June 27, 2017, by Carla

What is a project manager, and why is it a great career choice for graduates?

By Simon Buehring, Managing Director at Knowledge Train

Projects enable change and growth. They are a vital part of business life and organisations in every industry around the world perform them. Without projects, new and improved products, better infrastructure, cutting-edge marketing campaigns or events like music festivals might not exist.

Projects will always exist and so will the need for project managers. So what does being a project manager entail? Why should you choose this career? And how can you enter this field?

What does a project manager do?

Project managers hold positions of key importance within an organisation. They oversee the daily running of projects and employ a number of techniques to “get the job done”.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning and budgeting for projects
• Organising and motivating the project team
• Carrying out risk and quality assessments
• Working with stakeholders
• Solving problems as they arise
• Ensuring project goals are achieved on time

As a project manager, you must be passionate about delivering projects successfully. To do so, you need to be highly organised with strong leadership and interpersonal skills. You should be goal-orientated, with an eye for spotting risks and solving problems.

Project managers and their teams employ a variety of techniques, sometimes working to particular methodologies such as PRINCE2®. You will learn “agile” techniques, particularly in the software, marketing and creative digital industries.

Challenges you might face day-to-day include the pressure of looming deadlines and unplanned mishaps. Delivering projects on time can often involve working hours beyond the average 9-5.

Why become a project manager?

Pressure and irregular hours aside, there are some wonderful reasons to become a project manager.  Here’s just six:

1. Universal appeal – Project managers are required in every industry, so it is open to all graduates, regardless of your degree discipline.
2. High demand – Projects make progress and change possible in all walks of life, so as a project manager, you will always be in demand.
3. Travel opportunities – Projects are carried out worldwide, so you may get to travel and work with a variety of different people.
4. Good progression – Project managers communicate with, and learn from, colleagues across an organisation. You’ll gain transferable skills and a breadth of knowledge, which often translate into career advancement.
5. High salary – Organisations often reward these high-priority positions with top salaries averaging £40-£50k in the UK. It can reach six figures for experienced professionals in some industries.
6. Job satisfaction – Being part of a successful project is a thrilling experience, involving teamwork and a sense of responsibility. The feeling you get when everything comes together at the end of a project is a real career highlight.

How to become a project manager

Kick-starting your project management career requires the right experience and qualifications. Here are some top tips for entering the field after graduation:

Decide on a sector

Remember, you can become a project manager with any degree subject. However some graduates choose to use their undergraduate degree as a starting point for a career in project management. This can be particularly useful in sectors such as IT or engineering. Another option is to continue studying and complete a postgraduate qualification in project management with a sector specialism.

Get work experience

Whether you have graduated yet or not, you could try contacting some companies for work experience as part of a project team. If you’re considering the postgraduate study route, look out for courses featuring work placements. Another great way to gain (paid) experience is to apply for a project administrator or project support role. These are entry-level positions which allow you to work alongside a project manager on real projects, and carry potential for progression.

Consider further qualifications

You may notice that some advertised positions in project management ask for qualifications such as PRINCE2, AgilePM®, or PMP for roles outside the UK. These are just some of the many qualifications designed to equip you with knowledge of project methodologies and approaches, which can form part of employers’ criteria for project-related staff. You can also complete courses that teach generic project management techniques and in-demand “soft skills” such as communication and organisation.

Research typical job requirements for your chosen sector and role to help you decide whether it would be worthwhile to pursue further qualifications. It is also a great idea to consider the existing skills and experience you already have, and think about how to strengthen your applications for roles in project management.

Find out more

• Visit the University of Nottingham Careers and Employability Service for further advice including help finding work placements, deciding on further study plans and strengthening your job applications. They can also signpost you to upcoming job fairs and vacancy sources for entry-level roles
• For further useful information about sectors, salaries and the best locations for project management roles, read the Project Management Salary eBook
• For further advice about becoming a Project Manager, including accreditation and training options, visit this job profile on the Prospects website

Simon Buehring is the founder and Managing Director of Knowledge Train, an accredited PRINCE2 training organization based in London, UK. For over 25 years, Simon has worked as a project manager for a wide range of organizations, both in the UK and internationally, including the BBC, HSBC and IBM.

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