Across the globe including U.S., China, India and European Countries, PM jobs are in huge demand. In 2010, the average salary for a Project Manager Professional was $98,082, and the demand for PM continues to grow today. Many organizations are using Project Managers(PM) to get projects done. PM helps brings projects to life. A project is a unique job with a specific goal, with timelines and in most cases a budget.
Many of us have completed projects throughout our life and probably didn’t realize the steps involve. For example, just imagine you decided to complete a basement project for family fun and entertainment. In completing the basement, there are many small jobs (work breakdown structure) that must be completed before finishing the basement. You first must look at your budget. You should then consider the design of the basement, permits (dealing with the county/municipalities can be a project within itself), framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, ceiling, carpet and any other amenities you would like to include. All of which to be completed by a deadline otherwise, the project can go on and on and on and never getting completed. Other examples of doing a project: landscape a backyard, planning a surprise birthday party, move into a new house or apartment, start a new marketing campaign, building a bridge or implementing a school safety plan etc.
More Benefits of Project Management
- PM manage the project team members, and are ultimately responsible for the project’s success or failure.
- PM can be instrumental in increasing profits for organizations.
- PM keeps employees focused on why a project is important and its goals.
- PM coordinates with other departments like Marketing, HR, I.T. Sales to help streamline processes.
- PM is the great communicator, keeping stakeholders informed through all phases of the project.
According to the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, project management is divided into 5 process groups:
Initiation – decide to go or not go with the project
Planning – identifying all the work that is needed for the project and the project cost
Execution – doing the work – building the product
Controlling – evaluating and reporting project status
Closing – handoff project and officially accepting the project as being complete.
So how do I become a Project Manager Professional? The eligibility requirements depend on your educational and or experience level:
- If you hold a high school diploma you will need a minimum 5 years unique non- overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 7500 hours has been spent leading and directing projects. And 35 hours of formal education at an approved program/school
OR
- If you hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, then you need a minimum or 3 years unique non-overlapping professional project management experience during which at least 4500 hours has been spent leading and directing projects. And 35 contact hours of formal education at an approved program/school.
For additional details about becoming a Project Manager review the PMI Credentials Handbook.