HOW TO BECOME A PROJECT MANAGER

Jacky Harrison
Sep 3, 2018 · 3 min read

To become a professional Project Manager, you need to have specific soft skills, relevant experience and accredited certifications. This allows for job opportunities and career growth in the field of project management.

If you dream of being a key player, a part of something bigger than yourself, or maybe want to be at the heart of the action, then you should consider becoming a Project Manager. Every project needs a Project Manager who is responsible for leading a group of people that deliver value to the customer in a timely manner.

However, how does someone get into the leadership position in the field of project management? There are various ways to become a Project Manager and also different certifications that are required. Here we will show you, in four simple steps, how to achieve that goal. However, before we look at how to become a Project Manager, it is important to understand what the role entails.

A Project Manager

  • Soft Skills
  • Qualifications
  • Experience
  • Job opportunities

A Project Manager is the person in charge of the overall planning and execution of a particular project. They are seen as collaboration experts whose people skills allow them to develop trust and communication amongst all of a project’s stakeholders.

Typically, a Project Manager is someone who is qualified in the field of project management and they will be in charge of the planning, implementation and closing of the project using their specialised knowledge and skill set. Their main responsibilities include implementation, monitoring and control of a project. Project Managers also have the ability to look at the bigger picture while still keeping their finger on the pulse by considering the finer details of the project.

However, in order to be someone who is responsible for a team and the goals they have to achieve, it’s important to have certain soft skills.

Step 1: Have the Right Soft Skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Calm focus

At the heart of any successful Project Manager should lie the right set of soft skills (or people skills). Essentially, Project Managers are leaders, as they can have an effect on the direction and pace of a project. They need to be good communicators, which involves not only listening, but also effectively relaying information — ensuring that they are able to efficiently lead the team.

An apt way to describe a Project Manager would be: “someone who has ‘calm focus’ with the ability to work well under pressure”. Working in project management can be stressful. Therefore, it’s important to have a Project Manager who can keep their cool when the heat is turned up.

So how do those who possess such soft skills break into the field of project management? There are two directions you can consider. Both, however, involve obtaining the relevant certifications.

Step 2: Get Certified

  • ITonlinelearning accredited certifications
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner
  • Agile PM Practitioner
  • Project Management
  • Professional (PMP)

There are many certifications which enable one to become a certified Project Manager. One of the easiest and most convenient….

To continue reading this article, click the link below:

https://www.itonlinelearning.com/blog/how-to-become-a-project-manager/

Jacky Harrison

Written by

I enjoy hiking and trying new things. I do amateur photography and work part-time as a writer.

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