A project manager is the individual responsible for beginning a project and ensuring that it is completely executed. Between 2014 and 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics expects to see a 15 percent increase in job growth within the IT project management sector, which is faster than average. Looking to launch or change careers to this in-demand field? Here are some helpful tips:
1. Practice Team Leadership and Management
In your current position, take advantage of opportunities to lead company projects and manage your team. This can give you valuable experience as you shift your career goals and test the waters as a project manager. It can also be a safer and less expensive way to determine if the field is right for you.
2. Identify and Solve Problems
Being able to identify problems and resolve them quickly is essential to project management. Try to spot issues in an existing project and assess the resources that could help you resolve them. Be really engaged with project meetings by offering suggestions, as well as listen to peers you respect about how they come up with resolutions to issues.
3. Hone Your Communication Skills
Once you become accustomed to identifying common project management issues, communication grows in importance. In order to develop solutions and keep a project on track, you need to be able to efficiently direct your team along the way. Furthermore, it will be your job to ensure that the right information gets to right hands, whether it’s a review or a report.
4. Seek Additional Training
Depending on how far you want to take your project management career, you may need additional training. There are several undergraduate and graduate programs available – many of them online – for individuals who want to specialize in project management. Your existing employer may also be willing to invest in your training if you decide to stay with the company as a project manager.
5. Consider Specializing in a Technical Field
Most project managers are in-tune with their industry and specialize in a technical aspect of their field. This allows them to thrive on not only organization, but passion. Think about what types of projects you would like to tackle as a project manager before you begin. There are opportunities in fields ranging from construction to information technology.
6. Improve your Negotiation Skills
It can be difficult to see eye-to-eye with individuals on your team, but being a successful project manager depends on your ability to negotiate. Your negotiation skills can help you keep everyone on your team on-task, in addition to helping you reach your project deadlines. As you improve your negotiation tactics, you’ll also grow as an influencer and a team leader.
As you look to change the direction of your career, consider the steps you need to take before making a final decision. Fine-tuning your skills is essential to giving yourself the foundation you need to excel in the area of project management. Resolute has been successfully placing project managers with outstanding companies since 1999, so please contact us if you would like more information!
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