Project Management Careers

Project Management Career Overview

Project management, as the name implies, consists of planning and executing projects within an organization. Project managers are generally not executives, but they form the bridge between executive vision and execution. As such, the position carries a good deal of responsibility, and competition for positions at top firms is fierce.

Project managers’ specific duties vary widely depending on the task at hand, but common duties are:

• Assigning responsibilities to the appropriate parties.
• Following up and making sure that things are proceeding according to schedule.
• Creating detailed progress reports for upper management.
• Leading and directing a team of people to complete a project.
• Creating a budget for a project and making sure that people stick to it.

Project management skills are needed in many different fields. Most project managers work regular business offers in offices, however certain positions may involve travel or working in different locations. Occasionally, especially as a deadline approaches, project managers may have to work additional hours.

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Project Management Training & Education

Depending on the industry, different qualifications are required: software project management is markedly different from managing construction projects. The only consistent criterion for hiring is experience—usually a minimum of five years for most positions.

Most people gain experience in this field by taking entry-level positions, as project managers are often hired from within the company. Additionally, a plethora of training programs, including degrees and certifications, exist for those interested in bolstering their academic credentials. These might include classes in time management or a certificate in project management. Specializing in a particular area such as construction or software development is also strategic in developing uniquely strong skills. Corporations will often offer tuition compensation programs for employees interested in developing their managerial credentials.

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Project Management Career & Salary Outlook

The job outlook for project managers varies according to specialization, but there is always a need for people with good organizational skills. In general, this field is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2014. Project managers who specialize in construction, software, or web design are most needed.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not collect data on project managers, as they are classified as professionals within their respective fields. Nevertheless, the Project Management Institute commissioned a 2006 survey that indicated the median annual earnings for project managers is $96,000

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Career Fields/Specializations

Construction Administrator Career

Construction managers organize and direct a wide variety of construction projects. These might include residential, industrial, or public projects, among others. They manage the process from the initial planning stages until completion, which includes coordinating labor, supplies, and permits, along with numerous other concerns. Construction administrators may oversee all of the people who play a role in making the project happen, including hiring new employees and firing incompetent ones. In addition to this, construction administrators must make sure that all projects are completed on time and within budget.

Civil Engineering Project Manager Career

Civil engineering project managers oversee projects that are related to building bridges, highways, wastewater treatment plants, buildings, and other public works projects. Civil engineers typically possess a civil engineering degree along with project management experience or qualifications. Often construction administrators will become civil engineering project managers, or vice-versa, as experience in the two fields is largely interchangeable.

Architect Project Manager Career

An architectural project manager takes care of architectural projects from beginning to end. They help create the budget and timeline and ensure that the right people are hired to complete each task. Architectural project managers generally are architects with several years of experience, so an undergraduate degree is essential.

Web Project Manager Career

Web project managers oversee the process of creating and updating a website. This position is more ongoing than other project management positions due to the ever-changing nature of the web and the huge variation in web site characteristics. In general, web project managers:

• Analyze traffic statistics
• Identify new ways that a website can provide value to its customers
• Manage site design and updates

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