If you’re organized, intrigued by people, and ready to take on a larger role in your career, project management might be a good fit. It’s possible to find project managers in just about any type of organization, however you may find greater demand in certain sectors. Typically, companies that have teams and organize work into projects like construction firms and advertising agencies, rely on project managers to oversee projects and meet deadlines.

how to become it project manager

Speak to your manager and to HR and let them know that you’d like to take on more responsibilities and roles in projects that can build your experience towards a project manager role. A great number of project managers start their careers in more junior project roles. Many software project managers began their careers working as programmers or in a project management office. As you develop more skills you can take on more responsibility, which in turn gives you the opportunity to take on more managerial tasks.

Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Learn about different project management certifications, their benefits, and how to get certified. If you have the right qualifications and training then there is no reason why you cannot become a project manager. However, to become one of the best project managers, you do need to have the personality traits that will aid you in this role.

how to become it project manager

While most employers understand the value of hiring project managers, only 32 percent of organizations say they’re satisfied with their current project manager’s maturity on an organizational level. Because of this, almost 80 percent of project management offices offer onsite, classroom-based training. If you started in a non-managerial position on a team, your role might gradually expand when you gain industry expertise. It is the right time to take on managerial tasks, sharpen your organizational skills, and learn teamwork. You might consider earning more than one certification from various certifying organizations as you move forward in your career. Read on to learn more about available certifications, their costs, career benefits, and the steps to become a certified project manager.

Project Management Certificate course has real-world impact

Typical requirements for a project manager role include at least three years of experience in a relevant position, formal training or a project management certification. You can acquire certification through a professional association, a college, or a specially focused online learning program. To know if certification is right for you, consider your long-term career plans and if certification will help you to achieve your career goals. If the roles you choose are certified project manager jobs, you can start to align your career goals with becoming a certified project manager. To accelerate your IT project management career path, pursue entry-level jobs that naturally lead to supervisory positions.

  • Most certifications require some type of recertification or maintenance.
  • The most common means of obtaining them is by attending a college program and earning a degree in a field such as computer science, software development, or MIS (management information systems).
  • For example, if you want to work in the construction field, you may find it helpful to have a degree in construction or engineering.
  • You don’t need a postgraduate qualification but if your first degree is unrelated, a Masters could increase your chances of success.
  • Find out project manager education requirements, salary ranges, and more as you consider this growing field.

Take a look at ways to build your skill base and take on more responsibility in your career. Perhaps consider completing a project management certification as a way to demonstrate your commitment to project management and to build your knowledge and competencies. It’s easy to undervalue the competency set they already hold, but you may be more experienced in project management than you think.

Pursue Certification

A project manager is someone who is responsible for managing a piece of work from concept to delivery. You can complete a project management apprenticeship with companies such as BAE Systems, British Airways, how to become a project manager National Grid and Vodafone. Other channels will include themes to highlight games from around the world, games from new creators and voices, our ID@Xbox theme sales, and select games available for pre-order.

  • Project manager experience — and the project manager skillset — is probably something you’ve been developing without even realizing.
  • Each certifying organization has its own education and experience requirements depending on the certification type and may require membership.
  • There are many entry level jobs available such as assistant project manager or project assistant, or you could consider an apprenticeship.
  • If you are just starting out in your career and want to learn more about project management or progress to the next stage in your career, these certifications are an excellent starting point.
  • Common majors for project managers include project management, business and related fields.

Training is always helpful for IT positions, especially if you lack real-world experience. Jennifer listed the following training courses that deal with the specific needs of an IT project manager. Jennifer noted that there are many entry points to working as an IT project manager. For example, if you’re already employed in IT, like as a project coordinator, manager or business analyst, then you clearly have an interest and some relevant experience. IT project managers plan and organise the work of a project team to deliver IT products and services on time and on budget. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular degrees for project managers, to help start your formal project manager education.