A project manager is the wearer of many hats, which is probably why successful project managers come from many different backgrounds. The field for project managers is expected to grow significantly. The Project Management Institute (PMI) estimates that project manager jobs will increase by 12% from 2010 to 2020. So the jobs are out there, but do you have the skills and prerequisites to become one? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, a project manager must be a good communicator. Ninety percent of a project manager’s job is communicating. This includes speaking with a client or senior leadership about the status of the project and engaging with team members so they know exactly what to do and what the expectations are.
Second, a project manager is also a listener. In order to communicate effectively, he or she must know where team members stand, what their strengths are, and how to appeal to a client or customers. A project manager gets people on his or her side early on to ensure the success of the project.
Third, a project manager is a problem solver. This starts before the project begins. A project manager preemptively looks at issues that could occur and tries to solve them before they manifest. No matter the project, things could potentially change course very quickly. It is up to the project manager to assess the situation and provide solutions in an efficient manner so the timeline and budget aren’t affected.
Finally, a project manager is a leader. He or she will have team members that will rely on him or her to lead them on the project and provide direction. A project manager will be the point of contact on the project, and the success of the project will ultimately depend on his or her ability to keep the project on task, on budget, and on time.
If you think that this is something that you would like to do, we encourage you to check out this infographic we created illustrating more details on project management and how to become a certified project manager. Rutgers School of Business in Camden offers project management certification online courses that allow prospective project managers to fulfill the education requirement they need to take the PMI test and apply for PMI certification. Contact us today to learn more about our course offerings, admission requirements, and more.