Embarking on a Career in Project Management

Basics of Project Management

What is a project?

• A unique endeavor, and usually includes a set of unique deliverables

• A temporary pursuit: it has a defined beginning and an end

-> A project is a series of tasks that need to be completed to reach a desired outcome.

What is project management?

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to meet the project requirements and achieve the desired outcome. It is valuable to businesses because it helps ensure that a project delivers the expected outcomes both on time and within budget.

What does a project manager do?

Careers in Project Management

Project management roles

Traditional project management roles:

• Project Manager: Responsible for the initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing of a project. Includes industry-specific titles like IT project manager, construction project manager, or engineering project manager, which utilize skills that are transferable among industries.

• Project Analyst: Moves a project along by sharing information, providing support through data analysis, and contributing to strategy and performance. 

• Project Leader/Director: Drives core decision-making and sets the direction for the project. Usually knowledgeable about the product or deliverable. 

• Project Controller: Primarily responsible for project planning. You are likely to see this job title in industries like engineering and construction.

• Technical Project Manager: Conducts project planning and management for identified goals within a company. Ensures that projects are completed to the requirements within a defined time frame and budget.

• Project Management Office (PMO) Analyst: Manages the progress of complex projects to ensure timely execution and completion.

Next step: Program manager

• Programm: A collection of projects

• Program managers are responsible for managing many projects.

  • Manage a group of projects that are related or similar to one another and handle the coordination of these projects

  • Facilitate effective communication between individual project managers and provide support where necessary

  • Help create and manage long-term goals for their organization

More senior: Portfolio manager

• portfolio: A collection of projects and programs across an entire organization.

• Portfolio managers are responsible for portfolios of projects or programs for one client.

  • Manage a group of related programs within the same organization

  • Coordinate various programs in order to ensure they are on track and that the organization is meeting its strategic initiatives

  • Look at all projects and programs within the organization and prioritize work as necessary.

Operational management roles

• You will get the opportunity to experience several different departments and how they interact and operate

• Allow you to work alongside peers and management from various business segments, giving you an appreciation for what each segment does on a daily basis

• Some operational management positions include:

  • Operations Analyst: Manages and coordinates research, investigates workflows, creates business procedures, and recommends changes to improve the project and company. 

  • Operations Manager: Oversees strategic decision-making and rolls out plans of action based on financial, schedule, and resource reporting. 

  • Chief Operating Officer: Responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of a business.

Agile roles

• Scrum Master: Coordinates and guides the Scrum team. Knowledgeable in Agile framework and Scrum and is able to teach others about the Scrum values and principles. May also be listed as a Technical Program Manager or Technical Project Manager.

• Product Owner: Drives the direction of product development and progress.

Use buzzwords in job research

Buzzwords: words or phrases that are popular for a period of time or in a particular industry.

In today’s job market, buzzwords like data-driven, team player, and self-starter are common.

Similarly, many job descriptions list the specific skills they require candidates to have. These skills can become some of the terms that you use in your job search.

• Coordination, or getting people and teams to work together.

  • Being a project manager is essentially managing the coordination of resources to achieve your end goal. Coordination is one of the top skills a project manager should have, so searching for this term can lead you to appropriate positions.

• Organization, or the ability to stay focused on different tasks.

  • “solid organizational skills, including attention to detail and multitasking skills” or something as simple as “highly organized.”

• Leadership, or being able to lead a group of people.

  • phrases like “strong leadership qualities” or “ability to lead”

  • A project manager needs to display leadership in a number of ways, including effective planning, efficient task coordination, inspiring team members, and key decision-making.

Common project management buzzwords