How to become a project manager
Turn ideas into something real
Ever organised a trip with your friends, worked on a group project, planned an event or had to completely rethink something when the original plan went wrong?
Then you've already used some of the skills project managers use every day.
Project managers help turn ideas into reality. They bring people together, make plans, solve problems and keep things moving towards a goal.
And projects are everywhere. New apps, video games, music festivals, films, sporting events, skyscrapers, sustainability initiatives and major advances in technology all start with an idea and need people to help make them happen.
That could be you.
So, what does a project manager actually do?
Think of a project manager as someone who helps a team get from:
"We've got an idea." to "We did it."
You don't necessarily need to be the person designing the building, coding the app or creating the advertising campaign.
Your job is to help all the different pieces come together.
Depending on the project, you could be:
- planning what needs to happen and when
- bringing together people with different skills
- keeping track of time, money and resources
- communicating with clients, customers and teams
- spotting potential problems
- finding solutions when things don't go to plan
- keeping everyone focused on what you're trying to achieve.
And no two projects are exactly the same.
Imagine you're launching a new video game...
Designers are creating the characters and worlds.
Developers are building the game.
Testers are finding bugs.
Marketing teams are getting people excited about the launch.
There's a budget to stick to and a date when everything needs to be ready.
But who helps make sure all those different pieces come together?
That's where project management comes in.
A project manager helps everyone understand what needs to happen, keeps an eye on progress and adapts the plan when problems appear.
And you don't have to work in gaming. Project management skills are needed across almost every industry.
You might already be a project manager without realising it
You don't need to have managed a huge project to start developing project management skills. Chances are you're already using some of them.
Project management is about taking skills like these and learning how to use them to tackle bigger and more complex challenges.
Organised a group trip?
Dates. Travel. Money. Who's coming. Where you're staying.
➜ You're planning and managing resources.
Completed a big piece of coursework?
You had different tasks to complete and a deadline to meet.
➜ You're managing your time and priorities.
Worked on a group presentation?
Someone researched. Someone designed the slides. Someone presented. Somehow it all had to come together.
➜ You're working as a project team.
Organised a party, event or fundraiser?
Venue. Guests. Food. Promotion. Money. Timings.
➜ You're coordinating a project.
Had to change your plans at the last minute?
Something went wrong and you had to quickly work out what to do instead.
➜ You're solving problems and managing risk.
Convinced your friends to agree on something?
Possibly the toughest challenge of all.
➜ You're communicating with stakeholders.