Project Management is the career for the future with a huge need for professionals. According to the Project Management Institute, over 2.2 million Project Management roles would need to be filled by 2027.
“By 2027, employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles.”
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the need for Project Managers. In response to the crisis, the governments in different parts of the world created new reconstruction plans to cushion the effect on their economy and their citizens.
McKinsey and Company published a report where they stated that because of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the governments will spend more than $10 trillion on restructuring projects in the next 10 years. These projects will require Project Managers.
The role of project managers is so important to any economy that talent shortages can potentially create risks of nearly US $208 billion in GDP over the 10-year period.
By now you understand the point- Project Managers are needed and Project Management is and will continue to remain on the top list of careers in high demand.
If you have been thinking about transitioning to Project Management or starting a career in Project Management but you have not made a start because you are not sure if it is a career for you, this article will highlight some key steps to help you decide if Project Management is the right career for you.
1. Qualities of a Project Manager
“ The key to learning is an awareness of where you lack understanding”
James Pierce
To answer the question of whether Project Management is for you, the first step is to understand the qualities of a Project Manager.
By understanding the qualities of a Project Manager, you can audit your strengths and weaknesses to decide if project management is the right fit for you.
Also, you can decide to improve and work on your weaknesses (never stop learning and improving yourself).
A few qualities of a Project Manager are:
- A good communicator
- A problem solver
- A team player
- Emotional Intelligence
- Adaptability
- Leadership
2. Identify your Project Management Experience
The great thing about a career in Project Management is that you mostly like to have more experience than you think.
- Have you ever planned a party?
- Volunteered at a not-for-profit?
- Managed a conference?
- Worked as your church admin?
- Run a new summer program for teenagers?
If yes, you have a goldmine of project management experience with transferable skills in this field.
If you are still not sure, you can take the free Discover your Project Management Experience course. In this course, we hold your hands in helping you identify experiences you have that you probably thought were not Project Management experiences.
The great thing about taking the time to identify your Project Management experience is that it gives you the confidence to begin your journey as a Professional Project Manager.
3. Take a PM course
Another way to know if a career in Project Management is for you is to take a PM course (in-person or online).
We live in an amazing time, we can learn about anything and everything, the best part is that we can learn anywhere at our own convenience.
You can find Project Management courses on Coursera or Udemy and get a certificate after completion.
This step has two advantages, not only are you learning about the career but you are also getting certified for the knowledge you have gained and this will be an advantage when you are seeking a PM job.
Recommended Project Management courses:
4. Join a Project Management Community
A learning community is a group of students with shared learning goals who collaborate and connect with one another. The right community can be a source of support, connection, and motivation. You can find Project Management communities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms.
In an online Project Management community you can:
- Ask your questions or share your ideas or problems
- You get inspired and motivated
- Grow your network
- Have access to work or volunteering opportunities
- Stay up to date with the latest Project Management trends
You can join the OJ Project Management Community here. To gain access to all that has been mentioned above.
In conclusion
There is a huge demand for Project Managers, and now is the right time to build your career in Project Management. Follow these steps to determine whether Project Management is a career for you, I do hope it is.
Remember that you can always ask me any question by sharing in the comment section or contacting me. I would also love your thoughts on the biggest challenge you are facing with getting into Project Management.
About Ogaga Johnson, PMP, CSM
Ogaga Johnson, is a Project leader, Consultant, and Speaker.
She is passionate about helping professionals launch and grow successful and thriving careers in Project Management.
She has helped 150+ professionals to get into Project Management and advance their careers through her coaching programs.
Ogaga is social, connect and learn with her on LinkedIn or Instagram or YouTube
If you have any questions or contributions, please do so by leaving a comment in the comment section below.
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