How to become a project manager

CONTENTS 

1. Routes to becoming a project manager
2. Skills required 
3. Finding work experience 
4. How to get a job as a project manager
5. What it's like to be a project manager

Routes to becoming a project manager  

If you’re thinking of studying to become a project manager there are various routes you can take. There are also several project management qualifications you can do in addition to undergraduate, apprenticeships and postgraduate degrees to progress your career.  

Undergraduate degrees 

You can become a project manager with a degree in any subject, but a specific project management degree might give you an advantage. Some degrees are also accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM). Entry requirements will vary according to the project management course and university and typically range from 96 -160 UCAS points. Some universities offer project management degrees with a foundation year, these take longer to complete but require fewer UCAS points. You’ll usually need to study for between three and four years to graduate.  

Degree apprenticeships 

Project management degree apprenticeships are available through some employers and involve 80% on the job training and 20% classroom-based study at a university. University fees are paid for by the employer who also provides the apprentice with an income. To find a project management degree apprenticeship, you could use Find an apprenticeship or contact an employer you’re interested in working for directly and ask if there are any apprenticeships available.  
You’re most likely to find openings for assistant or junior project manager while you’re learning the ropes. 

An apprenticeship usually takes three to four years depending on previous experience. Once you have successfully completed the training. you could be offered a permanent job with the company you’ve trained with. 

Postgraduate degrees 

A postgraduate degree is not usually needed initially. It may be something to explore later if you want to specialise in a particular type of project management such as construction or engineering or you are looking to get into project management as a career change and have some practical experience. An undergraduate degree is the minimum entry requirement and will usually take between one and two years of study.  

Skills you’ll need 

Successful project managers will need the following skills:  

• Communication 
• Critical reasoning 
• Decision making 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Presentation 
• Research 
• Team working 
• Time management 

Finding work experience 

Gaining some project management skills through work experience, shadowing or volunteering could prove useful when deciding if this is the right job for you.  

Try looking for work with: 

• Voluntary organisation like Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)  
• Companies advertising supporting roles e.g., administrator or project coordinator  
• Large project management companies offering internships or graduate programmes  

How to get a job as a project manager  

Project managers are needed in most organisations across a range of industries like retail, engineering and manufacturing so you may want to choose a sector that interests you the most. Look out for graduate training schemes and join a professional body like the Association for Project Management (APM) for advice on how to secure your first role.  

What it's like to be a project manager?  

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include: 

• Finding out what the client or business wants to achieve 
• Agreeing timescales, costs and resources 
• Negotiating with contractors, suppliers and freelancers  
• Drawing up a project plan for each stage and identifying milestones 
• Choosing and leading a project team 
• Developing and applying project management strategies 
• Using software to plan, cost and analyse risks 
• Monitoring and reporting on project progress 

You might work at an office, a client’s business or from home. As a graduate you are likely to start on approx. £28,000 although this will vary according to the organisation you work for and to some extent location. With experience you could earn up to £75,000. You might also decide to go freelance, or you could head up a department in a larger company.  

Is a role as a project manager right for you? 

If you enjoy planning and organising people, resources and budgets and managing deadlines to complete a range of projects this role could be for you.