Most kids don’t dream of growing up to be a project manager. But I see it in one of my kids…that weird ability to assemble the siblings in an organized fashion, determine a plan, and execute it. Regardless of what role you used to have on the playground, the years have a way of shaping our interests and capabilities. But the beauty of project management is that while there are some backgrounds, skills, or personalities that can make you better suited to the position, there is no one size fits all.
If you’re thinking of making a cross into the project management side or you’re fresh out of school and wondering what to do with that business degree, take this quiz to see if project management might be right for you. In the world of government contracting, you will either find yourself on a project team or managing one. It’s easy to complain about your manager, but maybe a lot harder for you to take the reins.
Education and Training for the Project Manager
Education can range from undergraduate to advanced degrees. For positions within the government, many have advanced degrees in addition to training in project or program management. Some PMs have a general business degrees or something similar, but in agencies where the PM needs subject matter expertise, it is better to have a degree or training in that specific subject matter. Cleared veterans are often well-suited to a career as a PM. Their ability to work under pressure and oversee multiple projects and a host of people make them well-qualified for PM careers within the DoD.
Skills and Certifications to Check out
PMs should have strong skills in contract negotiation, procurement, and advanced financial management and budgeting. One way to step into program management is to take on a few smaller projects simultaneously. Proving your ability to manage simultaneous projects could be a stepping-stone to gaining a PM position. And of course, when it comes to certifications, the Project Management Professional (PMP) can make you a standout.
