How to become a project manager

Thinking about a career as a project manager or project professional but not sure where to begin?

Project management is increasingly becoming a career of choice rather than chance and plays a crucial role in a wide range of business sectors, making it a varied and rewarding job.

There are many entry level jobs available such as assistant project manager or project assistant, or you could consider an apprenticeship.

There is more than one route to becoming a project management professional.

Routes to project management

There a number of ways to pursue a career in project management:

Take an APM qualification

Consider starting with the APM Project Management Fundamentals Qualification. This is a really good way to learn the basics of what the discipline of project management is all about. APM’s professional qualifications clearly demonstrate your technical knowledge to employers.

Become an apprentice

The Associate Project Manager, Trailblazer Apprenticeship level 4, is available in England; and in Scotland and Wales the Higher Apprenticeship Framework, level 4 is available - these apprentices all study for the APM PMQ. Apprenticeships offer on-the-job learning and development so you can “earn while you learn”.

APM accredited degrees

Choose the best education to support your career progression. View the list of courses and degrees with APM Academic Accreditation, which are aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7^th edition.

APM-accredited degrees build your project knowledge at university.

Professional membership

APM membership supports career development at every stage. Become a member and gain access to the tools and resources you need to kickstart or develop your project management career. 

Support your learning and development

Attending events and networking can help you learn from other project professionals across a variety of sectors and develop your career potential.

Changing careers and returning to work

We’ll help you take right steps for your project management career journey. With our step-by-step back to work plan and career guide.

A specialist job site for project professionals. You will also find career news, advice, resources, events and opportunities within the project management industry.

Register with us to receive the latest available project positions from top employers.

Attend webinars

We hold many events and conferences throughout the year. Make sure you don't miss out on learning from leading industry specialists and project professionals.

Community events and webinars are also excellent opportunities to network and discover. 

Read

Starting Out in Project Management is your essential guide to the project life cycle journey, from concept through to delivery and handover.

You can also read the latest news and blogs such as 'How do I become a project manager?'. 

A student guide to project management

APM's Project:You student guide gives you insight in to the project profession, as well as case studies, information on our free Student membership and 50+ examples of companies supporting the guide.