Project Managers
Career summary
Project managers manage teams of people in order to complete projects.Project managers work in a wide range of industries, including:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Finance
- Video game and television production
Project managers plan, organize, and manage all parts of a project.
Department heads assign projects to project managers. Managers develop attainable project goals and objectives. They set up guidelines for achieving goals and objectives keeping in mind cost, time, and scope of the project.
Sometimes project managers meet with clients to learn more about a project. They assign tasks to other people. They closely monitor progress on each project.
It is important for project managers to trouble-shoot and solve problems. Project managers must be prepared to make changes if a problem or delay occurs. It is their responsibility to keep the project on track or to get it back on track when things go wrong.
Project managers monitor project costs in order to avoid overspending. They prepare daily or weekly reports about progress on the project. Project managers meet on a regular basis with department heads, staff, and clients to monitor the project.
Related careers
This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Advertising Managers
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Construction Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Industrial Production Managers
- Marketing Managers
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
- Wind Energy Project Managers
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
Training
To work as a project manager, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent;
- complete at least a bachelor's degree; and
- have related work experience.
Education after high school
Most project managers have at least a bachelor's degree. Many have training in areas related to the type of company or agency where they work. For example, a project manager at a computer hardware company may have a degree in computer science. Some managers have a master's degree in project management. This is becoming more common and desirable by employers.
Work experience
Work experience is just as important as education for project managers. They usually work for several years in their industry before becoming managers.
On-the-job training
Employers often provide training or pay for college course work. This is so you can update your skills. As a new project manager, you are likely to receive on-the-job training. The length of on-the-job training you receive varies by industry, employer, and your skills.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Accounting
- Computer Applications
- Introduction to Business
- Public Speaking
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
- Project managers need prior work experience in their industry.
- Managers may work long hours at critical times during a project.
- Project managers are responsible for the outcomes of projects under their supervision.
Licensing/certification
Licensing and certification requirements vary by industry and state. You may be required to first have a license or certificate within your field. For example, an engineering project manager must first be a licensed engineer. This is in addition to any project management training an employer might require.
Many employers prefer project managers to receive certification in project management. Certification is optional and can be obtained through many different organizations.
Other resources
1670 F East Cheyenne Mtn Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
American Management Association
Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering
1265 Suncrest Towne Centre Drive
Morgantown, WV 26505
304.296.8444
14 Campus Boulevard
Newtown Square, PA 19073
855.746.4849
610.356.4600
Washington Business Week
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Enterprising (Business Communications)
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.
DOT occupation
Holland occupational cluster
- Enterprising/Social/Investigative
COPSystem
- Business Professional