6 Steps to Become a Project Manager

The project manager role can be a remunerating experience. They are responsible for organizing teams of individuals to achieve a specific objective, project, organization, and other firms.

A project manager must be versatile when leading and directing their team and have soft and hard skills. If you are organized and interested in pursuing considerable roles in your career, project management is the right call.

There are several methods to become a project manager. For instance, some people might go for project management education in school and directly apply to the field after graduation, while others become project managers by taking on more responsibilities in their current position or shifting from unrelated areas.

Whatever steps you wish to choose, here are 6 steps the enthusiasts must take into account to become a project manager.

How to Become a Project Manager?

I. Understanding the Project Management Skills, You Possess

If you have done planning, leading, directing, scheduling, budgeting, or even documenting a project's progress, you have done some essential aspects of project management.

Some might not have thought that organizing an event in a workplace or determining novel approaches to make the working environment more efficient was a part of project management during your earlier times. However, your prior experience might have given you the edge in a few skills that one will need as a project manager.

If you find you have gained quite a lot of experience, you can prepare yourself to apply for project manager jobs or even approach your current workplace head to highlight your interest in project management, and you're really looking forward to becoming one.

If you have experience of 3 years, you're eligible to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam powered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), thus, creating a massive wave of opportunities for you in the project management field.

II. Building Experience in Project Management

Many project managers get their head start in non-managerial roles in a team. For instance, IT project managers may work for an extended period as an IT associate or a business analyst supporting their IT team.

Their job role might significantly grow as they gain experience in the sector, take managerial positions, develop organizational skills, and learn how to work with their team members.

If you're among those trying to develop their project management skills, we recommend you begin the search in your current workplace. Whether you work in a pharmaceutical, retail store, construction, or restaurant, chances are pretty high as several things have to be planned, executed, or enhanced.

Though there might be instances where these tasks have to be performed, find out whether you can join in these efforts. If you can - approach your manager with ideas on how you'll contribute, and let them know your interest in building project management experience.

III. Developing Project Management Skills

What does it mean to be a good project manager?

Though an educational qualification or simply delivering a project manager's primary roles and responsibilities are significant.

But real game-changers behind great and successful project managers aren't just time, tasks, and technical prowess - it's the project management skills.

A lot goes into the list of project manager skills, but technical and soft skills definitely need refinement with many career choices.

Here are some of the complex and soft skills commonly seen in the project manager job role description:

• Risk Management
• Budgeting
• Timeline Planning
• Agile Project Management
• Scrum
• Communication
• Organization
• Leadership

You can develop the skills by taking programs related to the subject, acquiring certifications, or practicing them at your company.

IV. Sharpening Your Project Manager Portfolio

As you gain skills and experience in the project management field, take the time to sharpen your portfolio/resume. You can assess the project manager job description, from the entry-level to advanced roles, to identify what organizations are looking for.

Emphasize the qualifications you have that match the job criteria and prominently put them down on the resume. Use action verbs to highlight the work you executed in prior job roles, and if possible, point out any quantifiable results.

V. Search for Entry-level Job Roles

Step by step, working your path up the career ladder from within a team is not the only possible way to being a project manager. Several project managers get their head start in entry-level job roles to develop vital skills.

Some of the entry-level job positions are:

• Jr. Project Manager
• Project Coordinator
• Admin Associate
• Operations Coordinator
• Operations Associate
• Associate Project Manager

VI. Consider Getting a Project Management Accreditation

If you have worked as a project manager or want to get into that profession, you might wonder if getting a project management accreditation is worth the time and money.

The simple answer is YES, as the credentials offer several perks. For example, if you've worked in project management, certification can augment your knowledge and skills to shift to a more formal project management job position.

It can highlight your potential and help you stand out from the crowd, which is beneficial if you're new and looking for a project manager role or experience and love to get a promotion to enhance your career status.

Some of the project management credential that you can consider for a career boost are:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
• ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)

To build a career in the project management field and develop your skills, enroll in the iCert Global PMP Certification Training Program, a PMI-approved training provider. The course will teach you how to plan, organize, execute, and direct successful projects irrespective of the scale or complexity.

Recommended Post

Career Opportunities in Six Sigma Green Belt

Project Manager & Product Manager: What's the Difference?

PMP Certification: Course Details & Exam Costs

Is PMP the Right Choice for the Construction Industry?

How PMP Exam is Scored?

Will PMP Exam Change in 2022?