How to Jump into the World of Project Management + Project Controls

If you’re interested in a career in project management, it can feel overwhelming to find a way to get your foot in the door. Do you need a certain degree? Do you need specific expertise in a specific industry? How do you get experience when you aren’t even in the field yet? As many project management professionals get into the role through non-traditional paths, those specifically interested in this field are often confused about how to start. To begin, go back to the basics: find your “why.” 

Articulate your “why” 

First, take some time to reflect. What draws you to the project management and project controls field? Is it previous experiences you’ve had? The salary? A career change? Or something else that calls to you? Understanding why you’re interested in this field will help you set a course for jumping in and will illuminate what you already know – and where you may need additional education. 

Consider your educational background 

There are two- and four-year degree programs in project management available at a number of colleges. If you’re brand-new in your career or someone who thrives in the school setting, this could be an option for you. However, becoming a successful project manager absolutely does not require a specific degree. Here at MRC, we have team members from a wide variety of backgrounds, from literature to engineering. We’ve even hired team members because of their previous experience in roles like bartending that provided them with a strong skill set in collaboration and working with diverse teams. 

Cut your teeth on real-world scenarios 

Once you have an idea how your educational background ties into the bigger picture, look for ways to get direct experience in project management. Nearly any role in any type of industry can offer you opportunities here. Talk to your leaders about the potential for heading a one-off project, or create a project to pitch to higher-ups at your company. It doesn’t need to be a big multimillion-dollar construction project to offer you good on-the-job training. Perhaps your workplace could benefit from a process documentation overhaul or new software (and all the training that comes with it) needs to be selected. Look for chances big and small to learn within the work you already do. 

Find out what you don’t yet know 

Through on-the-ground experience in project management, you will start to identify areas where you have knowledge gaps. Whether it’s a need for more in-depth Excel skills or boosting your presentation and speaking abilities, dig into how you can learn and grow these areas. It’s often easier to discover what you don’t yet know while working on a real-world project instead of going through a bunch of certifications because they seem like things you “should” know. Tailor your continuing education to things that will help you grow as a project management professional. 

Tap the knowledge of a mentor 

Having a seasoned project management professional as a mentor can help guide you in your ongoing education in the field. Mentors can be found anywhere: at your current job, through project management associations, at your alma mater, and even through sites like LinkedIn. Even after you have some years in the field under your belt, the knowledge and sounding board a mentor can provide are invaluable. 

Even if moving into project management would be a big career change for you, don’t be intimidated! Many professionals come to this world from non-management related backgrounds. Their varied experience makes our field stronger every day, and yours will, too.