How to become a project manager

The opportunity to learn on the job may explain why only a small percentage of students on programme management degree courses come from the IT world. Brian Weiss, vice president of the Project Management Institute thinks there’s some synergy between the IT project management contingent and the gifted cadre at the top of their game: “Few of them chose project management as a profession – it found them”.

Add to this the fact that we’re living in interesting times in the business world where no company has time on their hands to get products to market. “The board expects its general managers to know the principles of project delivery and execution and not just to delegate,” confirms Weiss. All of which makes the role of project manager more mainstream – and desirable - as a career move.

Deciding to take on the mantle of project manager is nonetheless a big step and not to be taken without investigation.

What type of person should you be?

If you are a shy retiring type, or if you need authority to get things done, think again. Conversely, if you can respond to challenge rather than react, if you can focus on the outcome you want rather than the distractions along the way – you’re the right material. You need to be someone who’s passionate about the potential of IT, can innovate on the spot and relishes change. And to make this happen you need bags of enthusiasm because, in this role, you have to take so many people with you.

Panellist’s view: Making change happen has to be in your DNA. If you’re someone who has finite enthusiasm and who doesn’t like uncertainty, best banish any thoughts of being project manager now.

What’s the best first job?

Many graduates make the mistake of thinking it’s something they can do straight from university. Project management is all about pulling disparate strands together and making good calls, which requires judgement and experience. A good entry-level job should start to build a foundation of knowledge and provide a handle on an area of technical expertise. Database analyst, business analyst and application developer are solid - and typical - starting roles. Acquiring experience of managing third party suppliers is also a must for today’s project manager.

Panellist’s view: Project management definitely isn’t a first job. A typical route is to take responsibility for project delivery, then run bigger and multiple projects.

What are the recommended professional qualifications and institutes?

There are 82 first degree courses in project management in the UK but you’ll find very few veterans of the IT world who got into the profession this way. Once involved in project delivery, however, some training and certification does not go amiss. It’s hard to prepare for something you don’t know is going to happen– but having a system of formal training and informal networks can help you deal with it.

Prince2, the UK government’s PM method, is ubiquitous in the software world. It offers basic ‘how-to’ building blocks plus it is very delivery-focussed. MSP comes from the same government stable but focuses on programme management. Internationally, the Project Management Institute is a giant, offering five main certification options spanning project management professional to risk management professional. The International Project Management Association's (IPMA) four-level certification programme is another option. A further range of accreditation options come from the UK’s Association of Project Managers, starting at elementary certification through to the more comprehensive APMP qualification.

Panellist’s view: Online communities can be as valuable as becoming a member of an institution. Linked-in, Yahoo and Google groups are very open and accepting. I use the forums to discuss the best ways of mentoring junior project managers. All the hot topics are discussed.