Plan
Understand the goal and create a road map.
Step Into Project Management
Project managers help turn ideas into reality.
From technology and healthcare to engineering, sport and major infrastructure projects, project professionals help organisations deliver change and achieve their goals.
Watch our introduction to project management and discover why so many people choose careers in the profession.
Coordinate
Bring together people, skills and resources.
Deliver
Keep work moving and solve problems.
Improve
Learn from experience and make things better next time.
Could Project Management Be Right For You?
You may already have project management skills
The skills used by project managers are often developed long before someone starts their career.
Have you ever:
- Organised a trip with friends?
- Planned an event?
- Led a group activity?
- Solved a difficult problem?
- Helped people work together?
- Managed competing priorities?
If so, you've already started developing skills that project professionals use every day.
How to become a project manager
There are many ways to enter the profession. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a new challenge, there is a route that could work for you.
Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn and gain practical experience on real projects.
University graduate roles
Build knowledge and develop your experience through higher education and graduate programmes.
Real People. Real Careers.
There is no single route into project management. Hear from people who entered the profession through different pathways and discovered rewarding careers.
Mercedes story
Discover Mercedes' route into project management, what attracted her to the profession and the impact she is making through her work.
Eninc story
Hear how Eninc built a career in project management and why the profession continues to provide opportunities to learn, grow and make a difference.
How to become a project manager
There are many ways to enter the profession. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a new challenge, there is a route that could work for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is project management?
Project management is the process of planning, organising and delivering work to achieve a specific goal.
Projects happen in every industry and can range from developing new technology and improving services to building infrastructure or organising major events.
Project managers help bring people together, manage resources and keep work moving towards a successful outcome.
What does a project manager do?
Project managers help teams deliver change.
They plan work, coordinate people and resources, manage risks, solve problems and keep projects moving forward.
A project manager often acts as the link between different teams, helping everyone stay focused on a shared objective and ensuring projects are delivered successfully.
How do I become a project manager?
There is no single route into project management.
Many people enter the profession through apprenticeships, university courses, graduate programmes or entry-level project support roles. Others move into project management after gaining experience in another career.
The best route depends on your interests, experience and career stage.
Can I become a project manager without a degree?
Yes.
While some project professionals choose to study at university, many enter the profession through apprenticeships, workplace learning and practical experience.
Project management values a combination of skills, experience and knowledge, and there are many pathways available that do not require a degree.
What qualifications do I need?
There are no fixed qualification requirements to become a project manager.
However, qualifications can help you develop your knowledge, build confidence and demonstrate your commitment to the profession.
Many employers value a combination of practical experience, transferable skills and recognised project management qualifications.
What skills do project managers need?
Project managers use a combination of people skills and organisational skills every day.
Some of the most important include:
- Listening
- Planning and organisation
- Leadership
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Decision making
Many of these skills can be developed through education, volunteering, work experience and everyday activities.
Can I switch careers into project management?
Yes.
Many project professionals have previously worked in areas such as engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, technology, customer service and the military.
Skills like organisation, communication, leadership and problem solving are highly transferable, making project management an accessible career option for people looking for a new challenge.
What industries employ project managers?
Project managers work in almost every sector.
Examples include:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Finance
- Government
- Defence
- Manufacturing
- Sport and events
This means you can often combine a career in project management with industries and subjects that already interest you.
What salary could I earn?
Project management salaries vary depending on factors such as experience, sector, location and level of responsibility.
As you progress through your career and take on larger or more complex projects, opportunities for increased responsibility and earning potential typically grow.
You can use APM's Salary Survey resources to explore current salary trends across the profession.