For people with an eye for the big picture, strong management skills and good leadership, there has been no better time for a career in project management.
Project managers see a project through from the planning stages to the execution and conclusion. Typically, a project manager works in construction, architecture, software development or telecommunications.
However, project management skills are in demand across many different industries and organisations, as companies become more concerned with efficiency, profit margins, and achieving optimal performance from staff, so there are opportunities for project managers in a whole range of different areas.
Jordanna Epp is a project manager for the National Prescribing Service (NPS), which provides information on the quality use of medicines.
Ms Epp says there are many advantages to a career in project management. “Defining roles and responsibilities, accountability, agreed project expectations; these are all benefits when working on a project of any size.”
According to Ms Epp, creative control is another bonus when working in project management, “I drive the projects. Beginning with creating briefs; this includes outlining the scope of the work, scheduling, driving timelines, managing relationships across various teams and external stakeholders, as well as carrying out my portion of the work. From an editorial perspective, I oversee the project from outset to completion.”
A career in project management allows you to work with experts from a range of fields, ensuring that everyone’s skill set is being utilised to work towards a common goal. Ms Epp says, “Having a clear understanding of the purpose, planning, implementation and outcome make a huge difference when working with a team of experts, all of whom have an important role in completing the objectives.”
Work in project management is well suited to goal-orientated individuals and the completion of a large-scale project is a rewarding process that provides the opportunity to facilitate collaboration between workers.
Ms Epp says, “It seems like a lot of extra work at the outset —especially in the case of much larger projects— but can be hugely rewarding when viewed from a larger perspective.”
The nature of project management work, which requires a specific focus on numerous projects, means that the role is constantly evolving, as Ms Epp says, “Every project is different to the last, so you need a fresh perspective, but also get a lot of variation in your work.”
Project managers can work across different projects and industries over their career but the key skills are the same for every job. A project manager is expected to be able to Initiate, Plan, Execute, Control & Monitor and Close on every project, whether it is small or large, simple or complex.
A Diploma in Project Management shows potential employers and clients that you have the skills necessary to plan and execute a project, on time and on budget. A Diploma in Project Management can be completed through classroom learning or at your own pace online. This qualification is suitable for aspiring project managers or existing managers who want to brush up on their skills and gain a recognised qualification.
Enrol in a project management course from The College for Adult Learning.