Project Management is an exciting career path with infinite possibilities. Each project is unique and brings a new set of challenges — there are no "cookie cutter" days in project management. Plus, there's something intensely satisfying about taking the merest whisper of a "what if" and watching it evolve into a fully developed concept, and, finally, into a tangible product or service that others can touch, feel and use.
The process of taking an idea and creating a fully functioning product does not happen in a vacuum. It takes money, time, resources (dedicated resources), business and marketing analysis, planning, risk mitigation activities, scheduling and much more. Projects also need sponsors and people who want to see the product or service become a reality. Most importantly, projects need leaders to organize all the moving parts and help them come together in a unified whole. Project managers fulfil that leadership role.
Specific responsibilities may vary depending on factors such as the scope of the individual project, organizational preferences and project management methodology (Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Six Sigma or Kanban, for example) utilized. In traditional Waterfall-type environments, the project scope is defined at the beginning of a project. As a result, project managers typically engage in all five phases of the projects they work on — this includes initiation, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and of course, project close out. It's the job of the project manager to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, on schedule and as defined in the project scope.
In Agile-type project management methodologies, the project scope is not defined at the beginning. Project activities are conducted in shorter cycles, which may be referred to as "sprints." The role of project manager may look different in these types of environments. Often, Agile teams are self-directed, and project management responsibilities are shared among team members. Scrum methodology uses a ScrumMaster rather than a traditional project manager who manages the process rather than the project, and who plans sprints and clears roadblocks.
Key Skills for Project Managers
To ensure success, project managers need a variety of skills. A thorough understanding of the technical aspects of the project is a huge plus, and experience plays a huge role. But success isn't built on experience and education alone. Project managers also need a variety of soft skills in their toolboxes to ensure effective leadership. While the following list of items is not exhaustive, you'll find that most successful project managers excel in the following areas:
- Communication: One of the most important skills a project manager can possess is the ability to communicate effectively. Lack of effective communication has derailed many projects.
- Organizational skills: Project managers need superb organizational skills. After all, it's not just their personal tasks that they're managing but those of an entire project and project team.
- Problem solvers: Problems can and will arise. In these instances, it's the project manager who takes the lead in identifying a path to resolve the current crisis and mitigate project risks.
- Negotiation: While this skill may not be as intuitive as the others, the ability to negotiate effectively is a huge benefit in project management. It's not uncommon to find project team members assigned to multiple projects, which may result in competing deadlines. Project managers are often required to take the lead in negotiating for the availability of required resources, scheduling conflicts, resolving conflicts or disputes, and so forth.
- Leadership: True leaders never browbeat others into following. True leaders inspire and invite you to follow them on a journey of discovery and innovation. Project managers should manage in such a way as to inspire the team to want to follow, even when following may mean longer hours under uncomfortable conditions to meet project requirements.
Project Management Education and Certification
While you will always find those who make an argument that experience matters more than education, successful project managers should build a personal portfolio that includes both formal academic education as well as certifications geared to the type of project management methodology they typically practice. While a degree is not necessarily required to become an IT project manager, you'll find few employers willing to hire individuals without one.
By way of example, we conducted an informal job search of several popular job boards and reviewed real-world requirements of prospective employers. In addition to experience, all required some type of certification. Except for a single post, all employers required at least a bachelor-level degree in computer science, information management systems, information technology or some similar field.