Five tips to get into project management

The words: “when I grow up, I want to be a project manager” probably aren’t heard in many schools where children dream about their futures! Whilst some project managers find their calling early on in their career journeys, others get into the role later in life after exploring other passions and developing skills which lend themselves well to managing projects.  

Since the pandemic, there has been a notable increase in people finding themselves at career junctions. About 58% of workers responding to a recent survey said they’re looking to make a career change right now, according to a new report by FlexJobs. That could mean there are a lot of potentially aspiring project managers in the market and making the transition can be a game-changer.  

A project management career offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it provides opportunities for career growth and advancement, as project managers are in high demand across various industries. Secondly, project management roles often come with competitive salaries and benefits packages. Additionally, project managers have the chance to work on diverse projects, allowing for continual learning and skill development. The role also fosters valuable leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, which are transferable to other areas. It also offers a sense of accomplishment as you see projects through from inception to completion, making a tangible impact on organisations and communities. 

Here are my top five tips for getting into project management: 

1. Understand the role and its intricacies. Talk to other project managers and understand the benefits, challenges and expectations you’re likely to encounter. You might find your existing career path has helped you develop transferable skills which lend themselves well to a project management role.  
2. Develop and demonstrate your soft skills. These include integrity, trust and being able to build trustworthy relationships, as well as communication skills and elements of leadership/coaching. In today's dynamic work environment, where teams are diverse and dispersed, the importance of soft skills has never been greater. 
3. Practice, practice, practice. Project managers hone analytical skills, critical thinking and the capacity to navigate through ambiguity. These skills can thrive outside of the working day too and bringing a little project management to your home life can help you practice the project management mindset.  
4. Get familiar with project management tools: familiarise yourself with project management tools and software such as Microsoft Project, Miro or Trello. These tools can help streamline project planning, execution and tracking. Knowing how to use these tools will give you an advantage.  
5. Gain practical experience by volunteering for projects or taking on project-related tasks in your current role. If you can spin multiple plates, motivate a group of stakeholders and highlight risks and challenges you are gaining valuable experience which will add value to your new career in project management.   

 

Nine Feet Tall is a values-led management consultancy which delivers meaningful transformation through the power of people and technology.  

 

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