Skip to main content
10 answers
10
Asked 1287 views

How do I go about being a project manager?

I am currently a project coordinator with a bachelor's in IT and in the process of getting an MBA. Do I still nee to take the PMP? What else should I be doing?

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

10

9 answers


2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Denise’s Answer

Hi Mia,
I've been in digital project management for a good part of my career, so happy to help here. I didn't start out as a project manager, but evolved into it.
Becoming a project manager typically involves a combination of education, experience, and sometimes certification. Here’s a general pathway to becoming a project manager:

1. Educational Background: While not always mandatory, having a relevant educational background can be beneficial. Degrees in business, management, engineering, or related fields can provide foundational knowledge useful in project management.

2. Gain Experience: Start by gaining experience in roles that involve project coordination or management tasks. This can be through roles like project coordinator, team lead, or any position where you handle projects or parts of projects. Such experience helps develop important skills like communication, organization, and leadership.

3. Develop Key Skills: Project managers need strong skills in areas such as communication, time management, problem-solving, leadership, and negotiation. These can be developed through on-the-job experience, workshops, or online courses.

4. Learn Project Management Methodologies: Familiarize yourself with various project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and Lean. Understanding these approaches can be critical depending on the industry or company you work for.

5. Pursue Certification (Optional): While not always required, certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the field. However, there are others like Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), or certifications specific to certain methodologies like ScrumMaster (CSM).

- PMP Certification: To sit for the PMP exam, you typically need a combination of professional project management experience and education. For example, you might need 3-5 years of experience leading projects and 35 hours of project management education/training or a CAPM certification. The PMP is particularly valuable in industries where formal project management processes are emphasized. Note: I was working as a project manager for over 10 years before I decided to sit for this certification.

6. Network and Continue Learning: Join professional organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) to network with other professionals, attend conferences, and stay updated on industry trends. Continuous learning and development are crucial in a field that evolves with new technologies and methodologies.

7. Seek Opportunities for Advancement: As you gain experience, look for opportunities to take on larger projects or more responsibility. Building a track record of successful project delivery can help you advance to higher-level project management roles.

Whether or not you pursue a PMP certification depends on your career goals, the industry you’re in, and employer requirements. In some industries, especially in IT or construction, a PMP is highly valued and sometimes required. In others, practical experience and skills may weigh more heavily. Assess your specific situation and career goals to decide if pursuing certification aligns with your professional objectives.

Best of luck to you in your education and future career!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the help. Mia
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Irem’s Answer

Hi Mia,

I think your bachelor's in IT, MBA and current role in project coordination are already setting you up on a great path. So for now, I would not look into certifications if I were you.

These qualifications also require some years of experience, and there are many project management roles which do not require certifications.

As you gain more experience, your projects will get larger, and you will be able to manage more. So for now:

1. Focus on your MBA

2. Gain experience: you can also look at volunteering and remote jobs if you have time or are able to, which will expose you to different projects.

3. Develop your soft skills: Such as communication, time management, problem-solving.

4. Stay up to date with different Project Managements methods such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall etc and learn about which industries use which method and why. You can also explore the short-comings, and where people have challenges to get a deeper understanding of the industry.

Remember - if a company requires a certification, they may also be able to pay for it for you.

Hope this helps!
Thank you comment icon Your advice was so helpful! Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kori’s Answer

Securing a PMP certification and participating in as many training sessions as you can around various project management styles is highly recommended. Each company tends to employ diverse project management techniques, often integrating their unique "style" that borrows elements from recognized methods. The more you comprehend these varying project management styles, the more versatile you become. This versatility not only enhances your adaptability but also boosts your appeal to a wide range of companies and industries. Once you've mastered project management, you'll be equipped to manage projects in any industry.

Moreover, it's beneficial to gain as much experience as possible in managing projects, even the smaller ones. Acquiring skills to deal with various types of people, personalities, and styles is crucial for leading a successful project.
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Kori Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Irma’s Answer

In addition to the answers provided, I'll confirm that being PMP certified will be good to have; it is a well-known certification that employers look for so, it is worth the effort and investment to get it. Prepare for it, study, do exam rehearsals (there are tools that can simulate the exams for practice) and when you feel ready, go for it. Good luck and enjoy the ride.
Thank you comment icon Irma, thank you! Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Michelle’s Answer

I would say that PMP is a great "adder" but definitely not something required for success in the field. I think it boils down to the industry in which you concentrate your efforts. I would "second" Biplab's comment regarding "boots-on-the-ground experience DOING project management". The key to being a successful PM is expertise in the minutia of the field in which your managing- across the scrope of the involved teams.
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nauman Tahir’s Answer

Hello Mia,

Denise and Biplab have provided comprehensive responses to your question. To build on their insights, remember that becoming a project manager and securing a job as one don't always coincide. You might be well-versed in project management methodologies, but recruiters often look for specific keywords in your resume. As you pursue your MBA and work towards your PMP, take the time to familiarize yourself with the prerequisites of a project manager in your industry. If you're targeting the IT sector, mastering tools like Jira and Asana is essential, among others. You might be proficient in all the necessary tools and tactics, but without tangible proof such as certifications or proven experience, you may face hurdles reaching the interview phase. Given your current role as a project coordinator, your journey might differ slightly. Still, I recommend you continually seek opportunities to enhance your skillset and enrich your resume whenever possible.

Wishing you the very best on your journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much, Nauman Tahir! Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Anita’s Answer

In my opinion, certification is not very important if you are already coordinating projects. While PMP and PRINCE2 certifications can be beneficial for learning, if you have real-time project coordination experience, it's better to focus on seeking promotions internally to a project manager role. Many companies prefer hands-on experience gained from daily job tasks over formal certification.

You can use your background in your network and seek opportunities.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Mia
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Biplab’s Answer

Hi Mia!

Denise already added a lot of great advice, so I'll keep my additions brief:

* PMP is not necessary, but extremely helpful - I'd get at least a few years of project management experience on the ground as it will make it more likely that you will be able to pass the exam.

* The most important advice I can give is to get boots-on-the-ground experience DOING project management and learn the aspects of managing a team: setting expectations, scope control, budget control, timeline management, executive level communication, and may other skills.

Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Mia
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mehwish’s Answer

First of all, congratulations on your progress! Being a project coordinator with a bachelor's in IT and pursuing an MBA already sets you on a strong path toward becoming a project manager. Let me break down your question and explore the best steps you can take to achieve your goal.

I'm gonna write it in a bit of detail to clarify what you need to do next, so bare with me, please.

While the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is not mandatory to become a project manager, it is highly valued in the industry and can significantly boost your career prospects. Here's why:

Credibility
Competitive Advantage
Global Recognition

However, the PMP requires project management experience (typically 36 months for candidates with a bachelor's degree). If you already meet the experience criteria, pursuing the PMP is a great next step.
Steps to Becoming a Project Manager

Here are additional steps to help you transition into a project management role:

1. Gain Practical Experience
While certifications and education are valuable, hands-on experience is just as important. As a project coordinator, you’re already gaining exposure to:

Scheduling and task management.
Resource allocation.
Communicating with stakeholders.
To prepare for a project manager role, look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, such as managing small projects or leading specific aspects of a project. This will help build your confidence and skills.

2. Strengthen Your Skills
Effective project managers have a mix of technical and soft skills. Some key areas to focus on include:

Leadership and Communication: Managing teams and stakeholders effectively.
Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential project risks.
Budgeting and Scheduling: Using tools like MS Project, Primavera, or Jira to plan and execute projects.
Agile and Scrum Methodologies: Understanding frameworks like Agile and Scrum, which are increasingly popular in project management. You might consider earning a Scrum Master Certification (CSM) as an additional credential.

3. Leverage Your IT Background
Your IT background is a significant advantage, as many project management roles are in tech-related industries. Use your technical expertise to stand out when applying for project management positions, particularly in fields like software development, IT infrastructure, or digital transformation projects.

4. Continue Networking and Learning
Networking can open doors to opportunities and mentorship. Consider:

Joining professional organizations like Project Management Institute (PMI).
Attending local or virtual events related to project management.
Connecting with project managers on platforms like LinkedIn to learn from their experiences.
Additionally, stay up-to-date with trends and best practices by reading blogs, and listening to podcasts.
Thank you comment icon You rock! This advice is very helpful. Mia
0