A project manager is a crucial individual in every team, and is the person responsible for planning & scheduling projects, leading the team, and deciding on a budget. The project manager is responsible for the success of the project and also the quality of the product.
The demand for project managers is higher than ever with many Fortune 500 companies having an almost constant demand for a project management professional. If you are looking to advance your career, the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification will open up more opportunities for you.
Project manager duties
A project manager is responsible for the success of any project. To meet this goal, the project manager needs to:
- Plan and execute projects
- Manage teams by helping solve problems and overcome roadblocks
- Help in gathering resources for the project
- Ensure the project delivery timelines are met and the project is running smoothly
- Develop a budget for the project
The role of a project manager may vary in different organizations, but the basic duties of a project manager remain the same. For instance, an IT project manager will have to provide technical assistance to the project team from time-to-time and also consult with clients for product-related matters.
Steps to Becoming a Project Manager
If you are interested in the PMP® certification, follow the below steps to get started on the path to becoming a project manager.
Meet the education criteria
While project managers do not need to have a particular qualification, having a degree or diploma focused on your chosen career field can help go through the initial curve. Project management is generally used in Scrum practices, so knowledge of software and the Agile framework is beneficial.
Gain experience
Project managers need a specific skill set to be able to run a project smoothly. Some of these skills include team collaboration, communication, leadership, and so on. The best way to get the role of a project manager is by getting experience, which not only helps develop your skills but also helps understand the role of a project manager better. Experience may be almost all you need to transition into a career as a project manager. An internship is among the best ways to get the project management experience you need.
Communication is key
A project manager needs to communicate with the team to set the delivery timelines. Planning, scheduling, and completing a project, all require communication for better turnaround. It’s also the project manager’s responsibility to help the team in case of a problem or a roadblock. Interpersonal and communication are among the top skills required for any project management professional. A project manager needs to put in some effort into knowing, coaching, and communicating with the project team.
Project management tools
Along with soft skills, a project manager also needs to have technical skills to help the team when they need help with a problem. The project management software helps project managers in collaboration, budgeting, scheduling, and more with the project team. Among the common project management tools include Microsoft Project, Atlassian, and Basecamp. Most of these software’s are user-friendly and have extensive support communities that make them easy to use. Some other technical skills that are a must for a project management professional are:
- Budgeting
- Communication
- Contract management
- Planning
- Risk management
- Scheduling
PMP® certification
A project manager plays a crucial role in an organization, which is why organizations prefer individuals who have something to show for their skills and knowledge. A Project Management Professional Course can help you achieve that since it is among the most popular and widely-recognized project management certifications. The certification is especially beneficial for working project managers who have the right knowledge and experience.
Show Your Skills
Once you have the PMP® certification, try to connect with other professionals in the field to get more career opportunities. Networking is essential to find a good opportunity as a project manager. Online platforms are a good place to show your knowledge of project management tools.
To Conclude
The career path to becoming a project manager is not difficult once you cross the initial learning curve. Above all, a PMP® is not only a team leader but also a coworker who can solve the team’s problems and make decisions for the successful delivery of a product. Remember that the role of a project manager is challenging and always faces new demands, but it also helps improve your skills and knowledge.
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