14 answers
Oyeronke
Student
Lagos, Nigeria
1
Question
Asked
1397 views
Which of the career is better between Project management technology and electrical engineering ?
I have HND in electrical engineering and want to go for post graduate diploma program. So I'm considering switching to project management. Being a woman and I don't have much experience in electrical engineering field.
Login to comment
14 answers
IBM Employee Impact
59
Answers
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
IBM’s Answer
If you're a student with a background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Electrical Engineering could be the perfect path for you. Not only will you need to hone your project management skills, but you'll also get the chance to build exciting things like computers, robots, and communication devices. In a world that's powered by software and computers, the need for electrical engineers, computer scientists, and robotics engineers is skyrocketing. So, gear up for a bright future in a field that's not just rewarding, but also in high demand.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Oyeronke!
Comparison of Project Management Technology and Electrical Engineering Careers
1. Overview of Each Career Path
Project management technology involves planning, executing, and closing projects while ensuring they meet specific goals and objectives within a defined timeline and budget. This field is applicable across various industries, including construction, IT, healthcare, and more. A project manager’s role often includes coordinating teams, managing resources, communicating with stakeholders, and mitigating risks.
Electrical engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the design, development, testing, and supervision of electrical equipment and systems. This discipline encompasses a wide range of applications such as power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and control systems. Electrical engineers typically work in industries like energy production, manufacturing, telecommunications, and automotive.
2. Job Market Demand
The demand for professionals in both fields can vary based on location and industry trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for project managers is projected to grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028 due to the increasing complexity of projects across various sectors. In contrast, electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow at a rate of about 3% during the same period.
In Nigeria specifically, there is a growing need for skilled project managers as businesses expand their operations and undertake more complex projects. The electrical engineering sector also remains vital due to ongoing infrastructure development but may face challenges related to job availability compared to project management roles.
3. Salary Expectations
Salary can be a significant factor when choosing between these two careers. As per recent data:
Project Managers: The average salary for project managers varies widely depending on experience and industry but generally ranges from $70,000 to over $120,000 annually in developed countries.
Electrical Engineers: The average salary for electrical engineers is typically lower than that of project managers; it ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually.
In Nigeria specifically:
Project managers can earn between ₦1 million to ₦5 million annually depending on experience.
Electrical engineers might earn between ₦800 thousand to ₦3 million annually.
4. Skills Required
Both careers require distinct skill sets:
Project Management Skills:
Leadership
Communication
Risk Management
Time Management
Budgeting
Electrical Engineering Skills:
Technical proficiency in electrical systems
Problem-solving abilities
Analytical skills
Knowledge of software tools (e.g., CAD)
Given your background in electrical engineering (HND) and considering a shift towards project management due to limited experience in your current field as a woman in Nigeria’s workforce context—project management could provide broader opportunities across various sectors while leveraging your technical knowledge.
5. Personal Considerations
Your decision should also consider personal interests and long-term career goals:
If you enjoy working with teams and overseeing projects from inception to completion while dealing with diverse challenges daily—project management may be more fulfilling.
If you have a passion for technology and innovation within electrical systems—staying within electrical engineering might be preferable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both career paths offer unique advantages depending on your interests and market conditions in Nigeria or globally. Given your qualifications (HND) in electrical engineering coupled with an interest in transitioning into project management—pursuing further education in project management could enhance your employability while allowing you to utilize your existing technical knowledge effectively.
Bold Answer: Considering your background and current job market trends in Nigeria, pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Project Management Technology may offer better career opportunities compared to continuing solely within Electrical Engineering given the broader applicability across industries.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Provides comprehensive data on employment projections for various occupations including job growth rates and salary expectations.
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
Offers insights into the evolving landscape of project management roles across different sectors which can inform career decisions.
PayScale
Delivers detailed salary information based on industry standards which helps compare potential earnings between different career paths effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Comparison of Project Management Technology and Electrical Engineering Careers
1. Overview of Each Career Path
Project management technology involves planning, executing, and closing projects while ensuring they meet specific goals and objectives within a defined timeline and budget. This field is applicable across various industries, including construction, IT, healthcare, and more. A project manager’s role often includes coordinating teams, managing resources, communicating with stakeholders, and mitigating risks.
Electrical engineering, on the other hand, focuses on the design, development, testing, and supervision of electrical equipment and systems. This discipline encompasses a wide range of applications such as power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and control systems. Electrical engineers typically work in industries like energy production, manufacturing, telecommunications, and automotive.
2. Job Market Demand
The demand for professionals in both fields can vary based on location and industry trends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for project managers is projected to grow by 11% from 2018 to 2028 due to the increasing complexity of projects across various sectors. In contrast, electrical engineering jobs are expected to grow at a rate of about 3% during the same period.
In Nigeria specifically, there is a growing need for skilled project managers as businesses expand their operations and undertake more complex projects. The electrical engineering sector also remains vital due to ongoing infrastructure development but may face challenges related to job availability compared to project management roles.
3. Salary Expectations
Salary can be a significant factor when choosing between these two careers. As per recent data:
Project Managers: The average salary for project managers varies widely depending on experience and industry but generally ranges from $70,000 to over $120,000 annually in developed countries.
Electrical Engineers: The average salary for electrical engineers is typically lower than that of project managers; it ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually.
In Nigeria specifically:
Project managers can earn between ₦1 million to ₦5 million annually depending on experience.
Electrical engineers might earn between ₦800 thousand to ₦3 million annually.
4. Skills Required
Both careers require distinct skill sets:
Project Management Skills:
Leadership
Communication
Risk Management
Time Management
Budgeting
Electrical Engineering Skills:
Technical proficiency in electrical systems
Problem-solving abilities
Analytical skills
Knowledge of software tools (e.g., CAD)
Given your background in electrical engineering (HND) and considering a shift towards project management due to limited experience in your current field as a woman in Nigeria’s workforce context—project management could provide broader opportunities across various sectors while leveraging your technical knowledge.
5. Personal Considerations
Your decision should also consider personal interests and long-term career goals:
If you enjoy working with teams and overseeing projects from inception to completion while dealing with diverse challenges daily—project management may be more fulfilling.
If you have a passion for technology and innovation within electrical systems—staying within electrical engineering might be preferable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both career paths offer unique advantages depending on your interests and market conditions in Nigeria or globally. Given your qualifications (HND) in electrical engineering coupled with an interest in transitioning into project management—pursuing further education in project management could enhance your employability while allowing you to utilize your existing technical knowledge effectively.
Bold Answer: Considering your background and current job market trends in Nigeria, pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Project Management Technology may offer better career opportunities compared to continuing solely within Electrical Engineering given the broader applicability across industries.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Provides comprehensive data on employment projections for various occupations including job growth rates and salary expectations.
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
Offers insights into the evolving landscape of project management roles across different sectors which can inform career decisions.
PayScale
Delivers detailed salary information based on industry standards which helps compare potential earnings between different career paths effectively.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
Thank you JC !!!You are the best!!!
You really took your time to explain everything into details. I really appreciate it…God bless you too!!!
Oyeronke
THANK YOU OYERONKE!!! THAT IS OUR JOB AT CAREER VILLAGE!
James Constantine Frangos
Marat Denijev
Sales
2
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Marat’s Answer
Go with the market demand. Also look into how the markets will develop in terms of demand. Nowadays, you can look up everything in that regard online.
Hi Marat, do you have any suggestions on where someone can find info on market demands?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Thanks Marat for advice. Funny enough It never cross my mind to search for market demand. I appreciate it
Oyeronke
Rob Odonovan
Sales Manager
1
Answer
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Rob’s Answer
For the initial decade of my professional journey, I thrived as a Project Manager in the bustling construction industry. This was a field that was in high demand, and I was confident that it would allow me to amass a diverse and robust skillset, enabling growth across various disciplines.
However, the construction industry, like many others, is vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the economy. Recognizing this, I decided to pivot my career in my early 30s. Today, I find myself flourishing as a sales manager in a dynamic tech company.
I am a firm believer that the skills and attributes I honed during my time as a Project Manager have played a pivotal role in my enduring success. These skills are not just limited to one field; they are highly adaptable and can be the key to unlocking success in a multitude of career paths. So, keep learning, keep growing, and remember that your skills can take you anywhere!
However, the construction industry, like many others, is vulnerable to the ebbs and flows of the economy. Recognizing this, I decided to pivot my career in my early 30s. Today, I find myself flourishing as a sales manager in a dynamic tech company.
I am a firm believer that the skills and attributes I honed during my time as a Project Manager have played a pivotal role in my enduring success. These skills are not just limited to one field; they are highly adaptable and can be the key to unlocking success in a multitude of career paths. So, keep learning, keep growing, and remember that your skills can take you anywhere!
Mayuri Pandey
Engineering & Technology
10
Answers
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Mayuri’s Answer
I myself as an Electronics and computer engineer who grabbed a job in field of electrical & Computer engineer can relate to the question you arer asking. Electrical engineering is not limited to dealing with wires and electrical components; it also involves working with software, coding, and industrial systems. Even though your experience in the field is limited, it's important to know that engineers often transition into project management roles after gaining some hands-on experience.
If you're torn between project management and electrical engineering, keep in mind that it's possible to merge both domains over time. You can initially build expertise in electrical engineering and later shift to project management. This way, you’ll have the technical foundation as well as the managerial skills to handle complex projects in the industry.
As you are asking to choose out of both,i would consider the confusion is due to you having interest in both the fields, it might be a great idea to start in one field and later blend the two as your career evolves.If you're feeling unsure about being deeply involved in the technical aspects of electrical engineering, there are other fields to explore as well. You can look into roles in supply chain management, retail, or industrial sectors, which are less technically demanding but still leverage analytical and problem-solving skills. These fields also have strong connections to project management, so you could still benefit from your engineering background while moving into a more business-focused role. I would say that anybody who has management skills can opt to become project manager , but if you have a bit of technical expertise it acts as a cherry on top and even searching for a job as compared to other candidates you will be given more value. Salary wise, Technical skills obviously are much more in demand and pays good.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you don’t have to limit yourself to just one path—there are many ways to combine your interests and skills!
If you're torn between project management and electrical engineering, keep in mind that it's possible to merge both domains over time. You can initially build expertise in electrical engineering and later shift to project management. This way, you’ll have the technical foundation as well as the managerial skills to handle complex projects in the industry.
As you are asking to choose out of both,i would consider the confusion is due to you having interest in both the fields, it might be a great idea to start in one field and later blend the two as your career evolves.If you're feeling unsure about being deeply involved in the technical aspects of electrical engineering, there are other fields to explore as well. You can look into roles in supply chain management, retail, or industrial sectors, which are less technically demanding but still leverage analytical and problem-solving skills. These fields also have strong connections to project management, so you could still benefit from your engineering background while moving into a more business-focused role. I would say that anybody who has management skills can opt to become project manager , but if you have a bit of technical expertise it acts as a cherry on top and even searching for a job as compared to other candidates you will be given more value. Salary wise, Technical skills obviously are much more in demand and pays good.
Ultimately, the decision is yours, but you don’t have to limit yourself to just one path—there are many ways to combine your interests and skills!
Thanks so much for your candid advice. I will definitely work on it .
Oyeronke
Maggie Summers
Technical Account Manager
6
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
Hi Oyeronke! Like many of the answers above, I think you can focus on both of your interests here -- electrical engineering as well as project management. If you get some experience with project management, perhaps you could look into a Program Manager or Project Manager role within the Electrical Engineering field. Even more, you could look for Project Manager roles in the Engineering field in general.
I recommend taking a look at getting a PMP Certification -- which is an official Project Management credential. Check out this guide on how to get started: https://www.coursera.org/articles/the-pmp-certification-a-guide-to-getting-started Such a credential will help your job prospects.
Good luck!
I recommend taking a look at getting a PMP Certification -- which is an official Project Management credential. Check out this guide on how to get started: https://www.coursera.org/articles/the-pmp-certification-a-guide-to-getting-started Such a credential will help your job prospects.
Good luck!
Thank you Maggie for the beautiful advice,
I really appreciate it.
I will go through the link and register for the PMP certification but will cousera certificate be recognize in Canada?
Oyeronke
Jamie Mathews
Construction and Engineering Administration
19
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Boosting your electrical education with project management is always a great move. Project management offers a wide range of strategies that will undoubtedly strengthen your electrical abilities. Not only will this enable you to oversee electrical-related tasks, but it also empowers you to manage projects beyond that scope. Embracing project management could open doors to self-employment, as these skills equip you to coordinate and eventually lead your own team.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use! Thank you Jamie
Oyeronke
Lucy Iwuagwu
Nursing and midwifery student
44
Answers
Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
Updated
Lucy’s Answer
Project management is very lucrative career choices and has many different fields to Futher specialize in afterwards. Considering between project management and electrical engineering. If you have more interest in something be it project management than doing another field of study it's always best to do what your interested in anyways. That will therefore give you the motivation in excelling and enjoying the field of interest rather than doing something your not interested in as much.
Thanks Lucy for your advise,I appreciate it!!!
Oyeronke
Alyson Chang
Technical Program Manager
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Alyson’s Answer
Hi Oyeronke,
Why not both? :) Something you might want to consider is being an engineering project manager! The hands-on engineering experience you have would make you a valuable project manager as you'd possess the organizational skills of a PM but also be able to understand the engineers on your team at a technical level. Choose whatever you're most passionate about!
Why not both? :) Something you might want to consider is being an engineering project manager! The hands-on engineering experience you have would make you a valuable project manager as you'd possess the organizational skills of a PM but also be able to understand the engineers on your team at a technical level. Choose whatever you're most passionate about!
Thanks Alyson for the beautiful advise!!
Oyeronke
zayra cornejo
HR Coordinator
5
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
zayra’s Answer
Personally I believe project management is a versatile field that can be applied to various industries, including electrical engineering. While your HND in electrical engineering provides a solid foundation, a postgraduate diploma in project management can help you with the specific skills and knowledge needed to excel in this role.
Project management has various transferable skills, diverse roles, flexibility and constant growing opportunities. Many skills you've gained as an electrical engineer, such as problem-solving, technical understanding, and attention to detail, are directly applicable to project management.
Within project management, you can find roles that align with your interests and strengths. For instance, you could specialize in technical project management, where your electrical engineering background would be particularly valuable. The project management field is growing, offering so much opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Project management roles also often offer flexibility in terms of work-life balance and location.
As someone who is looking to also grow in the project management field, here are some additional tips for women in project management:
Join professional organizations: Organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) offer resources, networking opportunities, and certifications that can help you advance your career.
Seek mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance, support, and insights into the industry.
Develop your leadership skills: Strong leadership skills are essential for success in project management. You can take courses or workshops to develop these skills.
Project management has various transferable skills, diverse roles, flexibility and constant growing opportunities. Many skills you've gained as an electrical engineer, such as problem-solving, technical understanding, and attention to detail, are directly applicable to project management.
Within project management, you can find roles that align with your interests and strengths. For instance, you could specialize in technical project management, where your electrical engineering background would be particularly valuable. The project management field is growing, offering so much opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Project management roles also often offer flexibility in terms of work-life balance and location.
As someone who is looking to also grow in the project management field, here are some additional tips for women in project management:
Join professional organizations: Organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) offer resources, networking opportunities, and certifications that can help you advance your career.
Seek mentorship: A mentor can provide guidance, support, and insights into the industry.
Develop your leadership skills: Strong leadership skills are essential for success in project management. You can take courses or workshops to develop these skills.
This was super helpful.
I've registered for my PGD in project management,waiting for my admission letter.
How can I join professional organization and what are the criteria to join? Do you have any idea please?
Thank you zayra!!!
Oyeronke
Pamela Faith
Care taker
2
Answers
Richmond, California
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Project management
Career choice
Engineer
Engineering
Career
Career development
Pamela recommends the following next steps:
Thank you!
Oyeronke
SUJAL Tarkhad
Project Manager
2
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
SUJAL’s Answer
Hello, Firstly what is good thing is you know what is your strength and interest. When one chooses a career it is life long, moreover what is important is while career helps earn you a living and identity it is very important you enjoy what you are doing. Project Management is a career option which applies across industries including self-employment. Project Management also applies to a home maker for that matter to give an example managing your child birthday party is also a mini project in itself. When it comes to Project Manangement you can do a lot of certifications to endorse your Project management skills. Project management is a good option if you have interest in it. Wish you all the very best for your career.
You can go thru PMI site for various Project Management Certifications for your knowledge to pursue later.
SUJAL recommends the following next steps:
Thank you Sujal for taking the time to help. Can you please send me link of the PMI site?
Oyeronke
Crystal Williams
Consultant
11
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Crystal’s Answer
Oyeronke -
I'll offer this perspective: focus on what energizes you. If you enjoy creating timelines, holding people accountable, asking questions, and following up with others, then project management could be the ideal path for you.
I'll offer this perspective: focus on what energizes you. If you enjoy creating timelines, holding people accountable, asking questions, and following up with others, then project management could be the ideal path for you.
Thanks Crystal for your advice.
I will rather go for project management,
Oyeronke
Archived User
3
Answers
Updated
Archived’s Answer
Hi Oyeronke,
I am a project manager for Verizon Wireless managing a range of special technology projects. What I have learned is that you can project manage almost anything once you have developed the fundamental skills of project management, but having specialized insight into areas such engineering will help better position you to make better informed decisions and essentially add value for the company. Some of the folks I have worked side by side with have engineering backgrounds in the following areas:
• Civil Engineering
• Architectural engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
https://www.asce.org/career-growth/career-paths
Basic skills for project management in technology role include:
• Organization
• Communication between teams and when providing clear direction for next steps
• Tech Savvy Tools knowledge and ability to build and share reports
• Time Management
• Negotiation skills and Problem Solving to develop solutions for escalated situations and obstacles to your project which benefit your project, protect the company and provide fair and balanced outcomes for stakeholders and end users/customers
• Presentation skills (needed for training others on WebEx/BlueJeans/Google/Zoom, sharing information about your project to your team or other teams)
• Adaptability – able to pivot direction and not get overwhelmed (to prepare for unexpected changes to resources, staff, budget and goals)
• Budgeting – Some project management roles require management of a budget – others do not
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other teams such as construction, engineering, legal and coordinate efforts
• Ability to establish professional relationships
• Ability to identify issues, mitigate the issues, own failures and provide solutions for improvements
• Ability to establish and improve on processes
• Ability to manage others (many PM’s do not have direct reports) and oversee many moving parts to accomplish a goal(s) for the project
https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/essential-project-management-skills/
You do not need a masters degree but you are free to achieve as much as you want to. A general business degree is also a plus for a project management role.
Wishing you all the best in your efforts! Whatever path you take, don’t give up. When choosing a major/minor, electives and contemplating certifications, take time to learn about your natural abilities and build on your strengths. Also do not be afraid to take a course teaching you something you are not great at but want to learn—even if you end up not being great at it, the experience alone will provide you development opportunities that will prove useful in the future. Always connect with professors, teaching assistants and school office contacts. This is how you establish mentorships and keep informed on what your resources and opportunities are. Seek internships at company’s you would like to work for and seek advice and direction from established project managers who can assist in teaching you about the role, company culture and general expectations.
Last piece of advice is always return your calls – you never know what opportunity is on the other end of that conversation.
Denise C.
I am a project manager for Verizon Wireless managing a range of special technology projects. What I have learned is that you can project manage almost anything once you have developed the fundamental skills of project management, but having specialized insight into areas such engineering will help better position you to make better informed decisions and essentially add value for the company. Some of the folks I have worked side by side with have engineering backgrounds in the following areas:
• Civil Engineering
• Architectural engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical engineering
https://www.asce.org/career-growth/career-paths
Basic skills for project management in technology role include:
• Organization
• Communication between teams and when providing clear direction for next steps
• Tech Savvy Tools knowledge and ability to build and share reports
• Time Management
• Negotiation skills and Problem Solving to develop solutions for escalated situations and obstacles to your project which benefit your project, protect the company and provide fair and balanced outcomes for stakeholders and end users/customers
• Presentation skills (needed for training others on WebEx/BlueJeans/Google/Zoom, sharing information about your project to your team or other teams)
• Adaptability – able to pivot direction and not get overwhelmed (to prepare for unexpected changes to resources, staff, budget and goals)
• Budgeting – Some project management roles require management of a budget – others do not
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other teams such as construction, engineering, legal and coordinate efforts
• Ability to establish professional relationships
• Ability to identify issues, mitigate the issues, own failures and provide solutions for improvements
• Ability to establish and improve on processes
• Ability to manage others (many PM’s do not have direct reports) and oversee many moving parts to accomplish a goal(s) for the project
https://graduate.northeastern.edu/resources/essential-project-management-skills/
You do not need a masters degree but you are free to achieve as much as you want to. A general business degree is also a plus for a project management role.
Wishing you all the best in your efforts! Whatever path you take, don’t give up. When choosing a major/minor, electives and contemplating certifications, take time to learn about your natural abilities and build on your strengths. Also do not be afraid to take a course teaching you something you are not great at but want to learn—even if you end up not being great at it, the experience alone will provide you development opportunities that will prove useful in the future. Always connect with professors, teaching assistants and school office contacts. This is how you establish mentorships and keep informed on what your resources and opportunities are. Seek internships at company’s you would like to work for and seek advice and direction from established project managers who can assist in teaching you about the role, company culture and general expectations.
Last piece of advice is always return your calls – you never know what opportunity is on the other end of that conversation.
Denise C.
Thanks so much for your candid advice.
Your advice are so much on point and I will definitely work forward it.
I appreciate the time you took in writing this write-up.
Thank you @Denise C
Oyeronke
You are so welcome.
Archived User
