Today's business projects are often complex, involving numerous professionals and support staff. A project manager coordinates the work of all these people and oversees the project, ensuring that it runs smoothly, remains in budget and meets deadlines.
Project manager jobs involve every aspect of an ongoing project, from its creation to its completion. The many responsibilities of a project manager include:
Working conditions for a project manager can vary greatly depending on the chosen project industry. While many project managers work in corporate business environments, they are also employed in architecture, construction, engineering, information technology and many other industries. A project manager's workplace may be a construction site, a laboratory or an office.
The median project manager salary in the United States is $96,000. Salary for project managers can vary greatly depending on education, experience and employer.
Project managers usually need at least a bachelor's degree, and some employers favor higher education. Many colleges now offer a master's degree in project management, while other schools offer project management courses and certificates. A project management degree involves study in:
Students must also perfect their oral and written communications skills. In addition to education, certification from a professional organization is a desirable credential.
It is not always necessary to earn a project management or similar degree. While many people become project managers with related degrees in business or management, a degree in the specific area of the project to be managed can also be helpful or even preferable.
Project management experience is preferred by most employers. However, any work experience showing leadership is advantageous. Project managers should ideally have some work experience in the field of the project.
Project managers can advance their careers through networking and involvement in local professional associations, especially if they plan to become self-employed as independent contractors. In addition to owning a project management business, project managers can also be promoted to upper-management executive positions or teach project management at a university level.
For more information on project management careers, you may want to contact: