Want to Start A Career In Project Management? 5 Steps to Consider

“My project management career started when I began supporting small projects and I developed an interest in bigger projects. I enrolled in a short course where I got a certificate and applied for jobs in project management.  From there, I gathered relevant experience and sought new opportunities to learn. I believe staying updated with your own development is the key to a successful career” This was Ruth’s journey, a story I shared with Titus when he asked how he could start a career in project management. Titus has been working in an NGO as a program assistant but he developed an interest in handling projects. “I saw you have an upcoming project management training and I wanted to ask if the training is open for everyone because my background is different from what I am practicing and what steps should I take to start a career in project management?” said Titus.

Different ways lead to a successful career in project management. You may take a project management certificate course in a recognized institution and perfect your skills in the field while others may learn on-job when they don’t have project management qualifications.

I consulted a project management trainer to understand more and here are 5 tips.

1. Understand The Skills That You Already Have

Have you ever organized an event, led or coordinated a team, budgeted, and monitored the progress of a program? Then you have some elements of project management which gave you some exposure to the skills essential for project managers.

2. Build Your Experience

Ruth began her journey by starting with small projects that exposed her to the field and she acquired experience that prepared her for more senior roles.

 Many professionals start their careers in junior positions and their roles expand as they gain industry expertise.

If you want to shift to project management, look for opportunities in your current work and take advantage of those opportunities to learn and job shadow other project managers.

3. Develop Your Skills

The essential skills for a project manager include effective communication, problem-solving, time management, organization, planning, risk management, and leadership skills.

To improve your project management skills, consider taking a project management course or PMP credentials that prove industry recognition.

4. Update Your CV

“I currently work as a team leader in the manufacturing industry but I want to change my career to project management, how should my CV look like?” This is a question that the trainer received from a prospect.

If you have the skills essential for project managers, it is important to ensure they are featured prominently on your CV. Review the job postings and identify what the employers are looking for then highlight the qualifications you have that match the job requirements.

5. Look For Entry-Level Positions

As you walk your way up in your career, consider starting from entry-level positions that help you to gain experience and learn.

Look for positions like graduate trainee programs, operations associate roles, and junior project manager roles because they will prepare you for senior roles.

Finally

Before you start your journey in project management, find out if this career is right for you. Read the stories of experts in the industry, consult them through social media platforms, and ask questions to help you get an idea of what the industry is all about.

At Corporate Staffing Service, we offer training services that will help you climb the career ladder in project management.