How to Get Into Project Management Without Experience

The demand for skilled project managers is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the demand for expert project managers to increase by 6% from 2019 to 2029.

If you get the hang of organisational skills or have a knack for teamwork, landing your dream job as a project manager and nailing it can be easy. Now, how to get into project management without experience? To learn more, read on.

Who is a Project manager?

Project managers are highly organised, goal-oriented professionals who plan and collaborate with other teammates and departments to complete realistic projects destined for success.

Responsibilities of a project manager

They are responsible for overseeing projects from inception to execution while working within constraints like limited budgets and restrained schedules.

The responsibilities of a project manager are diverse but not limited to:

Developing and implementing project plans
and monitoring project progress
Controlling and completing a project to the satisfaction of all stakeholders involved
Scheduling the tasks to meet deadlines
Cost estimation and budgeting
Structuring teams and resourcing
Performing quality assurance
Risk analysis and mitigation

How to Become a Project Manager Without Experience

Even though most project management job roles demand experienced and trained staffers, it’s possible to get into the field with zero/minimal experience. All you have to do is exhibit your dedication to the industry and demonstrate your knack for the subject to your employers.

However, landing your dream job as a project manager and nailing it is not a cup of tea.

According to a report published in Finance Online, around one in every five project managers think of quitting their jobs, with 59% handling two to five projects simultaneously. On the other hand, only 29% of projects undertaken by companies can meet the deadline, and only 35% of companies are pleased with their project management team.

Let’s go through how you can get into project management with no/minimum experience:

Get a Bachelor’s Degree

Getting a bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject can help you land the job even if you lack experience in project management. Enroling in a degree program can help you master the basic skills while helping you efficiently head up a team and a project. Consider getting a degree in finance, communication, psychology, or business, and sign up for any leadership opportunities that come up.

Master the Required Skills

The skills that can help you get into project management include:

Collaboration: Collaboration is the bedrock of all project management skills that employers frequently seek. By coordinating across departments and teams, you can get in-depth insight into the project and get your work done efficiently and swiftly. Techniques such as improving listening and speaking skills, participating in open communications, etc., are great at helping augment your collaboration skills.
Decision-making: Making decisions can sometimes seem challenging when you have to decide for the entire team. As a good leader, you need to be able to make the best choice, weighing the pros and cons of a situation. It includes resource allocation, distribution of responsibilities among the team members, etc.
Time Management: Time management and organisation skills are closely interconnected. As you master the skill of organising your assigned tasks, you’ll also get a more precise understanding of everything that’s on your plate and the time these tasks can take. In addition, prioritising tasks can help enhance your time management skills. It will also help you deal with the most important work first, thus ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
Leadership: As a project manager, your team will look up to you for guidance and leadership. To master leadership skills, try to approach different situations with utmost understanding and empathy. Make sure to bring all teammates to the same table to foster teamwork and collaboration.

Never Discount Your Experience

Firstly, resist the urge to discount your own life lessons; just because this is the first time you are applying for a project manager role doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of relevant skills.

You can get the hang of key skills required to get into your dream job of a project manager, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication, in your previous job role or while doing the academic degree. So, never get tempted to write off your own experience – whether it’s a project you led in your previous job or a project you nailed in the university. There are loads of project management examples to show off your knacks.

Search for Training Opportunities

Attending training programs is always a plus when it comes to honing your project management skills. Make sure you participate in webinars and conferences hosted by experienced project managers or people who have a knack for the subject. Try to seek training opportunities by volunteering for a project at a local or nonprofit organisation.

Get Certified

Getting certified can also help when it comes to demonstrating your commitment and interest in further enhancing your skill set. For example, getting the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, which is a globally recognised credential for project managers, can give you a competitive advantage over other candidates. In addition, as a certified PMP, you can be entitled to a pay increase of 20%, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI) statistics. If you have experience, you can also apply for Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.

Is Project Management a Good Career?

If you enjoy leadership, are expert at managing a variety of tasks at work, and great at communicating and interacting with others, project management can be a good career option for you. It’s a job with high demand and high salaries. Organisations continually need skilled and qualified employees who can ensure cost-effectiveness, bolster productivity, and keep revenue rolling in the business by efficiently managing ongoing projects. According to a recent report from PMI, the demand for expert project managers is on the rise, however, there prevails a drastic shortage compared to demand. The report found that there is a projected annual demand for filling around 2.2 million fresh positions in project-oriented roles until 2027. Additionally, the report highlights that an estimated $208 billion is in jeopardy as a result of the expected shortage of project management professionals.

Tips for Finding a Project Management Job

Once you master the skills frequently demanded by employers, apply for an entry-level job as a beginner. We have rounded up a list of tips to help you land your dream job:

If you have already worked as a project manager and experience in the relevant job sector, make sure you emphasise your previous job role and show off your organisational and budget management skills in your CV.
As a project manager, you may need to use a variety of software for project scheduling, planning, and resource allocation. Make sure you get the hang of this software before you apply for the job, and highlight your software skills in your CV.
If possible, acquire specialised skills and increase your chances of getting hired as a beginner by enrolling in online courses.

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Lydia Randall

Environmental & Sustainability Expert at London Housing Guru

Lydia Randall, a passionate environmentalist and seasoned journalist, brings a wealth of knowledge in sustainable living in London Housing Guru. With a keen eye for green innovations and a heart deeply rooted in environmental advocacy, Lydia guides our readers through the journey of transforming urban spaces into eco-friendly havens.