Project Management Career Paths: Where Can a Higher Certificate Take You?

The project management industry can be highly lucrative, with excellent career opportunities in various industries, from finance to manufacturing to IT and beyond.

Most medium and large companies require skilled project managers to help manage teams and achieve project deadlines within allocated budgets. 

Pursuing a Higher Certificate in Project Management will give you the skills and knowledge needed to enter this industry and build a thriving career.

In this article, we look at what an HC in Project Management is, the benefits of studying this course, and the career paths you can take.

What is a Higher Certificate in Project Management?

A Higher Certificate in Project Management is a formal qualification that gives you the skills and knowledge you need to run projects for businesses. Some of the primary responsibilities of project managers include the following:

• Planning projects
• Managing budgets
• Coordinating teams
• Risk management
• Quality management
• Change management
• Communicating with stakeholders

Every business project relies on the project manager’s expertise. This combination of structured planning and leadership is one reason project management skills are in demand, regardless of industry.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Higher Certificate in Project Management?

Earning a Higher Certificate in Project Management can open new doors in your career. This is because this certificate does the following for you.

Build a solid knowledge base

With a higher certificate, you will learn how to plan, organise, and oversee tasks effectively. This foundational knowledge makes managing projects of various sizes and complexities easier. 

Even if you already manage tasks in your role, formal education refines your approach by teaching proven techniques.

More career opportunities

Employers value team members with formal training in project management. 

A higher certificate signals that you are serious about your career and have the skills to contribute efficiently. It can also be a launchpad for pursuing junior project management roles or promotions within your current organisation.

Some industries, like construction or IT, increasingly look for certified professionals. So, earning this certificate will look good on your CV.

Develop your practical skills

A higher certificate prepares you for the work environment, so you have the skills to complete tasks effectively, within budget, and according to deadlines. 

The skills you will learn include time management, leadership, communication, technical skills, and more. 

Opens the door to more advanced qualifications

Certificates offer great stepping stones for pursuing more advanced qualifications later. With this foundation, you can progress to advanced certifications like a diploma or degree in project management.

These higher-level qualifications can unlock senior roles and further expand your career opportunities. Starting with a higher certificate puts you on the right track while giving you practical skills from day one.

Increase confidence and credibility

Formal training does more than teach you technical skills — it also boosts your confidence. Knowing you have been trained in industry best practices can help you make decisions more decisively. 

You will feel prepared to take on challenges and engage with stakeholders professionally. This confidence naturally translates to credibility. 

What are different project management career paths?

There are several different project management jobs at different levels. Each role plays a vital part in the overall project delivery process. 

With a certificate, you can start in entry-level positions, such as a Project Coordinator, and work your way up to more senior roles with higher responsibilities and income potential. 

Here are some excellent careers you can pursue. 

Project Coordinator

As mentioned above, a project coordinator is an entry-level position, perfect for professionals starting their project management careers. 

In this role, you will be responsible for supporting project managers by helping them complete their day-to-day tasks. 

Your main responsibilities would be to: 

• Schedule meetings and maintain the manager’s schedule
• Document project updates
• Track project progress
• Manage communication between the manager and team members
• Handle administrative tasks

Project Manager

As your career progresses, you can move into a management position. Managers oversee the entire project from start to finish and are responsible for delivering the best results within the allocated budget and timeline.

As a manager, you will have the following day-to-day duties: 

• Plan projects
• Allocate financial, material, and human resources while managing costs
• Address any problems that may come up
• Motivate team members and encourage collaboration
• Report progress to stakeholders

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers often look at the bigger picture and manage various projects simultaneously. Their job is to maximise the value of all projects and align them with the company’s overall objectives.

Some of the things they need to do include:

• Select and prioritise projects based on business value
• Balance resources across multiple projects
• Identify risks
• Provide high-level oversight to make sure that objectives are achieved

FAQ

How long does it take to complete a higher certificate in project management?

Depending on your chosen school, a Higher Certificate in Project Management typically takes around one year to complete. But this could be different depending on your mode of study — full-time, part-time, or distance learning.

If you choose to study full-time, you could finish earlier, whereas when you study part-time (and work full-time), this may add a year or half a year to your studies. 

What industries hire project managers?

Project managers are required across many industries, from manufacturing to construction to IT and beyond. Many banks and financial institutions also require project managers. 

What are the essential skills for a successful project manager?

To be a project manager, you need various soft and hard skills. Some soft skills include communication, leadership, and critical thinking abilities. On the other hand, you will also require more technical skills to use software, plan projects, and more. 

Pursue project management courses with REGENT

If you know that project management is the right career for you and are ready to pursue your certificate, consider enrolling in REGENT’s Higher Certificate in Project Management. 

Already have another degree and want to add project management to your career prospects? You can also consider enrolling in a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.