Explore the avenues to becoming a Project Manager, whether it's through accumulating industry-specific skills, pursuing formal education, or earning professional certifications. Discover the various stages of a Project Manager's career and the key skills required for each, from entry-level to senior positions.

Key Insights

  • Project Management as a career is highly adaptable and can be pursued from various starting points, whether it's an industry-specific role or through formal education.
  • Northeastern University's Project Management program outlines two major paths: the "Formal Education Path" and the "Customized, Non-Traditional Approach".
  • Certifications are often preferred in Project Management, with PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) certification being highly esteemed. For beginners, a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification can be a stepping stone.
  • Internships can be an effective way to acquire experience in Project Management. They can help develop practical skills like multitasking, communication, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
  • Entry-level Project Manager positions primarily focus on skills rather than experience or certification. Earning a CAPM certification or studying Project Management can boost your credibility for these roles.
  • Freelancing as a Project Manager can offer advantages such as flexible work schedules and higher earning potential. However, it requires strong networking skills, credible experiences, and staying updated with market trends.

There is no single way to become a Project Manager. Many people begin working in an industry and then develop skills that lead them to be specialized Project Manager in that industry. Others study management in college and pursue work experience afterward.

One of the things that makes project management such a great career path is that it intersects with many other career paths. Project management is an excellent second career.

Getting Started

Launching a Project Manager career from any starting point, regardless of your current job or education, is possible. There are many paths to becoming a Project Manager, but the first step is deciding that it’s the career path you want to pursue. 

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Education

There are many paths to becoming a Project Manager. It is a skills-based career, so there is no single educational path to becoming a Project Manager. 

Northeastern University’s Project Management program outlines two paths to becoming a Project Manager: the “Formal Education Path” and the “Customized, Non-Traditional Approach.” However, every Project Manager’s career path will be customized. 

Project Management education looks different for every Project Manager. Degrees are not required to become a Project Manager, although it could include pursuing a degree. For example, if you’re considering becoming a Construction Project Manager, you may want to get an Associate’s degree in Construction Science. Or, if you already have a bachelor’s degree, you could consider a graduate degree in Project Management. 

However, professional certifications are preferred in Project Management. PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) is the most prestigious certification in Project Management. PMP certification is for advanced Project Managers and has intensive prerequisites. However, PMI also offers an entry-level Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), a great way for aspiring Project Managers to start getting hired. 

Internships

Internships can be an excellent way to develop experience in project management. A Project Manager Intern will typically be expected to assist the Project Manager or a team in completing projects. For example, you may be asked to assist a Marketing team or work directly under a Project Manager. 

Some Project Manager internships require interns to be currently pursuing a degree or a Project Management certification. However, the skills required by most Project Manager internships are communication skills, interpersonal skills, the ability to multitask, and Microsoft Office and Google Suite proficiency. 

Skill requirements may also vary by industry. For example, marketing Project Manager internships might require familiarity with blog writing and social media platforms.

There are also many remote internships in project management. Your location doesn’t have to get in the way of creating a career as a Project Manager. 

Entry-Level Project Manager Jobs

Entry-level Project Manager jobs typically focus on skills over experience or certification because you’re not expected to have developed those yet. The most frequently required hard skill for entry-level Project Management is proficiency in Microsoft Office. 

Most job listings require strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to work well on a team, multitasking, leadership skills, computer literacy, and strong organizational skills. 

One excellent way to demonstrate that you have these skills to potential employers is by studying Project Management or earning a CAPM certification. 

Mid-Level Project Manager Jobs

Mid-level Project Manager jobs typically require more experience than entry-level positions. The most common amount of experience required is 1-3 years. 

At this point in your Project Manager career, you might be starting to specialize in an industry or gained a few years of work experience in one. You might have also gained some hard skills related to your industry. For example, if your entry-level position was in the construction industry, you might have some AutoCAD skills.

As you advance in your Project Manager career, one of the expectations is that the number of projects you’re managing will increase. Mid-level Project Managers will want to develop the ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously. 

Mid-level Project Managers also need to begin planning for PMP Certification. Before applying to take the exam, you will be required to demonstrate either 36 months of professionally leading projects if you have a Bachelor’s degree or 60 months if you do not. 

Senior Project Manager Jobs

Senior Project Managers typically have 6-10 years of experience in project management. They are also typically PMP Certified. 

Senior Project Managers often lead a team of Project Managers. They may also handle more projects and more complex projects. They may work at a company and manage the lead Project Manager from each department. 

Senior Project Managers will want to pursue PMP Certification if they haven't already. PMI reports that PMP-Certified Project Managers earn 25% more than uncertified Project Managers in the United States. In some other countries, that number increases: PMP Certified Project Managers in South Africa make around 60% more. If a Senior Project Manager is already certified, then they will also want to meet the requirements for maintaining their certification. 

Another Path: Freelancing

Project management could be your own small business if you’re interested in being a Freelance Project Manager or a Project Manager Consultant—a Project Manager who leads projects for different clients. 

Freelancing as a Project Manager has advantages such as being your boss, more significant work flexibility, and the potential for a higher salary. However, you will be responsible for finding clients while simultaneously managing projects, might lack health insurance benefits, and may go periods without a steady income. 

You’ll also need experience, references, and strong networking skills to build your client base. Certifications are even more critical for Freelance Project Managers because they create credibility for potential clients. Freelance Project Managers must keep more informed about trends and technology to stay competitive in the market.