A Career as a Project Manager

The job role

Project Managers work in a wide range of industry sectors and are responsible for the management of key projects.  From the initial gathering of requirements and agreement of budgets and timeframes through to the final delivery, Project Managers coordinate a project team, manage resources and liaise with the client to ensure the effective completion of the project.

Experienced Project Managers select their own teams and negotiate the terms and conditions of contracts with suppliers.  Project management methodologies, such as the Government-approved PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments), are used to enable the achievement of project deliverables while specific software packages, such as Microsoft Project, also help to control project resources.

The actual job role will vary according to the nature of the project and the industry sector but, in general, Project Managers will meet with clients and members of the project team on a regular basis in order to monitor project progress, and travel to project locations may be involved.

Relevant qualifications

Extensive management experience within their industry sector is crucial and many Project Managers will also have relevant degrees.  Qualifications and accreditation are available through the Association for Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI) and include:

• Practitioner Qualifications
• Risk Management Certificates
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)

These qualifications can only be achieved through documentary proof of successful project experience.

Skills requirements

The key to successful project management is the ability to organise and prioritise staff and resources effectively in order to ensure the completion of the project on time and within budget.  Analytical skills are essential when controlling costs as are problem-solving capabilities when faced with unforeseen issues.

Career development

Many industry sectors employ Project Managers and the salaries are often high, with proven experience and a track record of success rewarded by high daily rates and bonus entitlements upon project completion.  Project Managers can undertake a number of projects for one company or can operate on a consultancy basis taking on projects of the size, value or complexity which suit them best.  Overseas opportunities are also becoming more and more common for those with the appropriate qualifications and experience.