How To Become a Coordinator

Steps to Become a Coordinator

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

   Though it's possible to pursue a project coordinator career with just a high school diploma, earning a bachelor's degree in social sciences, project management, or social work can help you develop key skills and knowledge for the role. Some of those skills and knowledge include courses in business and project management, as well as information technology (IT) and human resources. Earning a bachelor's degree can also help you stand out in the field while searching for a job. A degree often shows employers that you're serious about the position and you're dedicated to the career.

2. Apply for an internship.

   Gaining relevant experience in the coordinator field can add to your resume and credentials to help you earn a coordinator position. While pursuing your bachelor's degree, look for internships that can help you develop coordinator skills and experience. Internships in businesses, IT departments, or engineering and construction firms can help you learn more about the project coordinator career and the duties involved. Talk with your school's academic counselor and search job boards to find internship opportunities that are right for you.

3. Look for leadership opportunities.

   After you earn your bachelor's degree, it's helpful to look for entry-level coordinator positions in the same departments and firms as your internship. These positions can help you work more closely with the project coordinator and understand the inner workings of the projects they develop. After developing some experience in entry-level positions, it's helpful to look for leadership opportunities. For coordinator roles, employers will often look for candidates with managerial or leadership experience.

4. Earn a project coordinator certification.

   Earning a certification in project coordination or project management is a great way to demonstrate your qualifications for the role. The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which is a popular choice for the field. The certification requires at least 35 hours of project management training and 36 months of project-leading experience if you have a four-year degree. Once you meet the requirements, you can take a certification exam that allows you to demonstrate your expertise in the coordination field.

5. Consider higher education.

   Though you don't need it to become a coordinator, it's become increasingly popular to earn a master's degree for the career. One of the most common degrees that individuals pursue is a master's in business administration (MBA) with a focus in nonprofit management. Earning your master's degree for a coordinator position can help show employers that you're serious about the career. It also helps you demonstrate your expertise in the field, which can set you apart from other candidates for the role.