Jackie Martin
Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, APM
Projects come in many different shapes and sizes, and all have an impact on the world around us. At a time when the world faces so many major challenges, becoming a project professional can be a great way to tackle some of these issues.
Every project needs a project team to keep a close watch on plans, budgets, contributors, quality of outputs and anything that could cause a problem. This team is pivotal to ensuring projects succeed.
Benefits of project management
Project management is increasingly becoming a career of choice rather than chance. It plays a crucial role in a wide range of business sectors, from media, IT and healthcare to engineering, construction and financial services — making it a varied and rewarding job.
Many project managers talk about the pride they feel in delivering something that makes the world a better place.
Project management can also be financially rewarding, with £47,500 being the average salary of an experienced project manager, according to a recent survey by Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered membership organisation for the project profession.
Project management is a growing profession and changing fast. Project management skills including organisation, communication, resilience and leadership are transferable, meaning a good project manager will be able to add value in any environment they choose to work.
Project management is a growing
profession and changing fast.
Project management career routes
If you know someone who would be interested in a career in project management, it’s useful to know there are a number of routes to becoming a project professional, including:
- Apprenticeships: For on-the-job learning and development, so you can ‘earn while you learn.’
- The Level 4 Associate Project Manager apprenticeship usually lasts 12–15 months and includes the APM Project Management Qualification.
- The Level 6 Project Manager Integrated Degree Apprenticeship usually lasts four years.
- University: By completing a BSc or MSc in project management.
- Professional qualifications: People can develop skills and career progression by doing a professional qualification in project management, such as those offered by APM, and go on to become a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP).
Whichever route you choose, project management can be an exciting, fulfilling and productive career.
For further advice and information, APM has produced a guide for students considering a career in project management.