How To Become a Project Manager

Steps to Become a Project Manager

1. Get your Bachelor's degree in business management or business administration.

   There are specific minimum educational requirements that must be met to become a project manager. You must at least have a high school diploma or equivalent to begin a career. Many project managers hold bachelor's degrees in fields such as business management or business administration. If you wish to specialize in a particular field, such as the IT field, for example, you may be able to enter the field with a computer science degree.

2. Get work experience to gain skills like communication and organization.

   • Communication
   • Organization
   • Risk management
   • Critical thinkingThe best way to learn these skills is to work as an intern or entry-level project manager. Related field experience is practical as well.

3. Obtain certifications such as Certified Associate in Project Management.

   • Project Management Professional. This certification is internationally recognized and will allow you to work in a variety of fields. To become a Certified Project Management Professional, you'll need a high school diploma, 35 hours of project management-specific education, and 7,500 hours leading in projects. You can also have 4,500 hours leading projects, 35 hours of project management education, and a bachelor's degree. Certifications are offered in areas such as scheduling, business analysis, and risk management. Every three years, CPMPs must complete 60 professional development credits.
   • Certified Associate in Project Management. To become a Certified Associate in Project Management, you must have at least a high school diploma or associate's degree and 23 hours of education in project management. This option is available for those who don't have the prerequisites for the CPMP certification test. This will help you gain the experience needed in your chosen field of work.

4. Get a project management job.

   Once you've gotten the education, certification, and experience, you're ready to begin work as a project manager. Tailor your cover letter to be position-specific when applying for project manager jobs, and be sure your resume is updated with certifications, education, and relevant skills and experience.

5. Further your project management education.

   If you start your career as a project manager without having a bachelor's degree, it's possible to earn one while gaining real-life work experience. Bachelor's degree programs are designed to work around your schedule and provide you with the skills you need to further your career. There are also degree programs project managers pursue at the masters and doctorate levels.