Dream big

What kind of projects are out there?

Projects come in all sizes, big and small. Working in the world of projects can take you off on different ventures from one week to the next.

You can work on the next big project solving the cure for illnesses or make Glastonbury happen.

If you are an animal lover, you could be saving the rhinos from going endangered or helping the cause in Australia.

What kind of project can you see yourself managing?

festivals | building fighter jets | creating smart cities | driverless cars | latest tech | cure for illnesses | sending a man to mars

Could I do it?

What skills do I need to manage projects?

Managing projects takes skills and interests that you might not realise you already have.

You’ll like seeing a project through from start to finish, enjoy taking responsibility and be motivated by hitting targets and goals.

It also makes the most of other skills, like:

• Motivating and encouraging others
• Being a positive team player and leader
• Enjoying pressure and working to deadlines
• Curiosity and problem solving
• Great planning
• Motivating verbal and written communication skills
• Coordinating a diverse group of people towards a shared goal

Living the life

What could a career managing projects give me?

There are many benefits to a career managing projects.

Career freedom

Unlike many careers, project manager skills are transferable. This means, if you’ve spent five years working in the tech sector, and are done with delivering cutting edge innovation, you can completely change and go for a project in theatre, or music, or health, or charities. One day you’re hanging out with tech geniuses. The next actors. It’s very rare to find a career that offers that level of flexibility.

Job satisfaction

Project managers are people who genuinely want to make things better. Whether that’s changing the world, or changing what’s in your back pocket. 8 out of 10 project managers say they’re satisfied with their role*. Many talk about the sense of pride they feel when they’ve delivered a new project. Working on projects with a clear start and end date, gives everyone the change to celebrate when it’s complete.

Healthy salary

Project managers tend to earn just under £18,000 more than the UK average full time salary which is a big career bonus. The average salary of an experienced project manager (according to APM members) is £47,500*. Not bad at all.

Travel opportunities

Many project managers work on projects that give them the opportunity to experience the world, and travel to locations most of us can only dream about. If that’s something that excites you, once you have the skills, it’s just a case of picking a project that takes you there.

*APM Salary and Market Trends Survey 2019

Now get there

Sounds great, how do I get started?

Our free student membership service gives you access to a world of career advice, training and a network of people who can help you every step of the way.

Join APM