Top 5 reasons why you should pursue project management

The way we work has significantly changed. As we move to a project-based economy, companies are realizing everyone needs project management skills to be successful in their work. Yet, there is a widening gap between the employers’ need for project managers and the availability of skilled professionals to fill roles.

What is project management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, methods and experience to achieve specific project objectives according to criteria within agreed parameters.¹

Why is it important?

The ability to deliver projects on time, within budget and aligns with an organization’s goals is critical to competing in today’s market,  so professionals need to have a comprehensive understanding of project management.

What does a project manager do?

A project manager plans, organizes and oversees the completion of specific projects. They will often lead a team to ensure projects are delivered successfully and are responsible for managing many areas:

> Budgets
> Timeline
> Resources
> Risks
> Change
> Quality control
> Unexpected issues

What are the 5 phases of the project management process?

1. Concept and Initiation
This is a critical phase of identifying the business need, objectives and goals for the project. This phase could also include exploring new ways to conduct business or solve a problem.

2. Definition and Planning
Here’s where a project manager defines and plans every detail. Your plan serves as a blueprint to lead the project team through the execution, performance and closure phases.

3. Launch or Execution
You and your team are now off and running on a project. Typically, this is the longest phase where you guide the team and stakeholders through a series of milestones.

4. Performance and Control
During this phase, you will find yourself testing and reviewing performance as you begin to near project completion.

5. Close and Reporting
Once the project is completed and your stakeholders are satisfied with what has been delivered. You now enter the final phase of closing off the project. You may find yourself finalizing your findings through reports or handing off your project and of course celebrating the accomplishment. Successful project managers don’t just move on to the next thing. They take time to celebrate with their team, reflect on the project and offer feedback for improvement on future projects.

Creating a new app, constructing a senior centre, developing a quality control system or designing a website, most professionals don’t carry the title of Project Manager, but almost all have managed a project in some form. Is that enough to move into a project management role?

Project managers learn effective planning, task coordination, overseeing projects, inspiring team members, and making decisions vital to setting up a plan of action for project implementation.

Do you have what it takes to be a project manager?

Explore the top five reasons why earning a certificate in Project Management could be the right career move:

1. High demand
The demand for Project Managers is high and rapidly growing. According to Project Management Institute, by 2027, most work will be project-based.  Employers will need skilled professionals to step into project management roles. In Canada alone, it is expected that nearly 90,000 new project managers will be hired.² 

2. Attractive compensation
Skilled project managers are not only in high demand across industries, they often earn high salaries too. The average project manager salary in Canada is $79,794 per year, while experienced workers can make up to $114,000 per year.³ 

3. In-demand skills for potential employers
Project Management is one of the most in-demand skills requested on job listings. Here are a few of the top 20 skills employers look for in project managers⁴ :

> Communication
> Adaptability
> Problem-solving
> Attention to detail
> Negotiation
> Organization
> Problem-solving
> Risk management
> Active listening
> Conflict management
> Budget management

When you gain project management skills, you become versatile as you have the discipline to take action, move deliverables forward and execute within budget and constraints.

4. Flexibility for growth and change
While a competitive salary is an attractive part of working in this role, perhaps the most rewarding thing about project management is that it allows for rapid growth within an organization or even an easy pivot from one industry to another. Such skills are transferable to many types of projects, organizations and industries.

5. Preparation for leadership
Some experts consider project management as excellent leadership training. Project managers learn effective planning, task coordination, overseeing projects, inspiring team members, and making decisions vital to setting up a plan of action for project implementation, which are all essential skills for leaders.

Ready to take your project management skills to the next level? Learn how earning a certificate and working toward your PMP designation is a great add-on to your resume, no matter the industry.

Learn more:

Work towards your PMP® designation

Sources:

¹ Association of Project Management
² Project Management Institute
³ Payscale
⁴ Indeed.com