Project management is associated with managing the processes and activities of any given project within a business. Project managers’ work is not a part of the daily operations and functions of a business. Instead, project managers see to the success of any given project that a business may choose to undertake. These projects are usually temporary, and may be geared toward a number of goals, whether it is to improve internal efficiency or launch a new program or investment.
Project Manager Overview
Each project manager’s job description will look different based on the field and company for which they’re working. IT project managers will probably be working on different kinds of projects than an HR project manager or a healthcare project manager based on the nature of the work done in those fields. Generally, project managers will address the goals and needs of any project and then implement, coordinate, delegate, and carry through the project. Project managers must be able to work with, motivate, and manage teams while working under a budget.
Most people who seek work as a project manager will choose to go through a certification program like the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®’s) Project Management Professional® (PMP®) Certification. Certifications like these provide the credentials to demonstrate your knowledge and competence for managing projects.
Workers may become project managers through several means. They may enter into a field, like Information and Technology, and find themselves growing into a project manager role. Others may take the lead on a business project and end up enjoying the project aspect of the business. Either way, if you’re looking for work as a project manager, it’s generally best to go through a certification program.
Average Project Manage Salary
The project manager salary may vary from job to job. It’s often very difficult to know what type of project manager salary you can expect to pay because so much will depend on the industry and career. For example, the BLS reports that computer and information systems managers earned an average annual wage of $120,950 in 2012 while construction project managers earned $82,790. Natural sciences managers earned $115,730 during that year.
Methodologies
Project managers have several methodologies that are used to complete projects. Two of the most popular methodologies are called “agile” and “waterfall.” When project managers use the agile method, the goal is to provide rapid, continuous delivery of the project or product without necessarily having an end product. This method requires lots of communication and flexibility within a team, while offering flexibility to change on the project.
The waterfall method, on the other hand, is a process of clearly defined steps that carries the project through to the finish. These steps can be varied, but it generally starts with the needs and specifications and goes through implementation and installment.
There are lots of other methodologies and tools that the project manager uses to manage their projects. The key skill that project managers must have is the ability to use their business expertise and ideas to manage and deliver any goal or need of the business. If you have the ability to think through projects to their end, manage teams, work efficiently, and implement processes and activities, then a job as a project manager may be the job for you.
