Find Now

Project Management Careers

Project management refers to the efficient and effective execution of a project. A project is temporary in nature, designed to achieve a particular goal with limited resources. It may be designed to produce a result, service or product. A project is always time-specific with a definite beginning and a conclusion. One of the most unique aspects of a project is that it is not a unique economic activity, rather a set of activities designed to achieve a particular goal. Therefore, a project team may consist of individuals who have never worked before, sometimes from different organizations or departments of one particular organization.

Featured Schools

Some of the most common examples of a project may include the discovery of new markets for sales, natural disaster management, construction of a bridge or building and the development of certain software. Since these are highly specific tasks, organizations need people with expertise who can deliver them within the specified time and budget limits. This is where project managers walk in.

Job Responsibilities of a Project Manager

Project managers can have a very hectic schedule as they are in charge of every functional aspect of a project. For this reason, they have to perform a number of activities everyday that spans over various managerial and technical avenues. Daily, project managers will be expected to perform the following duties:

Define the objectives of the project for stakeholder benefit
Create schedules
Oversee and maintain quality control
Attain resources
Manage the team
Manage third party consultants and contractors
Minimize the risk associated to the project
Interpreting and explaining plans to clients, workers and staff

Important Skills of Project Managers

While project management careers may span across industries, there are some specific skills that project managers need. These skills ensure that project managers can successfully handle the tasks they have been given. Project managers must be good at:

Time management
Active listening
Critical thinking
Monitoring
Management of resources
Systems analysis

How to Become a Project Manager?

There is no specific degree requirement which is important for project managers.
However, there are a wide variety of courses to choose from for academic and professional qualifications in project management. These may range from certificates to college/university degrees. Some of them may also be available online, making it ideal for those with family and work commitments to become certified project managers. Another added advantage of obtaining an online degree in project management may be its cost effectiveness.With an online degree, you may also be allowed the luxury of studying from the comfort of your home.

Employment Outlook for Project Managers

Project management is not an industry specific profession. Wherever there is economic activity, projects are created and project managers are hired to execute those projects. Depending upon the project manager's level of education and experience, the following industries employ project managers:

Telecommunications
Online sales and marketing
Computer manufacturers
Software companies
Financial organizations
Energy corporations
Governments

According to O*Net Online, Information Technology Project Managers earned an annual median pay of $82,340 in 2013 while the expected growth in demand for these professionals from 2012 to 2022 is 3% to 7%.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:While going through the project management careers, there was mention of the course on Principles of Finance. What are the contents of this course?

A:It is quite common to get to read about the course on Principles of Finance while reading on the Project Management careers. This course is worth 2 credits in total. It is designed to provide students with strong understanding of the business capital management and the policies as well as actions of the various asset structures. Financial analysis is also highlighted on.

Q:I was reading about pursuing a Career In Project Management, what information can you give me about project manger’s job responsibilities and salary level?

A:A project manager's main job responsibility is to manage and complete a project successfully. They are required to manger all aspects of a project which generally includes the following: time management, resource management, risk calculation, project planning, critical phase planning, enforce policies, review and assess progress, implement needed changes, and many more.

Q:What kind of study do I have to undertake to have a project management career?

A:In the past, many project managers had no formal academic background in this field- many worked in this sector after undertaking business degrees or even without any formal educations. However, currently there are a number of programs are available across the US, both online and class-room based. These programs can undertake certification programs, associate degrees, bachelors and masters' degree.

Q:What kind of responsibilities I will have as career project management?

A:Your career as a project manager will see you managing resources for large projects. A project manager is supposed to be responsible for making sure that a certain project is finished within a given time period. A project managing career in information technology can entail overseeing large software development projects, IT installations and Networking projects.

Q:What should be my project management career goals?

A:This is a very vague question and only you can answer this question accurately. Various people have different career aspirations and project managers are no different. You should clearly set out your career goals for yourself and then strive to achieve them with a well thought out plan. Your ultimate goal should be to handle large scale projects in your field as they are the most lucrative.

Ask your Question

* All Fields are Required