With the increasing complexity and scale of projects in a variety of different professions, project managers have become one of the most in demand professionals in countries across the globe. And that trend is going to continue in 2017.
Why is there an increased demand for project managers?
Project management is a skill which has benefited greatly from the changing nature of projects across a variety of different industries. With advances in technology and sustained increases in demand, projects which are undertaken today are massive in their scale and complexity. In order to ensure that these projects are carried out successfully and smoothly, project managers are absolutely essential.
If you’re looking to acquire a universally applicable skill, project management is the way to go. One of the most beneficial things about being a project manager is that the skills that you have are applicable across a wide range of industries. This makes project managers versatile and incredibly marketable. Their unique skill-set is sought after in healthcare, energy, manufacturing, information technology, construction, business, finance, and more.
The increasing demand for project managers can be attributed to the globalization of the workplace. This has resulted in business operations becoming more complex and demanding. Since clients are seeking cheaper, quicker, and better solutions to stay competitive, project managers are required to help them carry out their goals for their business endeavors.
Since project management is considered a multi-industry certification, professionals who work in this field have the flexibility to work in virtually any industry. They are also able to switch from working in one industry to another with ease.
Sustained Growth
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), by 2020 there will be 40 million new jobs for project managers around the world. The profession is expected to grow by $6.61 trillion in the U.S. alone!
It comes as no surprise then that 2017 is expected to be another massive year in terms of demand for project managers.
Examining the role of a project manager
Project managers are essentially agents of change. They help to make a business or an organization more profitable by making the creation of goods or services more efficient.
As mentioned earlier, the nature of the marketplace has changed. In the face of increased globalization, each and every business or organization must strive to remain competitive in the market. Project managers are instrumental in this process. They are responsible for carrying out initiatives which optimize a business’s plans and goals for success.
Since the market is in a constant state of flux, a business must continuously be able to meet the demands of its customers. This may sometimes involve introducing new products, services, or technology. In order to implement these changes, a project manager is essential.
What do project managers do?
A project manager is an individual who is responsible for the planning and execution of a specific project. For the clients and the upper management of an organization, the project manager acts as the face of the project. They will provide them with updates on the project and ask for any input regarding the completion of the project.
To the individuals who make up the team carrying out a project, the project manager is there supervising their work and motivating them. They will work to ensure that a project is completed on time and within the budget.
A project manager’s work involves overseeing every element of a project through to completion. Not only are they leading the efforts of the team, they are also coordinating and delegating tasks, motivating team members, and monitoring progress. A project manager must ensure that the work is being completed according to schedule in pursuance of a specific goal. The direction provided by project managers is one of the driving forces determining the success of the project.
When you understand the changing nature of the global economy, it’s easy to see why project managers are in such high demand. That’s expected to continue in 2017 and beyond.
