How to Become a Project Manager in 5 Steps

Key takeaways

Project managers typically have around five to seven years of experience, according to Zippia [1].

• Becoming a project manager often requires certain experience and education, as well as foundational knowledge of different project management methodologies and when to use them.

• Entry-level project management roles, such as project coordinator, require less experience and can be a great way to build experience.

• To be a successful project manager, you must become familiar with the different project management methodologies and popular project management tools.

Learn more about how to become a project manager. Afterward, consider building key knowledge and skills in this area with the Google Project Management Certification.

How to become a project manager

A project manager is a mid-level role that typically requires at least a few years of experience, though the exact amount will depend on the company [1]. There are different ways to advance or pivot into this title: You can start out in entry-level project management position, gain experience, and grow your career. Or you can develop your experience in a related role, such as a business analyst or software developer, and pivot into project management.

Follow some or all of the steps below to become a project manager.

1. Earn a project management credential.

Earning a project management certification or certificate can be a great way to achieve formal training that verifies your knowledge of project management methodologies, the project management lifecycle, and other important technical training in this line of work. Plus, you can add these kinds of credentials to your resume.

These types of programs are typically shorter and more affordable than a degree, while showing employers the extra effort you've made to develop skills in project management. Here are a few to consider:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• Google Project Management: Professional Certificate

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Scrum Master

• Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)

• ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)

• PMI Certifications

2. Consider a degree.

While you may not need a bachelor's degree to get started in project management, it can be valuable as you seek to advance. According to Zippia, nearly 70 percent of project managers hold a bachelor's degree [1].

If you want to be a project manager, consider relevant majors such as business administration, computer science, engineering, or specific industry-related disciplines. These programs often cover essential topics such as leadership, communication, financial management, and organizational behavior, which are crucial in project management. Learn more about how to become a project manager without a degree.

Hear from a project manager at Google about how she went from being a business analyst to her current role.

3. Build relevant experience.

Look for entry-level positions, such as project coordinator or assistant project manager to build relevant project management experience. If you're employed in another area, seek project-based responsibilities in your current role or volunteer to assist on projects in your community to build relevant experience.

Many project managers start in non-managerial positions on a team. For example, IT project managers may work as an IT associate or a business analyst supporting the IT team for several years. Their roles may gradually expand as they gain industry expertise, take on managerial tasks, develop organizational skills, and learn to work with team members. 

4. Develop project management skills.

There are a range of important project management skills you'll need to be successful in this career. Look for opportunities in your current work or through internships and volunteer opportunities.

Whether you work in a hospital or retail store, tech company, or restaurant, chances are you'll need to plan, execute, and improve upon several items need to be planned, executed, or improved upon. See if you can join in these efforts. If it makes sense, approach your manager with ideas of how you can contribute and let them know you’re interested in developing project management experience.

Here are some skills commonly requested in project manager job descriptions:

• Risk management

• Budgeting

• Agile project management

• Waterfall project management

• Scrum

• Organization

• Communication

• Leadership

5. Enhance your project management resume.

As you gain experience and skills in this field, take the time to enhance your resume by adding what you've done and any measurable results you've achieved. Review project manager job listings to find out what companies are looking for and tailor your resume to the roles you'd like to pursue.

Highlight the qualifications that match the job requirements and feature them prominently on your resume. Use action verbs to describe tasks you performed in previous roles, and when possible, emphasize any quantifiable outcomes.

AI disruption for project managers

Project managers may be at risk of AI disruption [2]. However, those that know how to work with AI tooling to increase efficiency and reduce risk can stay competitive. For common project management platforms, like Monday.com and Asana, investigate the AI features available to use. By shifting project tracking, scheduling, and documentation to AI, project managers can shift their time from manual administration to high-value strategic leadership and team alignment.

Explore bite-sized ideas for meaningful career growth

As you pursue your career in project management, subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter Career Chat to stay up-to-date with the latest career advice and trends. Then, check out these resources to help you get started:

• Build your knowledge: Project Management Glossary

• Watch on YouTube: 10 Leadership Questions Every Candidate Should Be Ready For

• Prepare for change: How to Make a Career Change to Project Management

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