Businesses need project managers to help them run practical projects that stay within budget and are delivered on time.
As an aspiring project manager, you understand this, so you are considering entering this lucrative field. But how can you successfully transition your career into project management if you already have other qualifications?
In this article, we discuss project management in more detail, including how to become a project manager, your responsibilities, and possible careers.
Plus, we also look at how you can move into this career with the help of a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management (regardless of what industry you are currently in). .
What is a project manager?
A project manager is the driving force behind the successful delivery of projects. Their role blends leadership, planning, and coordination, ensuring tasks are accomplished on time, within budget, and to expected standards.
But what does this job look like in practice? Here are some of the main responsibilities of project management professionals:
- Planning and scheduling: Creating detailed project timelines to ensure every task is executed smoothly.
- Resource management: Allocating time, money, and materials effectively to avoid delays or overspending.
- Team leadership: Motivating team members, resolving conflicts, and ensuring everyone works towards a common goal.
- Risk management: Identifying potential setbacks early and finding ways to minimise their impact.
- Stakeholder communication: Keeping all parties informed, from team members to senior management.
Think of them as the conductor of an orchestra. Each musician has their individual role, but the project manager ensures everyone works in harmony to produce something remarkable.
What are the key project management skills needed for this career?
If you want to pursue a career in project management, you need certain skills and qualifications.
You will need soft and hard skills to be an effective manager. Some of the top project management skills employers look for include:
- Communication skills: As the manager, you need to keep communication flowing between all stakeholders, including employees, other managers, and clients, so that everyone is on the same page.
- Project management software: You need to be able to use specific tools and software to help keep track of project progress.
- Technical skills: With the advancement of technology and artificial intelligence in project management, you will need to learn how to implement AI and machine learning into your systems for more seamless processes.
- Organisational abilities: You must keep track of project timelines, budgets, and task assignments to ensure projects are delivered on time.
- Problem-solving: Projects rarely go off without a hitch. You need excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to develop solutions when issues arise.
- Risk management: Identifying and addressing potential risks minimises disruptions and ensures smoother execution.
How do I transition to a project management career?
You do not need to start in project management to excel in it. Many of the required skills are transferable from other industries, and you can easily transition from one career to another.
Have experience leading a team, managing budgets, or planning complex tasks? You are already a step ahead.
Here are some fields with natural crossover skills:
- Teaching: Strong communication and time-management abilities.
- Administration: Organisational and multitasking skills.
- Marketing: The ability to run campaigns and ensure goals are reached within budget.
- Accounting: The ability to work with finances and manage income and expenses.
Your past experiences could have already given you the tools to succeed — project management may be about refining and expanding them.
As for how to transition, here are some of the steps you can take:
Look for opportunities in your current role
If you are already employed, one of the best ways to start is by seeking opportunities within your current position. Many jobs involve aspects of project management, even if they are not labelled as such.
For example:
- Have you ever coordinated a company event or product launch?
- Have you led a small team or handled a complex task with deadlines?
- Have you been responsible for creating a timeline or report for a task’s progress?
These experiences can serve as a basis for your portfolio. Volunteer to lead small projects, shadow experienced project managers, or take on coordination tasks. It’s a great way to build experience without officially holding the title.
Gain formal project management training
While employers value hands-on experience, formal education can significantly boost you. A postgraduate diploma or certification in project management provides structured learning and signals to employers that you’re serious about the profession.
One of the best options is a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. These typically cover leadership, planning tools, and advanced strategies.
This diploma is perfect if you already have a qualification in a different industry and want to move into project management. You require a degree or advanced diploma in a different discipline and at least two years of managerial experience to qualify.
What are the different career paths available in project management?
You can fill many roles in project management, including traditional project management careers and industry-specific roles.
Traditional roles
- Project Coordinator: An entry-level role where you assist with scheduling, reporting, and administrative tasks to support the project manager.
- Project Manager: The leader responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
- Senior Project Manager: A more advanced role handling complex, large-scale projects or managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Programme Manager: Oversees a group of related projects, ensuring they align with broader organisational goals. They focus on delivering long-term value while managing interdependencies between projects.
- Portfolio Manager: Manages a portfolio of programmes and projects to optimise resource allocation, ensure alignment with business strategy, and maximise return on investment.
Industry-specific roles
- Construction Project Manager: Responsible for coordinating teams, budgets, and schedules to ensure buildings or infrastructure projects are completed successfully.
- IT Project Manager: Leads technology-based projects, such as software development or system implementations, often working in Agile or Scrum environments.
FAQ
Can you start out as a project manager?
Yes, you can start in a project management role. But it is very uncommon. Typically, you will start in a more entry-level role, such as Project Coordinator, and work your way up into a management position.
Key steps to grow into a management role include:
- Volunteer for small projects
- Shadow experienced managers
- Upskill with certifications or courses
How can I build a strong project management portfolio?
Your portfolio should show clear examples of your ability to deliver results. It is proof of your skills, showcasing completed tasks or projects.
Even if you are new, creating a compelling portfolio by highlighting relevant achievements is possible. Here are some tips for your portfolio:
- Document everything, including budgets, reports, and timelines
- Show transferable skills
- Use real examples of things you helped achieve
- Add metrics and numbers
Is project management a good career choice for me?
It depends on your interests and career aspirations. To determine whether project management is a good career choice, you need to consider whether you would like to work in this industry long-term.
You also need to think of the skills that you already have and how you can use them in the project management industry. For example, are you a good leader? Do you excel at communication?
Study project management with REGENT
Now that you clearly understand what a project management career entails and the skills and knowledge required to thrive in this industry, you can decide if this is the right career for you.
If you already have a qualification in a different field and would like to transition your career into project management, have a look at REGENT’s Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
