What is the average salary of a project manager?
According to Indeed.com, project managers in the U.S. make $88,410 annually.
What is a project manager? What does a project manager do?
A project manager is in charge of the overall success or failure of a project. As a project manager, you must start by fleshing out an idea and selling it through the organization. You will then pull together your team, organize and clearly lay out the steps involved, lead the team throughout the project lifecycle, manage the budget, make important decisions that could impact the outcome of the project, engage and update stakeholders, deliver a complete project that meets objectives, ensure that there a smooth transition as the project is handed over and rolled out, and finally share the knowledge you gained along the way from successes as well as mistakes. You will have ultimate control over all parts of a project including initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.
What education do I need to become a project manager?
It is possible to become a successful project manager without an advanced degree. You will need your high school diploma or equivalent at minimum and experience managing projects. You will also need to complete a project management certification course that will help you understand national and global standards of project management to achieve success in every phase of your projects. The training course you choose should prepare you to sit for respected certifications such as CAPM® or PMP® like our Mastering Project Management with PMP Prep course. You may find it beneficial to earn your bachelor's or master's degree in business management, engineering, computer science or a field related to your chosen industry in order to continue to climb the corporate ladder and open up more opportunities.
Are project managers in demand?
Yes, demand for project managers is high and continuing to rise due to an increasing number of jobs that require project-oriented skills. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the project management field is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032.
Where do project managers work?
Project managers can work in almost any industry. Some of the more common industries for project management jobs include information technology, engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, and law. Your work environment will depend largely on the industry in which you work, but you will work closely with other people and technology regardless of the industry you choose.
What qualities should a good project manager have?
In order to be a good project manager, you will first and foremost have to be a great communicator. It is your job to sell an idea to stakeholders, team members, and those financing any project you manage. You must communicate with everyone affected throughout the project and ensure that you keep momentum moving in your favor. You must have integrity and enthusiasm. You must also understand how to effectively delegate responsibilities to the right team members. It's also important to have a high level of empathy in order to understand how the project will affect others, and you must always remain calm under pressure.
Can I work as a project manager without a project manager certification?
Yes. You can become a project manager without obtaining certification as long as you possess the proper knowledge, training, and experience to get the job done. However, we encourage all students to sit for CAPM® and/or PMP® certification. A project management certification will open up more opportunities for you. These certifications are highly-respected worldwide, they prove your commitment to the industry and your understanding of global standards, they place you ahead of your competition for jobs, and they show that you are continuously learning through professional development. Project management certifications also make a big difference in the amount of money you can earn.
Why is project management so important?
Project management is important because it ensures that stakeholders, financers, and team members all have the same expectations set when it comes to what will be delivered, when it will be delivered, and how much it will cost to deliver a completed project. The most effective project managers will negotiate milestones and deadlines that are reasonable and achievable and are communicated with all parties affected by a project plan.
Does this course prepare me for a project management certification?
Yes, upon completion of this course, you will be prepared for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam.
I'm new to project management, is this course the right fit for me?
Yes. You will find that this course starts from the ground up laying a solid foundation of project management terminology and concepts. Then, after you gain a foundation, you will move on to mastering the concepts with a level of expertise that you can bring into the industry. You can even qualify to take national certifying exams when you complete the course.
What are the available career paths for me after I finish this project management course?
You could choose from any of the below options after completing the PMP® Prep course:
- Project Manager (junior through senior level)
- Learning Management System Specialist
- Computing and Analytic Administrator
- Project Coordinator
- Agile Coach & Scrum Master
How long does it take to complete this course?
This project management course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.
What if I don't have enough time to complete my course within the time frame provided?
The time allotted for course completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours. However, if you are unable to complete the course, contact the student advising team to see what options you may have available to work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee may be charged.
When can I start the course?
This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.
What kind of support will I receive?
Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.
Am I guaranteed a job?
This course will provide you with the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. Potential students should always do research on the job market in their area before registering.
Can I get financial assistance?
This course is non-credit, so it does not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to take our courses. Additionally, some students may qualify for financial assistance when they enroll, if they meet certain requirements. Financing is available from select schools. Learn more about financial assistance.
How can I get more information about this course?
If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us" form.