Secure your future with project management

With energy, fuel, and cost-of-living rises combined with an uncertain job market in traditional roles, many are attempting to secure their future by switching careers. 

However, exploring life-changing opportunities can feel incredibly daunting and even overwhelming, which is one of the many reasons we have launched our Training the Nation campaign. This new and exclusive support programme is designed to meet the needs of those who require financial, and career support the most.

For example, if you would like to train to become a project manager, this could be the perfect opportunity to kickstart your career. As project management skills remain employers’ most in-demand skill, many employees from different roles are already familiar with best practices after being asked to complete tasks as part of a cross-functional team. It has never been easier for you to switch from project resource to manager, but what do you need to succeed?

 

 

How has project management changed?

For over 50 years, the Project Management Institute (PMI) has been at the heart of advancing the project management profession. The methods and techniques applied to projects have continuously evolved throughout the years to support new perspectives, skills, and methodologies to power the rising project economy.

One of the most significant changes in recent months is that project managers and teams no longer need to be in the same physical location. Instead, as virtual teams become the norm, task management can be handled from various tools such as Slack, Google Hangouts, and an increasing range of project management software. Dispersed and remote working project managers are also leveraging new processes that help them adapt to a less traditional workflow. For example, the Agile methodology represents a set of principles that help project teams embrace a more flexible approach than the conventional and rigid waterfall method. 

 

What project management skills are employers looking for now?

Businesses of all sizes and industries increasingly turn to project managers to bring their strategic and business objectives to life. Managing stakeholder meetings and cross-functional teams requires effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. Project managers also naturally possess a meticulous eye for detail when planning and scheduling resources.

Critical thinking and problem-solving are also essential skills to ensure teams overcome challenges or obstacles that may risk derailing a project. In addition, successful project managers also possess greater emotional intelligence and social skills, enabling them to motivate others to achieve a more successful final product.

If you already possess some of these skills and use them regularly in your current role, learning the latest project management methodologies and techniques will be the final step between you and your new career as a project manager.

 

Which project management certifications should I do?

Many students will instantly lean towards PRINCE2® to begin and then move on to CAPM to enhance their qualifications. But we encourage students to think even bigger with our project management collections designed to arm you with the skill sets that will meet all industry requirements. 

We understand that every student will have different levels of experience and a unique path to the career of their dreams. If you have no project management experience and have set your sights on securing your first role as a project manager, our APM Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) Collection is the perfect place to start. It will teach you the terminology, skills, frameworks, methodologies, and communication styles to help turn your dream career into a reality.

In a career of continuous learning, we will also be by your side when you have enjoyed two years of practical experience in project management to help you once again level up your career. The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) Collection will ensure you can validate and document your skills as a project professional. It will also ensure they are aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge, covering budgeting and cost management, conflict management, communication, earned value management, leadership, negotiation, procurement, sponsorship, and teamwork.

If you have over five years of experience in project management, our PMP Collection will help you take your career to the next level. We can also help you explore the world of business analysis and the skills required to become a business or data analyst professional. Whichever route you choose, we can ensure you achieve internationally recognised certifications needed to secure the role of your dreams in any industry or country.

 

 

How many project management jobs are there?

According to a Project Management Institute (PMI) report, we can expect to see 22 million new project management opportunities before 2027. The report also highlights how there will be 87.7 million professionals working in project-centric roles. But there is increased concern that the global demand for project management skills is unlikely to be filled by 2030 

A talent gap report revealed a surge in the number of positions that require project management-oriented skills. In addition, economic growth in emerging and developing countries is also creating a high demand for project professionals. As a result, many boardrooms are discovering that this talent shortage could impact their abilities to implement their strategic initiatives.

For these reasons alone, we expect the demand for project management skills to continue to outstrip the supply. As a result, businesses must explore how to support employees and provide learning opportunities and initiatives to equip them with the necessary project management skills or risk getting left behind. This increased demand also provides everyone reading this with a chance to get ahead of the curve and secure their dream career.

 

How much do project managers earn?

Since the pandemic and the aftermath of the great resignation, we see more people following their purpose and passion rather than being motivated solely by money when starting a new career. Many are also demanding that an employer provides an inclusive workplace that is innovative and flexible.

However, a career in project management can also quickly become quite lucrative as you gain experience and globally recognised certifications. The average salary of a junior project manager in their first role is currently £31,183, which quickly rises to an average annual income of £54,657. But the ultimate goal of reaching a project management director could take you to over £78,000 and well on the way to a six-figure salary.

Most of our students feel our career services team played a crucial role in giving them the confidence to move forward with their career plans. We aim to help anyone facing career uncertainty benefit from financially accessible training and expert career coaching.Our team is passionate about helping people of all ages and backgrounds to find new careers and job security. If pursuing a new career in project management appeals to you, get in touch with our project management career consultants who will help you plan and navigate your pathway to career success.