifically regarding who is responsible for what on set deadlines can cause delays, backtracking, and inefficient use of time and resources.
  • Stakeholder management . Project managers must be aware of the stakeholders involved, recognizing their goals, and project planning accordingly.
  • Emotional intelligence . Project managers need to be able to read a room and detect when certain team members need to discuss or resolve an issue. Keep in mind some people won’t speak up! PMs must bring positive, collaborative energy and empathize with all team members.
  • Conflict resolution . When disagreements occur between members of a project, project managers must be able to facilitate a solution and keep the project moving forward. Learning effective conflict resolution techniques can really help maintain a positive working environment and make a project manager indispensable.

Pierre Le Manh, current CEO of the Project Management Institute (PMI), identifies 10 key skills needed for success as a project manager:

  • Communication
  • Risk management
  • Visualization
  • Data literacy
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • Stress management
  • Objectivity
  • Adaptability
  • Low-code/no-code proficiency

The last item on Manh’s list, “low-code/no-code proficiency,” speaks to a project manager’s ability to utilize apps and software to solve daily business problems. Day-to-day business in 2024 often involves a flurry of tech platforms which come and go based on several different factors.

Project managers aren’t usually expected to get their hands dirty in how apps and software are actually built or how they technically function—but they must be technologically inclined enough to comfortably navigate the apps/software relevant to daily business operations.

While every project management job comes with its own unique set of roles and responsibilities, all project managers share a similar set of core skills— the people-focused, detail-oriented abilities necessary to guide teams toward achieving business goals . 

Denise Greaves - EdD, J.D., MBA/HRM, Ed.S., SHRM-CP

" Becoming a project manager is about mastering the art of organizing chaos and transforming it into a structured success. It requires not just technical skills, but also the ability to communicate effectively, lead with empathy, and adapt swiftly to change, ensuring that every project not only meets its goals but also enhances team cohesion and stakeholder satisfaction ."

Dr. Denise Greaves is Lead Faculty for the Herzing University Online Business Program where she mentors program faculty in curriculum and assessment. She has over 17 years’ experience in tertiary education, curriculum development, and instructional technology. Dr. Greaves is admitted to the practice of law in the Superior Court of the State of Georgia, the U.S. District Court Northern District of Georgia, and the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia. She also holds professional designations from the Society for Human Resource Management as a SHRM-CP, the Talent Acquisition specialty, as well as the Certificate in Workplace Investigations. This experience recommended her as an editor of a text book for McGraw-Hill Education of a business law edition. Dr. Greaves has presented at conferences and published in scholarly journals on various topics in human resources management. She lectures in the Undergraduate and Graduate online business programs in courses related to human resources management, law, the capstone project, and the internship experience.

Denise E. Greaves EdD, J.D., MBA/HRM, Ed.S, SHRM-CP

Denise Greaves

Program Chair Undergraduate Business Programs

"As a 20+ year Project Management veteran, your success as a project manager is not just about managing tasks; it's about solid time management, attention to detail, leading teams, navigating challenges, and delivering results that exceed expectations. If you think that you have the resilience to become a project manager, make that investment in your career. Overtime, you'll will enjoy the financial rewards that come with leading successful projects and teams."

Walter Isley, PMP, CSM

Software Engineering Director - Top U.S. Bank Associate Professor - Herzing University

Education and experience requirements

Earning a bachelor’s degree in project management can really help ensure you can get a foot in the door in your first entry-level position, while advancing to a master’s degree can potentially help you qualify for managerial or leadership positions in the future.

Among those who have earned a degree, approximately 61% of project management specialists hold a bachelor’s degree, while 39% hold a master’s or professional degree, according to Lightcast . 1

The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates project management specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree, which may be focused in a variety of potential fields. Some employers may prefer PMs who have a more technical degree, or direct experience, relevant to their industry.

However, if you have yet to earn a bachelor’s degree, a bachelor’s degree curriculum in project management emphasizes the hard skills required for a wide variety of potential jobs in project management . Some employers may prefer a master’s-level education for senior-level project management roles.

Our bachelor’s degree curriculum contains many courses geared specifically for a career in project management, including:

  • Introduction to Human Resource Management
  • Organizational Change
  • Business Law
  • Managing Project Teams
  • Managing Information Systems
  • Managing Project Risks
  • Project Planning
  • Operations Management
  • Strategic Management

Can I become a project manager without a degree?

While it’s possible to find a job in project management without first earning a degree, those opportunities may be slim—especially if you have no prior experience in project management. There’s a good chance other applicants will have already earned a bachelor’s degree (or higher).

The best preparation for your first job is a career-focused education reflecting modern approaches to project management . Our school exists to help you develop the skills you need to not only find a job, but grow a long, lasting career in the field.

Certifications can help your resume stand out from the rest

The next step in establishing your career in project management is to earn an industry-recognized  certification , such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or  Project Management Professional (PMP)  from the Project Management Institute. These certifications prove that you have the knowledge and expertise to succeed in a project management role and can help you differentiate yourself in the workforce.

The Project Management Institute’s Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey – Thirteenth Edition (2023) reports those who earn PMP certification earn more than those who are not certified. PMP-certified project managers earn a 33% higher median salary than those without certification , according to respondents across 21 surveyed countries.

The Herzing University project management bachelor’s degree program prepares students with no project management experience to enter the workforce as an associate project manager. 

We offer graduates vouchers for either the CAPM or PMP exam prep course—gaining one of these certifications can give you a competitive advantage in the job market.

Discover your potential

Get in touch to learn more about our school and how we can help you reach your highest career goals.

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The diverse array of industries demanding project managers

One of the advantages of working in project management is the utility of your abilities to be highly valuable to many different types of companies.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides employment estimates based on industry. The industry which employs the most project management specialists is Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services, followed up by several unique industries in different focus areas:

Percent of total occupational employment in industry, May 2023 i

IndustryEmployment% of total
Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services86,3609.1%
Computer Systems Design and Related Services70,5907.5%
Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services65,5406.9%
Nonresidential Building Construction62,2606.6%
Management of Companies and Enterprises48,1805.1%
Building Equipment Contractors45,4804.8%
Residential Building Construction36,3303.8%
Employment Services32,8403.5%
Scientific Research and Development Services24,0302.5%
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)19,7102.1%

i. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022). Occupational employment and wage statistics, May 2022: All data. United States Department of Labor. . This table includes a selection of the top industries for each occupation. That’s why there are only 10 industries listed and percentages do not add to 100%.

Employment is not heavily concentrated in any single industry . Your skills developed as a project manager are applicable to jobs in all sorts of different industries, including construction, information technology, engineering, consulting, and much more.

As someone responsible for getting things done , your expertise in the subject matter itself is less important than your ability to facilitate the cooperation and coordination of the subject matter experts needed to achieve business goals .  

Salary potential: how much you can potentially make as a project manager

According to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics , project management specialists earn an average salary of $104,920 per year ( $50.44 per hour). Pay depends on many factors, including your location, what company you work for and your level of experience.*

Employment outlook: demand for project managers in different industry sectors

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of project management specialists is expected to grow 6% from 2022-2032 , faster than the average across all U.S. occupations. This translates to an additional 54,700 jobs added over that time period.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a project management degree worth it.

Yes! You will learn skills adaptable across many industries and possess abilities sought after by employers everywhere. Get educated, better yourself, and build yourself a new career with all sorts of potential.

Why is project management important?

Project management is incredibly important to keep businesses functioning properly. Without clear expectations underpinning the many types of everyday tasks, project executors don’t know who needs to do what by when.

Project managers are crucial to set priorities, manage processes, audit workflows, guard against scope creep, reduce costs and keep the big picture in mind so everyone involved in a project can feel free to perfectly execute the details.

Businesses must work persistently towards organizing and solidifying their processes for prioritizing and completing projects. Project managers are on the front lines helping to keep business running smoothly.

What is it like to be a project manager? Is it stressful?

Project management is not a profession that’s perfect for every personality type. Project managers often wind up wearing many hats and are accountable to complete tasks on time and on budget. People will look to you to deliver the final word and set expectations for what needs to be done, who needs to do it and when they need to do it.

As with any goal-oriented position in a supervisory role, project management can be stressful.

However, it’s a highly enriching career in that you are constantly learning and honing your skills. Every day will be a little different and there will always be new little “fires” to put out. If you thrive in that sort of environment, you are a great fit for a role in project management.

What do project managers do?

Project managers run projects and project teams. They help businesses keep track of multiple assignments and meet important deadlines. A project manager needs to excel as a communicator, keep up with multiple tasks and remain cool when the pressure is on.

Entry-level project managers usually assist with a specific aspect of managing projects, while mid and upper-level project managers will run teams, working directly for organizations or in a consulting role.

What kind of degree do you need for project management?

Requirements to become a project manager  will vary by employer. There is always a balance of formal education vs. experience.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in project management signals to hiring managers you have invested the time to build the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in the role. With a degree and a proven track record in real-life project management, you can become qualified for more and more positions and earn more choice in your career path.

How much can a project manager make?

The average salary for project managers varies widely based on the state in which you work, experience level, and certifications earned.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , project management specialists earn an average annual salary of $104,920 per year ( $50.44 per hour).*

Earn PMP certification to increase your potential . The Project Management Institute reports project professionals who earn PMP certification earn a 16% higher median salary.

Take the first step towards a new career path in project management

Regardless of your current experience or educational background, the best step you can take to prepare for a career as a project manager is to get educated. 

Our online degree program offers the career-focused study you need to excel in a project management career from day 1. You don’t have to go it alone!

Herzing University can be your lifelong learning partner dedicated to your career success. Like-minded students and experienced faculty support you every step of the way. 

Invest in yourself and begin reaching towards your highest career goals. We know you are possible .

Learn more about the Herzing's project management program options

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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A Project Manager's Qualifications and Career Path

what education does a project manager need

Katie Miller is a consumer financial services expert. She worked for almost two decades as an executive, leading multi-billion dollar mortgage, credit card, and savings portfolios with operations worldwide and a unique focus on the consumer. Her mortgage expertise was honed post-2008 crisis as she implemented the significant changes resulting from Dodd-Frank required regulations.

what education does a project manager need

For any business to be successful, project management is essential; it is the core of nearly all daily operations. A project manager is responsible for grouping skilled workers into teams, constructing and instituting team plans, and facilitating the execution of all projects. This is all done to achieve the company’s goals. Specific duties and roles for each project manager depend, to a large extent, on the company the manager works for and the industry in which the company operates.

Often, a project manager begins their career in management at a consulting firm. This firm provides training in management methodology. In many cases, this individual starts as part of the team working under a project manager and works their way up into a management position.

Key Takeaways

  • Project managers plan, develop, monitor, control, and execute projects, doing everything from putting together groups of skilled workers to designing the structure and schedule of the project.
  • Project managers often have an undergraduate degree in management and some have a master's degree; internships, on-the-job training, or experience in other areas of business management are also helpful.
  • Established project managers, with 10 or more years of experience, can move up the corporate ladder to senior management positions or eventually become the chief operating officer (COO) of a company.

For any project manager, organization is the essential quality to possess. When a business assigns a project manager to a project, multiple factors and elements are involved and must fall into place seamlessly for the project manager to execute the project and achieve the company’s desired result.

In some instances, multiple departments within a business must work together to complete a project. Under these circumstances, the project manager must direct and oversee each department’s plans, ensure all departments are functioning effectively and staying on task, and combine all aspects to complete a project on time and within its budget. Staying within the company’s established budget and meeting the deadline for every project are the two primary responsibilities of every project manager.

To succeed, project managers must have excellent communication and motivation skills, enjoy working with others while maintaining a leadership role, pay close attention to details, and be organized.

Earning an undergraduate degree in management is generally the place to start for an individual interested in pursuing a career as a project manager. This degree provides the individual with a background in critical areas, including overall management and human resources skills, that pertain directly to the job. The courses an individual takes to obtain this degree also strengthen communication and interaction skills. Both are essential assets needed to be successful as a project manager.

Some of the requirements for this position vary and depend on the company the individual applies to and the industry in which the company operates. Certain companies are more apt to require a person to have a master’s degree in project management to be considered for the position.

Gaining higher education that specializes in this particular field adds knowledge and value to any individual applying for a position as a project manager. Most companies see the greater potential a well-educated candidate can offer. Having a higher degree also generally increases the pay level in this field.

Individuals interested in this position also typically find some type of internship to gain on-the-job experience. Most internships involve working as part of the team being managed but allow the individual easy access to the project manager they work under; this gives the person the opportunity to observe how the project manager operates.

Certain skills and abilities that are necessary for this position can only be learned by actually working in a management environment.

The average salary of a project manager in the United States, as of 2024, according to Salary.com; however, the figure can vary considerably, depending on the region, the department, level of education, certifications, and other factors.

There are often established project managers who wish to move up the ladder or move to a different position. There are a number of different jobs that project managers may pursue. These jobs include chief operating officer (COO) and a senior management role that falls under various different titles depending on the company and the industry.

For an established project manager—specifically one with at least 10 years of experience—moving into the position of COO is a fairly smooth transition. The work the project manager has done, interacting and working with all levels and all departments within the company, along with the skills and assets acquired during years on the job, easily prepares the project manager to graduate to this position.

If the manager does not already have one, it may be a good idea to earn a Master of Business Administration or MBA. Transitioning to the role of COO inevitably leads to an increase in responsibility and also a substantial increase in pay.

A senior delivery role may sound like a downgrade in position, but the job goes by different names in different companies and industries. As an example, in a vendor environment, software vendors typically use titles such as business development director, senior managing consultant, and senior project manager.

Essentially, the project manager is moving up to a senior management position. It depends, of course, on how long the manager has worked for the company and how effective and successful they have been. Again, moving into this position surely increases duties and the level of responsibility, but it also includes a significant increase in salary.

Project managers oversee groups of skilled workers and teams to facilitate the completion of projects. Project managers' roles and duties vary depending on the company and industry. Careers in project management can be lucrative and a successful project manager may rise up to a senior management position in time.

Salary.com. “ Nationwide Companies Salary for Project Manager .”

Indeed. “ Chief Operating Officer (COO): Role and Responsibilities .”

what education does a project manager need

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Project Manager Education Requirements

The educational requirements for a project manager are typically a bachelor's degree. According to Lisa Noble , Director of Employer Engagement and Entrepreneurship and DavisConnects Advisor for Consulting at Colby College, "new graduates need to write well, think critically, draw reasonable conclusions from data and learn new things quickly." In addition to these skills, young project managers should also be proficient in using tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and collaboration tools like Monday.com, Asana, and SmartSheet.

In terms of technology impacting project managers in the next 5 years, Lisa Noble envisions that English majors will be critical for improving artificial intelligence to create more satisfying and productive human-computer interactions. She also notes that technology will allow for real-time feedback and adaptation to improve communication and customer satisfaction. Bijan Shapoorian , Adjunct Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington, also emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with new software and technology in order to advance in the industry.

What education do you need to become a project manager?

What degree do you need to be a project manager.

The most common degree for project managers is bachelor's degree, with 68% of project managers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 14% and master's degree degree at 11%.

  • Bachelor's , 68%
  • Master's , 14%
  • Associate , 11%
  • High School Diploma , 3%
  • Other Degrees , 4%

What should I major in to become a project manager?

According to Brett Horton Ph.D. , Professor of Practice at Kansas State University, a degree in hospitality management is beneficial for project managers. He emphasizes that graduates in this field have numerous opportunities to grow quickly with great companies and leaders. However, he cautions against moving up too fast without being fully prepared.

  • Business , 29%
  • Computer Science , 6%
  • Electrical Engineering , 5%
  • Mechanical Engineering , 5%
  • Other Majors , 55%

Most common colleges for project managers

Project managers often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, University of Maryland - College Park, and Pennsylvania State University. Here are the most common colleges for project managers in the US based on their resumes.

Project Manager Common CollegePercentages
University of Phoenix14.53%
University of Maryland - College Park6.50%
Pennsylvania State University6.01%
Purdue University5.31%
Texas A&M University5.30%

Best majors for project managers

RankMajorPercentages
1 28.8%
2 6.5%
3 5.5%
4 4.9%
5 4.8%

Best colleges for project managers

The University of Pennsylvania, University of Southern California, and Northwestern University top the list of best colleges for project managers. These institutions offer strong project management programs, with a focus on practical skills and relevant coursework. A degree from these colleges can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities in the field.

University of Pennsylvania

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-State Tuition

University of Southern California

2. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Northwestern University

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Boston University

4. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Pennsylvania State University

5. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

Harvard University

6. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

University of Washington

7. University of Washington

Seattle, WA • Private

University of Texas at Austin

8. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

New York University

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

University of Maryland - College Park

10. University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, MD • Private

20 best online courses for project managers

1. Digital Project Management

Build confidence translating business requirements into project scope statements, creating project plans in Waterfall or Agile, and developing a high-performing team...

2. The Agile Methodology for Project Risk Managers

The Agile Project Management and Risk Management for Project Professionals Full Course...

3. Master Course in Project Management 2.0

Project Management, PMP, Agile project management, Project manager, Prince2, Scrum, Project Planning, Project risk cost...

4. Mastering Construction/Project Management

Mastering Construction-Project Management in less than 10 Hours...

5. Project Management Essentials

A crash course in the essentials of project management for new project managers...

6. Project Management - Complete Guide For A+ Project Managers

Complete guide to project management - stakeholders, planning, cost, quality, risks, feasibility, methods & resourcing...

7. Agile Crash Course: Agile Project Management; Agile Delivery

Agile Project Management Basics (Scrum) & Agile Project Management Essentials (Scrum). Plus Agile Certification (Scrum)...

8. Project Management: Becoming a Successful Project manager

Project Management...

9. Beginning Project Management: Project Management Level One

Project Management: Growing a Successful Career as a Project Manager...

10. Project Management Course: Master Project Scope Management

Practical guide to scope development and management - Project Management Certification (PMP, CAPM) Training [Earn 11PDU]...

11. Agile Project Management Bootcamp: Agile Project Management

This Agile Project Management Bootcamp course will allow you to learn the Agile Way! Agile Project Management (Scrum)...

12. Practical Project Management for Management Consultants

How to manage successfully a consulting project - a practical guide for Project Managers...

13. Project Management: Simple Software Project Management

Project Management for NEW Project Managers - knowledge, tools, techniques, skills, checklists, guidelines, pitfalls...

14. Project Management Office (PMO) Setup Guide

PMO Step-by-Step Implementation Plan...

15. Project Management Office (PMO) for Management Consultants

A practical guide on how to build and run PMO on the level of top consulting firm Mc Kinsey, BCG, Bain, Pw C...

16. IT Project Budget & Cost Management

Project Management tips to manage a million dollar IT Project budget from start to finish...

17. Project Management Fundamentals: Risk Management

Without risk, there can be no reward. Learn how to your risks it into your allies...

18. Project Risk Management

Practice of identifying , analyzing, prioritizing and mitigating risks...

19. Manage Project Risks Impeccably (12 PDUs, RMP - PMP) PMBOK 7

PMI Project Risk Management RMP Certification Program Course. Practical & easy to follow Use Case Project. PMBOK 7...

20. Project Management Fundamentals for Professionals

Delivering Exceptional Project Results: Successful “Hands-On” Management of Modern-Day Projects...

Top 10 most affordable universities for project managers

The most affordable schools for project managers are University of Florida, baruch college of the city university of new york, and hunter college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for project managers are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for project managers.

University of Florida

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

Cost of Attendance

Baruch College of the City University of New York

2. Baruch College of the City University of New York

Hunter College of the City University of New York

3. Hunter College of the City University of New York

California State University - Long Beach

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

California State University - Bakersfield

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

University of South Florida

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

California State University - Los Angeles

7. California State University - Los Angeles

Florida State University

8. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

Brigham Young University

9. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

Florida International University

10. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for project managers

The hardest universities for project managers to get into are University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and Harvard University.

Some great schools for project managers are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for project managers based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

Admissions Rate

SAT Average

2. Northwestern University

3. harvard university.

Johns Hopkins University

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Carnegie Mellon University

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Washington University in St Louis

6. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Columbia University in the City of New York

7. Columbia University in the City of New York

8. university of southern california.

Northeastern University

9. Northeastern University

Duke University

10. Duke University

Durham, NC • Private

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for project managers

The easiest schools for project managers to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, barry university, and university of the incarnate word.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a project manager without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for project managers.

Mount Saint Mary's University

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Barry University

2. Barry University

University of the Incarnate Word

3. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

University of Baltimore

4. University of Baltimore

University of North Texas at Dallas

5. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Holy Names University

6. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Wayland Baptist University

7. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Oklahoma Wesleyan University

8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

California University of Pennsylvania

9. California University of Pennsylvania

California, PA • Private

San Francisco State University

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Average project manager salary by education level

According to our data, project managers with a Doctorate degree earn the highest average salary, at $114,985 annually. Project managers with a Master's degree earn an average annual salary of $109,564.

Project Manager education levelProject Manager salary
Master's Degree$109,564
High School Diploma or Less$80,440
Bachelor's Degree$99,138
Doctorate Degree$114,985
Some College/ Associate Degree$84,019

Project Manager Education FAQs

What is the best college for project managers, search for project manager jobs.

Updated April 5, 2024

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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What Does an Education Project Manager Do?

Find out what an Education Project Manager does, how to get this job, salary information, and what it takes to succeed as an Education Project Manager.

what education does a project manager need

The Education Project Manager plays an integral role in shaping the future of learning environments by overseeing the planning, execution, and completion of educational projects. This position involves collaborating with a diverse team of educators, administrators, and stakeholders to ensure projects meet their objectives, stay within budget, and are delivered on time. With a focus on innovation and improvement, the Education Project Manager is tasked with developing strategies that enhance educational programs, incorporating technology and modern teaching methodologies to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Through meticulous organization and clear communication, this role ensures that educational initiatives are aligned with institutional goals, ultimately contributing to the advancement of educational standards and practices.

Education Project Manager Job Duties

  • Develop and implement comprehensive project plans that merge customer requirements with company goals and coordinate various managers and technical personnel during all project phases, from initial development through implementation.
  • Analyze project progress and, when necessary, adapt scope, timelines, and costs to ensure that the project team adheres to project requirements.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors to create and deliver educational content that meets project specifications.
  • Monitor and report on project progress, challenges, and successes to stakeholders and project team members, ensuring clear communication throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Manage the financial aspects of the education project, including budgeting, expense monitoring, and invoicing, to ensure the project remains within financial constraints.
  • Ensure that all educational materials produced meet specified quality standards and are in alignment with current educational trends and best practices.
  • Facilitate professional development and training sessions for educators and staff to effectively implement new curriculum, technologies, or methodologies introduced by the project.
  • Conduct post-project evaluation to assess the impacts and outcomes of educational initiatives, identifying lessons learned and recommendations for future projects.

Education Project Manager Salary & Outlook

Factors impacting an Education Project Manager’s salary include years of experience in education and project management, the scale and budget of projects managed, expertise in educational technology, success in grant writing and fund acquisition, and the ability to implement innovative educational programs that achieve measurable outcomes.

  • Median Annual Salary: $91,875 ($44.17/hour)
  • Top 10% Annual Salary: $153,000 ($73.56/hour)

The employment of education project managers is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing investments in educational technology, the expansion of online learning platforms, and the need for curriculum development to meet evolving educational standards. Education Project Managers are pivotal in orchestrating these initiatives, ensuring projects meet educational objectives and are delivered efficiently.

Education Project Manager Job Requirements

Education: An Education Project Manager typically holds a Bachelor’s Degree, with common majors including Education, Project Management, or a related field. Some possess an Associate’s Degree or a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, often in education administration or curriculum development. Relevant coursework includes project management principles, educational theory, leadership, and strategic planning. Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s in Education Leadership, can enhance prospects, focusing on higher-level management and policy-making skills.

Experience: Education Project Managers typically come from a background rich in hands-on experience within educational settings, having progressed through roles that demand increasing responsibility. Their journey often includes significant exposure to curriculum development, instructional design, and the management of educational programs. On-the-job training and participation in professional development programs are common, equipping them with the skills to oversee projects, lead teams, and implement innovative educational solutions. Their experience is complemented by a deep understanding of educational methodologies and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of learners and institutions.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications and licenses are not typically required for the role of Education Project Manager.

Education Project Manager Skills

Curriculum Development: Developing engaging, relevant, and comprehensive learning materials necessitates a profound grasp of both the subject matter and pedagogical strategies. Education Project Managers must ensure that educational objectives are efficiently and creatively met, aligning curriculum design with overarching project goals. This involves a seamless integration of content, assessment, and instructional methods tailored to diverse learning environments and student needs.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging effectively with stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty, and community partners, is imperative for aligning educational projects with the expectations and needs of all parties. It enables Education Project Managers to communicate effectively, solicit feedback, and incorporate diverse perspectives into project planning and execution, thereby enhancing the impact and sustainability of educational initiatives.

Educational Technology Integration: The integration of digital tools and learning platforms into curriculum development and instructional strategies enhances teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Education Project Managers must have a keen eye for evaluating emerging educational technologies and a strategic approach to their implementation, ensuring alignment with educational goals and improved learning outcomes.

Grant Writing: Writing compelling proposals to secure funding from various sources is a critical responsibility for Education Project Managers. It involves conducting meticulous research, writing persuasively, and strategically aligning project goals with the priorities of potential funders to ensure the successful acquisition of grants.

Assessment Design: Designing evaluations that accurately measure learning outcomes and align with educational goals is a complex task. It requires a profound understanding of pedagogical theories and their practical application, enabling Education Project Managers to gauge student progress effectively and enhance the learning experience by identifying areas for curriculum improvement.

Change Management: Adapting to evolving educational landscapes and stakeholder expectations demands a strategic approach to new policies, curricula, and technologies. Education Project Managers must ensure seamless transitions and maintain project momentum amidst shifts in educational standards, methodologies, and learning environments.

Education Project Manager Work Environment

An Education Project Manager typically operates within a dynamic environment that blends traditional office settings with modern, digital workspaces. This role often involves a mix of in-person and virtual collaboration, utilizing a variety of digital tools and platforms to manage projects, communicate with team members, and oversee educational content development. The workspace is designed to foster creativity and efficiency, equipped with the necessary technology to support project management software and communication tools.

Work hours for this position can vary, with a blend of standard office hours and flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and meetings across different time zones. This role may require occasional travel for site visits, conferences, or team meetings, though much of the interaction with stakeholders and team members is conducted online.

The social environment encourages continuous learning and professional development, with opportunities for training and advancement. The pace can be fast, driven by project timelines and educational cycles, but the culture often emphasizes teamwork, support, and a shared commitment to educational goals.

Advancement Prospects

An Education Project Manager can advance to senior project management roles, overseeing larger, more complex educational initiatives. This progression often involves taking on projects with higher budgets and broader impacts, such as district-wide curriculum implementations or national education programs.

To achieve this, demonstrating success in managing diverse teams and delivering projects on time and within budget is crucial. Mastery in adapting to the evolving educational technologies and methodologies can set a foundation for moving into consultancy roles, advising educational institutions on project management best practices and innovation.

Leadership in this field can also extend to policy development, working with educational boards or government bodies to shape the future of education. Success in this area requires a deep understanding of educational policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.

Ultimately, the path to advancement is marked by a combination of project success, strategic vision, and the ability to influence the broader educational landscape.

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COMMENTS

  1. How To Become A Project Manager: A Step-By-Step Guide

    Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook. Project management specialists in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of $98,580, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. PMI's 2021 talent gap ...

  2. How To Become a Project Manager in 7 Steps (Plus Salary)

    Develop ideas and turn them into actionable project plans. Devise a plan of action for the completion of a project and create specific tasks to complete. Form a team that handles project tasks. Oversee project teams and ensure all team members understand and fulfill their duties. Work with stakeholders that the project might affect.

  3. How to Become a Project Manager: 6 Steps (2024)

    3. Develop project management skills. It'll be a good idea to sharpen the technical and workplace skills involved in project management. Here are some skills commonly requested in project manager job descriptions: Risk management. Budgeting. Agile project management. Waterfall project management. Scrum.

  4. How to Become a Project Manager

    Also called "soft skills", these are the abilities and behaviors that facilitate working with others and help project managers succeed in the workplace. The top four power skills identified as critical for project success are: Communication. Problem-solving. Collaborative leadership. And strategic thinking.

  5. What's a Project Manager? And How to Become One

    1. Earn a degree. Although it is possible to get a job as a project manager without a degree, you may find it helpful to have a degree in a related field. Each company sets its requirements for the position, and some companies accept field experience in place of a degree.

  6. How to become a project manager: the 2024 guide

    This means that you'll need to retake the exam every few years to show that you're still up-to-date with PM best practices and standards. 3. Master the tools of the trade. As a project manager, you're always looking for ways to increase efficiency and improve processes.

  7. Project Management Qualifications: Here's What You Need to Know

    However, successful projects need qualified project managers to make them happen. This article tackles the subject of project management qualification, including a definition, what qualifications entail, the eligibility requirements, ... Experience is a great teacher and a vital part of project management education. There are several fulfilling ...

  8. How to Become a Project Manager

    It can take anywhere from 3-5 years to become a project manager, depending on your level of education and experience. Earning a bachelor's degree typically takes four years, and you may need some hands-on work experience before you can land a project management role. If you don't have a degree, don't worry.

  9. What Is a Project Manager? A Career Guide

    A project manager is a professional who organizes, plans, and executes projects while working within restraints like budgets and schedules. Project managers lead entire teams, define project goals, communicate with stakeholders, and see a project through to its closure. Whether running a marketing campaign, constructing a building, developing a ...

  10. How to Become a Project Manager: Complete Career Path

    1. Get your Bachelor's degree in business management or business administration. 2. Get work experience to gain skills like communication and organization. 3. Obtain certifications such as Certified Associate in Project Management. 4. Get a project management job. 5.

  11. How to Become a Project Manager: 5 Steps

    Agile project management. Waterfall project management. Scrum. Organisation. Communication. Leadership. You can develop skills by taking courses specific to a subject, studying for a certification or practicing them in the workplace. 4. Look for entry-level positions.

  12. How to Become a Project Manager

    It has project manager requirements for an aspirant to be eligible such as a high school diploma and a minimum of 1,500 hours of work experience. Other certifications include the GAQM's Associate in Project Management, the CompTIA Project+, and PRINCE2 Foundation. Read also: How CAPM Certification Can Help You.

  13. What Does a Project Manager Do? How to Become One, Salary, Skills

    A project manager is the driving force behind a company's projects, ensuring they are done on time and within budget. For that reason, project managers need to know how to efficiently allocate time and resources. Their responsibilities may also include quality assurance, risk management and financial analysis, and they must be able to ...

  14. How to Become a Project Manager

    What education does a project manager need? Our experts were split on whether education is necessary; most concede any education is valuable for a project manager. Vasiliy Moiseev, project manager at Usetech, tells Dice: "Education in management comes in handy here. Often, project managers are those who have an economic or marketing education ...

  15. How to Become a Project Manager

    Educational Requirements and Academic Pathways. While there is no strict educational path to becoming a Project Manager, a bachelor's degree in business administration, management, engineering, or a related field is often expected by employers. This education provides a solid foundation in key business and management principles.

  16. Project Manager Job Requirements

    For project management positions, employers often require three or more years of experience in a leadership role. This can include previous project management roles, supervisory roles or other management roles. Candidates may also need work experience in specific industries or fields depending on project types.

  17. What is a Project Manager & What Do They Do?

    Project managers equip their teams with the tools to succeed and evolve through projects. And they use various project management skills to do so, including: Leadership and Adaptability. Organization and Time Management. Creative Problem-Solving. Effective Communication. Motivation and Team Management. If you'd like to see how project ...

  18. FAQ: What Are Common Project Manager Qualifications?

    Project management. Project management skills enable these workers to plan the project and manage each aspect appropriately. This includes determining the scope of the project, overseeing deadlines, ensuring quality and managing the budget. These skills may also involve understanding and applying project management methodologies based on what ...

  19. Education Requirements for Becoming a Project Manager

    Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree. While there's technically no degree required to become a project manager, most project managers have at least a bachelor's degree. You can get a degree specifically in project management, but business and computer science are also popular options. A degree in project management gives you exposure to the popular ...

  20. How to Become a Project Manager: What You Need to Know

    Risk management. Visualization. Data literacy. Intellectual curiosity. Stress management. Objectivity. Adaptability. Low-code/no-code proficiency. The last item on Manh's list, "low-code/no-code proficiency," speaks to a project manager's ability to utilize apps and software to solve daily business problems.

  21. How to Become a Project Manager?

    When a project goes off the rails, it costs every organization time and, most importantly, money. That's why, on a global scale, the Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates that 2.3 million people will need to enter the project management-related professions by 2030 to keep up with the demand.

  22. A Project Manager's Qualifications and Career Path

    A project manager is responsible for grouping skilled workers into teams, constructing and instituting team plans, and facilitating the execution of all projects. This is all done to achieve the ...

  23. Project Manager Education Requirements: Degrees, Majors, Colleges

    The educational requirements for a project manager are typically a bachelor's degree. According to Lisa Noble, Director of Employer Engagement and Entrepreneurship and DavisConnects Advisor for Consulting at Colby College, "new graduates need to write well, think critically, draw reasonable conclusions from data and learn new things quickly."In addition to these skills, young project managers ...

  24. What does a Project Manager do? Role & Responsibilities

    Project managers are responsible for planning and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed in a timely fashion and within budget. Project managers plan and designate project resources, prepare budgets, monitor progress, and keep stakeholders informed the entire way. This is all done within the confines of a company's goals and vision.

  25. Do I Need a Project Management Degree?

    Yes. There's no requirement for what kind of degree you need to have to become a project manager. Some places may state a preference for a certain type of degree, especially if the work you'll be doing requires specialty knowledge—being a project manager in construction, for example, might require a degree in civil engineering ...

  26. What Does an Education Project Manager Do?

    Education Project Manager Job Duties. Develop and implement comprehensive project plans that merge customer requirements with company goals and coordinate various managers and technical personnel during all project phases, from initial development through implementation. Analyze project progress and, when necessary, adapt scope, timelines, and ...