Becoming a great project manager is not something which happens overnight.
Project management involves a huge range of skills, many of which can only be perfected through experience in the field. However, there are plenty of personal traits which are vital to the role as well. In fact, it could be argued that a lot of great project managers are born not trained.
Choosing your industry
A lot of the skills involved with project management are transferable. The ability to get the best out of your team, evaluate risks, and complete schedules is key whether your building new council flats in Coventry or fixing an oil rig near the Orkney Islands.
The most important thing for a project manager to have is a deep understanding of the industry they are in. The best managers are able to complete the tasks of all the employees below them. They need to have a working knowledge of the technology involved in day-to-day operations. Ideally, they would have a strong passion for the industry they work in.
A qualification which relates to the industry that a manager is targeting would be the best way to show that they have the skills and the passion. There are plenty of separate qualifications available to demonstrate a knowledge of the generic project management skills needed across all industries.
Qualifications
The ability to get the best out of workers is key in all project management roles. Although managers are often involved in the staff recruitment process, it is also common for them to be handed a team appointed by someone else. Quickly being able to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of their team is therefore a desirable trait amongst any manager.
It is possible to pick up plenty of useful tips for the organisation of a small team on an entry level project management course. These courses typically only run for one or two days but can very useful for those looking to get into this sort of job for the first time.
There are courses available which focus on more specific management skills. It could certainly be worthwhile picking up a qualification in risk management or bidding and tendering.
It could be most beneficial for job-hunters to choose a course that is accredited by a reputable body, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Association for Project Management (APM).
Personality
It certainly could be argued that some useful management traits cannot be taught. The best managers are naturally confident individuals who feel are in their element directing and leading. Managers' directions are almost always more effective when delivered with confidence. Staff are typically more inclined to take orders from an individual who looks like they actually believe what they're talking about. Being organised is another trait which is difficult to teach but is crucial to effective project management.
It is easy to agree that some people were 'born to manage', but there are plenty of qualifications which can help hard-working individuals learn to become brilliant managers too.
