The ability to manage resources, timelines, and budgets are necessary skills required to keep a business running smoothly and profitably. That’s why the modern Project Manager is a hot commodity across a multitude of growing industries. There currently exists a significant deficit between the increasing job openings and the amount of qualified Project Managers in the market. However, where there is a need, there is an opportunity. 

High Demand/High Reward

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Managers are in higher demand than ever, with a predicted 33% growth rate and potential of 22 million new jobs over the next few years. By the year 2027, it is anticipated that employers will need nearly 88 million individuals in project management-oriented roles. Essentially, any time there is a project that needs to be completed on-time, within a budget, and the parameters of a scope, a Project Manager is needed. Some of the industries with a high need for project managers are construction, engineering, energy, IT, software development, marketing, consulting, healthcare, and pharmaceutical. 

Businesses know the value of a good Project Manager and are willing to pay top dollar for trained professionals, with the average salary of PMs exceeding $75k in the USA (source). To capitalize on the opportunities this talent gap can mean for future and current Project Managers, it’s essential to map out the PM career path to understand the skills required to meet the project management needs of modern businesses. 

The Modern Project Manager’s Career Path 

The career path of a PM has little to no cap and increases with the more experience and training an individual receives. Project Manager positions begin at entry-level, typically with coordinator positions, and can span up to executive-level senior positions. 

One surefire way to advance a career in project management is to find the right certification to earn to enhance and advertise one’s expertise. Next, we will go through the top certifications available for each stage in a Project Manager’s career to meet the growing requirements of highly sought after PM jobs. 

Building a Base

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is an entry-level, PMI accredited program aimed at providing a basic understanding of the skills necessary for project management practitioners. There are prerequisites for this certification. You will need to have previously obtained a high school diploma or an associate’s degree before being allowed to take the exam. Also, twenty-three hours of appropriate project management education will need to be completed. After passing the exam, a re-exam will need to be taken before the end of the certification’s five-year cycle to maintain the certification.

Finding Your Niche 

With a career path that spans so many industries, picking a niche or area of expertise is a great way to move up from entry-level positions to more specialized jobs. Knowing that IT is one of the fastest-growing industries with exponential job growth for PMs, earning tech-focused project management certifications is an excellent way to fill growing IT jobs. 

The CompTIA Project+ Certification certification is primarily concentrated on managing IT projects. It covers the entire project lifecycle and includes information on presenting, reporting, scheduling, and budgeting. Training for this certification can be obtained through a reputable training company. ONLC offers a five-day project management course that includes an exam voucher so that you will have the best chance possible to pass your certification exam.

Moving Up the Ladder

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification displays that you have the qualifications necessary to direct and lead projects. This certification is recognized globally. It is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is the industry standard certification for project managers. This certification also requires some prerequisites. You must present proof that you have participated in a Project Manager role in the past 3 to 8 years and that the experience is non-overlapping. This certification is the pinnacle of the project management discipline.

Whatever certification you choose, we recommend making sure it is a Project Management Institute (PMI) accredited program and uses Personal Development Units (PDU). PDU credits are provided for all certification training classes involved in getting any of the above project management certifications. When participating in certification training classes, you will receive a set amount of PDUs for each class. You can then use the PDUs to prove that you have participated in project management education classes, which is a prerequisite for taking the PMP Certification exam.

There is no denying the modern Project Manager has their job cut out for them, but with the right certifications, meeting the current job demand can help you grow your career to new heights. To learn more about the certifications mentioned above, contact ONLC today!