Becoming a project manager in the UK is a massive step into a world of diverse challenges and endless opportunities. Guided by an innate passion for organisation and leadership, this role presents a gateway to success on a grand scale. In this in-depth article, you will learn how to become a project manager in the UK, to utilise all your social skills, and more in the field of augmenting strategy, communication, and planning techniques. In the project management sector, talent and opportunity have never been more diverse, and now it is your turn to grasp this chance and challenge it to your full potential!

how to become a project manager consultant

What is a Project Manager?

A project manager controls the mainstream of daily tasks, deadlines, and resources. They bring order and structure to complex jobs. Their role involves planning, organising, and overseeing projects from start to finish. They coordinate teams, track progress, and ensure objectives are met.

A project manager is the driving force behind successful prospects, turning ideas into tangible achievements. If you think that you meet these requirements, then you have come to the right place.

Who is a Project Manager?

Another question that you need to initially ask yourself when learning how to become a project manager, is to ask the who! In simplest terms, it is someone who manages projects in the workplace from beginning to end. They must ensure a successful delivery of coordination and communication, regardless of the role within the workplace.

How do I Become a Project Manager?

There are two primary paths to becoming a project manager. The first is the “traditional” route, where you actively pursue a project management career, acquire qualifications, and secure a project manager position. The second path involves gaining practical project management experience, progressively climbing the career ladder, without necessarily holding a degree, certification, or formal education in project management.

Learn about which project management methodologies do and don’t work.

Skills of a Project Manager

checklist for becoming a project manager

Aside from educational qualifications, project managers require specific skills to excel in their roles. These skills encompass both soft and technical abilities. The essential skills for project managers include:

Leadership: Effective project managers confidently lead and motivate teams, resolve conflicts, make decisive decisions, and delegate tasks when necessary.

Communication: Project managers constantly interact with their team, clients, managers, contractors, and suppliers. Exceptional communication skills are crucial for seamless collaboration and minimal disruptions.

Organisation: With strict deadlines and large teams, project managers must maintain a highly organised mindset. They break down projects into stages with their own deadlines and skilfully plan and implement them.

Attention to Detail: As the ultimate responsible party, project managers need to be meticulous, noticing potential issues before they escalate and ensuring comprehensive understanding of project implementation details.

Numeracy: Project work involves numerical measurements, such as resource allocation, timeframes, and budgets. Strong numeracy skills enable project managers to effectively monitor and comprehend project progress.

Knowledge of Relevant Software: You need to be familiar with varioust project management software tools. These enable project managers to assign tasks, track progress, calculate costs and risks, and facilitate communication with team members.

These skills will greatly help you when learning how to become a project manager, with the tools necessary to thrive in this dynamic role.

Steps on How to Become a Project Manager Without Qualifications

Many applicants are unknowingly project managers in their current roles.

Almost every job involves project planning, and projects encompass various components such as research, planning, budgeting, coordination, resource management, and more. It is crucial to effectively manage and supervise these aspects to ensure the project’s successful progression.

If you have discovered a growing passion for project management and find it more captivating than other job aspects, here’s a guide on how to enter the field without qualifications.

1.     Expanding Your Knowledge Gaps in Project Management

Do you feel that your knowledge in project management is extremely lacking?

No matter whether you are a marketer, designer, developer, or in other valued positions in the workplace, you likely will already have developed skills that are commonly found in project managers, whether that be your organisational skills, communication, or even planning stages of a task. For more information regarding this topic, the Project Management Institute’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)[i] underlines 10 key ‘knowledge areas.’

  1. Integration management
  2. Cost management
  3. Quality management
  4. Schedule management
  5. Quality management
  6. Resource management
  7. Stakeholder management
  8. Procurement management
  9. Risk management
  10. Communication management

2.     Gain More Experience

courses to become a project manager

Once you’ve pinpointed areas for personal growth, it’s time to set your plan in motion, just like project managers do daily (a double win!).

The key for how to become a project manager without experience is to actively seek opportunities to gain that experience. Projects surround us, so seize the chance to volunteer whenever possible. Take on additional responsibilities and enhance your organisational, scheduling, and people management skills — all the areas you identified in step one.

3.     Learn Everything You Can About Project Management

To further develop your knowledge about how to become a project manager, you need to do exactly that! There are always opportunities out in the world, not just in the workplace, about how to become a project manager, and much of this originates from practical experience. It is all well and good reading about it, but applying it to yourself in real-life is where the real experience comes in.

And most importantly, see if there are mentors available who can assist you on your mission and provide you more tips on how to become a project manager.

However, if you are not ready to commit, you can still take part in our invaluable project management diploma which will also aid your journey. Furthermore, there will likely be conferences and local networking events that you can follow up on, whereupon you can meet people who are very knowledgeable on the industry and can guide you the right way.

Stay up to date with the top project management conferences in 2023[ii].

4.     Integrate Project Management Software

Did you know that there are project management software tools that are available to help you on your journey on becoming a project manager?!

A pm tool can help with task automation, swift task assignment to teams, and provides a convenient Gantt chart view for project tracking. Additionally, it centralizes project resource management, streamlining the process.

Such project management tools include:

You can learn more about these tools and others on the Kissflow [iii]website.

Project Management Courses

Now that you are more aware of how to get into project management without qualifications, you need to know that there are more general areas of project management that you can get into without too much trouble. There are courses available regarding business diplomas and other areas of project management too.

However, if you are looking for more specific project management job roles, including engineering and IT, subject knowledge in these areas is imperative, and an undergraduate degree may prove more beneficial for you. Whilst a postgraduate (Masters, MA) degree may not be too necessary, if your first degree is irrelevant to your career path, then a postgraduate is recommended for mature students who are looking for a career change.

Further develop your CV by learning how to write a personal development plan.

Studying a Project Management MSc

Expand your horizons as a highly effective project manager through flexible online and part-time options.

While a project management degree sets a solid foundation, professional qualifications and short courses enhance your knowledge and advancement potential.

Pursuing these qualifications before securing a job is not obligatory, as most employers offer on-the-job training for new hires.

Explore courses on diverse project management methodologies, including:

Furthermore, industry certification can be obtained from the Association of Project Managers (APM)[vi] and the Project Management Institute (PMI)[vii]

The Association of Project Managers offers the following qualifications:

Various other certificates are available for experienced project managers and are contributed by the PMI. Usually, you will be expected to have a degree with three years’ experience to at least gain entry onto these programs. These programs include the following:

Skills for Project Management

skill map to become a project manager

We have previously mentioned that you can obtain skills from doing a project management course, but you can also apply skills that you may have already learned within the workplace. Have a look at the list below to see if these skills apply to you to see whether you have what it takes to become a project manager:

Acquiring work experience is instrumental in developing project management knowledge and skills. Valuable experiences involve leading and organising team activities. Seek internships as a junior or assistant project manager in sectors of interest, arrange work shadowing with experienced professionals or volunteer in leadership roles. Additionally, consider becoming a student member of professional bodies like APM and PMI for networking opportunities and access to events.

Engaging in university clubs and societies allows you to gain experience in organizing events, running projects and campaigns, and leading teams.

Apprenticeships in Project Management

tool map plan on becoming a project manager

If you are a young, aspiring entrepreneur looking to progress into project management, you will need to apply for an apprenticeship, since this will integrate classroom learning alongside practical learning, usually in a work placement. Doing this will allow you learn as much as possible and start earning from day one!

Programs in project management will usually begin from a Higher Level (Level 4 onwards – this is equivalent to a foundation degree). Level 6 project management degree apprenticeships are also available for those who want to be ahead of the game.

Within these apprenticeships, you can be trained for roles including:

The length of these apprenticeships can last from 2-5 years and will vary depending on the company that you will work for, as well as your level of study.

Job Opportunities in Project Management

Opportunities are numerous within various sectors, including business, IT, engineering, healthcare, marketing, and retail. As a new graduate, you will likely begin as a junior or assistant project manager and progress through the career ladder. Professional bodies can assist in locating job vacancies.

To excel in a competency-based job interview, conduct thorough research on the company, familiarize yourself with the job description and person specification, and have a deep understanding of your CV.

During the interview, you may face a panel or a single interviewer. Prepare well in advance by anticipating common interview questions and crafting solid examples that showcase your suitability for the role. Be prepared to answer specific project management interview questions with confidence such as:

And many more…

Train to Become a Project Manager Now

In conclusion, to learn how to become a project manager in the UK involves a combination of gaining experience, acquiring relevant qualifications, and honing essential skills such as time management, communication, and leadership. Through internships, work experience, and involvement in professional bodies, one can build a strong foundation. By preparing thoroughly for job interviews and staying updated on industry trends, aspiring project managers can pave the way for a successful career in various sectors.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to become a project manager?

While specific qualifications may vary depending on the organization and industry, a bachelor’s degree in project management, business administration, or a related field is beneficial. Additionally, certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) can enhance your credentials.

Is a project management certification necessary?

While not always mandatory, obtaining a project management certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and enhances your chances of securing project management roles. Certifications like PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2, and Agile/Scrum certifications are highly valued by employers.

How can I gain practical experience in project management?

You can gain practical experience in project management by actively participating in projects within your current organization, volunteering for project-related tasks, or seeking internships or entry-level positions that involve project work. This hands-on experience will help you understand project dynamics and build a foundation for your project management career.

What skills are essential for a project manager?

Project managers require a diverse range of skills. Key skills include effective communication, leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, organisation, and time management. Additionally, skills in risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder management are crucial for successful project outcomes.

How can I develop my project management skills?

You can develop your project management skills by taking courses or obtaining certifications specific to project management. Attend workshops, seminars, and webinars to learn from experienced professionals. Engage in self-study through books and online resources, and seek opportunities to practice your skills in real-world scenarios.

What project management methodologies should I be familiar with?

Familiarity with different project management methodologies is beneficial. Some commonly used methodologies include Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, Lean, and PRINCE2. Each methodology has its own principles and processes, and being knowledgeable about multiple methodologies will allow you to adapt to various project environments.

Are there any recommended project management software tools?

Several project management software tools are widely used in the industry. Examples include Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana, Jira, and Basecamp. Familiarize yourself with these tools to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects, as well as facilitate collaboration and communication among team members.

How can networking help in my project management career?

Networking is crucial for career growth in project management. Join professional associations and attend industry conferences to connect with other project managers and experts. Networking provides opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and staying updated with industry trends. It can also lead to potential job openings and collaborations.

What are the career prospects for project managers?

Project management offers excellent career prospects, as organizations across industries rely on skilled project managers to execute their initiatives. With experience and proven success, project managers can progress to senior leadership roles, such as program managers or portfolio managers, and even pursue entrepreneurship or consultancy in project management.

How important is continuous learning in project management?

Continuous learning is vital in project management due to the evolving nature of the field. Stay updated with the latest methodologies, best practices, and tools through professional development opportunities, reading industry publications, participating in webinars, and pursuing advanced certifications. Continuous learning ensures your skills remain relevant and enhances your marketability.

Sources

[i] Henderson, L., (2022). Project Management Knowledge Areas. Nifty PM [online]. Retrieved from: https://niftypm.com/blog/project-management-knowledge-areas-pmbok/ [accessed 20/06/2023]

[ii] Turner, N., (2023) 12 Top Project Management Conferences You Need To Be At In 2023. The Digital Project Manager. [online] Retrieved from: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/personal/personal-growth/project-management-conferences/ [accessed 20/06/2023]

[iii] Kissflow. (2023) Best Project Management Tools. [online] Retrieved from: https://kissflow.com/project/best-project-management-tools/ [accessed 20/06/2023]

[iv] PRINCE2 (2023) PRINCE2. [online] Retrieved from: https://www.prince2.com/uk [accessed 20/06/2023]

[v] Adobe Communications Team (2022) Beginner’s Guide to Agile Project Management. Business Abode. [online] Retrieved from: https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/agile [accessed 20/06/2023]

[vi] Association for Project Management. (2023) [online] Retrieved from: https://www.apm.org.uk/ [accessed 20/06/2023]

[vii] Project Management Institute UK (2023) [online] Retrieved from: https://www.pmi.org.uk/ [accessed 20/06/2023]

The principles of team working and project management should be intrinsic to the inner operations of all businesses. From the smallest start-up to the biggest global corporation, managing people, resources, budgets and time saves money, gets the job done but, more importantly, gets the job done properly.

Underpin success
Online project management can be the factor that many companies and businesses are missing. Underpinning success of a business and any projects it completes rest of managing the project, time, resources, budget and people in a way that makes the best of everything.

For example, delivering on a budget is clearly a great thing but how about delivering the project on budget with added value? As soon as you realise what successful project management offers, you realise just how much more successful the project – and business! – can be.

The basics of any successfully managed project starts with people and how they managed and motivated. This is an integral part of the process and one that must be integrated within online project management systems.

There are four key areas that need addressing correctly:

  1. Setting goals
  2. Managing the project
  3. Ongoing development
  4. Performance analysis
the-importance-of-project-management-within-your-company

There are skills to be learnt and personal attributes to be developed.

#1 Setting goals
Imagine this scenario – you are taking a road trip. You have no idea where you are going. Which road do you take?

This sounds like a great adventure but when it comes to project management, not having goals leads to a nightmarish journey of a team becoming fractured, and wandering off in different directions.

Goals need to be set but they need to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound – otherwise known as SMART.

When everyone knows what the objectives and aims of a project are, they have a better understanding of the route that needs to be taken.

#2 Project Management
Anyone who has managed or coordinated a team working on a project over a length of time will testify to the complex nature of the task. There are skills to be learnt and personal attributes to be developed but over time, project managers develop a keen sense of:

#3 Ongoing development
Being a successful project manager is just as much about managing people and their aspirations, as it is about bringing a project in on budget and on time.

The development of people is not something a project manager should ignore. Ensuring team members have the right knowledge, skills and attitude too are all part of the wider responsibility of a project manager.

Ongoing development is not solely about correcting weaknesses, an unfortunate trait that some project managers latch on to. It is about propelling people forward in the direction that they want to travel.

Thus as a competent project manager, you will tell your team that:

#4 Performance appraisals

Reviewing and evaluating a project is simply essential when it comes to improving future performance. A project management course will cover this in some detail but there is a need to ensure that appraisals of your team performance need to be:

the-importance-of-project-management-within-your-company

The need for trained and skilled project managers

There are all kinds of technology that companies and businesses use to monitor and manage projects of all shapes and sizes and yet, many businesses still rely on people to deliver project management.

Bringing in a project on time, on budget and with a staff team that is developing and progressing all the time is a responsibility but one that many people succeed at. The development cycle is quite often the key in informing the process. A project manager, for example, will understand that:

Project management is a dynamic role within any company. Have you got the attributes and the skills?

Projects come in all shapes and sizes. They can be small, highly focused jobs that require a sequence of only a few tasks to complete them or they can be complex, longer term projects that include various departments, skills, and people.

For any project to be completed successful, large or small, simple or complex, you need a plan. This plan is a schedule of events, who is doing what and so on but, it needs to be more than this. It needs to outline your methodology – how the project is to be tackled, risk factors and how they will be dealt with, how resources can be managed and so on.

Project management methodology is a framework for completing a project, from the moment of inception through to completion. Even better is that every time you start a project, you don’t need to re-invent the wheel; your project management method from the last project is also used on a new project.

Your methodology should outline your approach to your project, risk factors and resources needed.

Your methodology should outline your approach to the project, risk factors and resources needed.

What is Project Management Methodology?
Up until the 1950s, projects were managed on an ad hoc basis; when problem arose, they were solved. When changes were needed, they were made. It was after the 1950s as construction projects became bigger and more complex that project management methodologies began to be developed.

These methodologies now expand beyond the realms of engineering and there are a few different models that people and companies use today:

Waterfall
This was one of the first project management methodologies to come into being, offering for the first time a difference between a traditional approach to one where everything was worked on in sequence.

By eliminating the risk by outlining each step of the project, the emphasis is placed on planning as much as possible at the very start and not allowing issues to creep in and slow the project down.

Agile
Waterfall is a well known methodology but Agile is close on its heels. Developed with the tech industry in mind, as the name suggests, this methodology has a quick turnaround and an ability to adapt to changing boundaries and parameters.

Six Sigma
Developed by Motorola, this is a methodology driven by data-laden projects. It aims to improve quality by reducing defects and bugs.

PRINCE2
You may have heard or seen this methodology referred to as it is a project standard used by the UK Government since 1996. PRINCE stands for Projects IN Controlled Environments.

This is a process orientated method, with projects divided into stages with each of these stages having its own plan and process to follow. Each stage is also heavily documented. It is one of the project management methodologies in which the project manager needs to be highly skilled.

Scrum
Some projects need short, sharp feedback but a methodology that shifts to changing requirements. Named after the rugby play, it provides time for feedback and a speedy response to any changes identified as part of this feedback process. Team dynamics need to be tight and focused, working together in ‘sprints’. At the end of a sprint, the team must have produced a usable product.

Who is responsible for project management?
There are many other methodologies that are recognised and used in business throughout sectors and industries. Being in control of managing a project is exciting and rewarding.

Being open to new ideas and methodologies with a variety of human resources courses means that the right methodology is used, advancing both the company and the product or service.