Like many people, I didn’t initially set out to pursue a career in project management. Instead, I stumbled upon it when I took on a temporary role as a project coordinator a few years ago. I soon realised that project management was a field I wanted to continue exploring.
Since then, I’ve worked towards certifications and have held various roles in project management across a number of industries. These experiences have confirmed that working as a project manager is a great match for my personality and work preferences.
Had I not accepted that initial project coordinator position, I might never have ventured into the realm of project work.
So, let me share five insights that I wish I had known earlier. These would have helped me recognise that project management was a great career match for me.
Project management is great if you enjoy organisation and time-management
I’ve always been the type of person who enjoys the planning phase over the actual execution of tasks. You’ll relate to this if you were the kind of student who spent hours meticulously creating revision and study plans.
One of the reasons I find project management particularly rewarding is that excellent organisation and time management skills are vital to the role. These aren’t just desirable skills; they’re the core competencies that can make or break a project’s success.
In my role, I have the opportunity to apply these skills in various ways, such as developing comprehensive project plans and creating timelines that are both realistic and efficient. And it’s not just about setting deadlines. It’s about understanding how each task fits into the larger picture, to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that every team member knows their responsibilities at any given time.
Another element that I enjoy is breaking down complex projects into manageable parts. This involves segmenting work into phases or milestones, thereby making it easier for the team to focus and accomplish tasks. This isn’t merely a task—it’s like solving a puzzle that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of project objectives and team capabilities.
In essence, project management allows me to put my love for organisation and time management into practice every day. It’s a role that values these traits as essential, rather than optional, and there’s no such thing as ‘too much’ planning.
You will develop strong leadership and communication skills
I used to think my leadership and communication skills were already quite strong, especially since I’ve run my own business and earned a PhD. But my perspective changed significantly after I began working in project management.
The gap between my initial understanding of these skills and what a project manager role actually demands was massive. I’ve had to adapt and grow these skills considerably to meet the specific needs of different industries and teams.
Being a project manager means you’re in constant communication with not just your team, but also with a range of other stakeholders like sponsors, clients and executives. You might be working within a wider framework of programmes and portfolios. This calls for an ability to “read the room” and communicate adeptly at various organisational levels.
Negotiation also plays a crucial role, especially when it comes to resource allocation and obtaining approvals for change. This is something that comes with time and practice, and it’s another reason why I find the role so fulfilling. My skills in this area continue to develop the more I work.
Recognising the need for specialised skills, I’ve made it a point to invest in professional development (even if it means having to find a balance between studying and work commitments). I’ve taken courses in leadership and communication to complement what I’ve been learning on the job. If you’re new to project management, I highly recommend doing the same.
While hands-on experience is invaluable, formal training provides you with the tools to handle specific situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
Project management never gets boring
Some people enjoy having consistency and predictability in their work. In my own business, we have a fixed calendar of work which follows an annual cycle. This means that at any given point, I know what’s coming up, what I need to prepare for and how to measure the year’s success compared to previous years.
While I enjoy that to some extent, there’s a reason why I don’t work full-time on my business. I find this level of repetition and predictability doesn’t challenge me – frankly, it’s a little boring.
The reason why I love working on projects is that these are specific endeavours with a clear start and end date. It’s time to move on to a fresh challenge when a project closes. I imagine this is why consultancy is also an area that appeals to me. You spend a fixed period focusing on a specific problem and, once it’s done, you move on to something new.
This means that things never get stagnant. I love that I don’t know what I’m going to do next after my current project.
Of course, for some people this might be less appealing. Many project management roles are fixed-term, temporary contracts due to the nature of the work. However, for my personality the challenge of the unknown keeps me on my toes and forces me to keep developing my professional skills and abilities.
You will learn a lot about different industries
The nature of project management roles often means crossing into new and unfamiliar industries. My own journey is a testament to this; I transitioned from a background in social sciences to managing projects in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Although the shift was initially intimidating, the learning curve has proven to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.
A critical part of project management involves acquiring at least a basic understanding of the technical aspects you’re overseeing. This can be challenging but it’s a part of the role I really love — immersing myself in an unfamiliar sector and absorbing as much as I can.
What remains constant in project management are the foundational skills in areas like managing budgets, timelines and project scope. However, each new role brings the opportunity to delve into specific industry knowledge that may have never crossed your path otherwise.
This cross-industry experience also makes you more adaptable and marketable as a professional. You’re not just a project manager. You become a cross-disciplinary asset who can bridge gaps between various fields.
Whether it’s understanding the regulatory landscape in healthcare projects or the logistics of supply chains in manufacturing, your skills become increasingly versatile.
Project managers can enjoy freedom over their schedules
One of the most appealing aspects of project management for me is the autonomy it provides in shaping my work schedule. Of course, the level of freedom you experience can vary depending on the workplace and industry. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy significant independence in how and when I tackle my workload.
Performance is generally assessed based on what you deliver, when you deliver it and the quality of that delivery. This approach aligns perfectly with my working style. I appreciate having the flexibility to designate certain blocks of time for focused work, or choosing to schedule meetings only within specific hours.
Another benefit that adds to the sense of independence is the reporting structure. Typically, you report to a project sponsor and, rather than facing micromanagement, the greater challenge is securing some of the sponsor’s time for discussions or approvals. This is a huge contrast with many other corporate roles, where your schedule and tasks might be under constant scrutiny.
This independence also extends to the methods and tools you choose for project execution. You’re given the freedom to decide what project management methodologies or software best suit the project’s needs. The route is yours to plan, as long as you meet the objectives. This allows for creative problem-solving and adds another layer to why I find the role so fulfilling.