The Best Ways To Gain Project Management Experience

Breaking into the project management field without prior experience can feel like a tough nut to crack, but trust me, you’re not as far off as you might think! Here are five practical steps we’ve seen work wonders for folks just starting out.

Project management is becoming a cornerstone skill across all sectors, with an expected need for 25 million new project managers worldwide by 2030. This surge in demand opens up fantastic pathways, whether you’re just starting out or aiming for that next promotion. But how do you dive in when you’re new to the game? Gaining experience might seem like a mountain to climb, but let’s break it down.

First off, what does a project manager actually do? They’re the masterminds behind ensuring projects get from A to B, using their know-how, tools, and strategies to meet deadlines, stay within budget, and hit the scope right on target. Here’s what’s on their plate:

Clarifying Goals and Scope: Setting clear objectives for what the project needs to achieve.

Organizing Tasks: Planning out all the steps and managing them as they unfold.

Meeting Deadlines: Keeping everything on track to finish on time.

Stakeholder Engagement: Keeping everyone in the loop, from team members to clients.

Risk Management: Spotting potential pitfalls and navigating around them.

If you find these activities echoing your daily work, you might already be closer to being a project manager than you realize. But if you’re not there yet, don’t worry. Here are five practical ways to get that real-world project management experience, even if you don’t have the title:

Lead a Side Project: Start managing something you’re passionate about, like a local community project or a club initiative. It’s all about showing you can lead.

Step Up at Work: Look for opportunities to manage smaller tasks or projects within your current job. It could be anything from organizing a team event to leading a small process improvement project.

Educational Pathways: Dive into courses or workshops on project management. There are plenty of online resources that not only educate but also provide certifications.

Freelance or Volunteer: Offer your skills on freelancing platforms or volunteer for organizations that need project management help. This not only builds your resume but also your network.

Mentorship and Networking: Connect with project managers in your field. They can offer guidance, share experiences, and sometimes even provide opportunities to work on real projects under their supervision.

Each of these steps can be your launchpad into the thriving world of project management:

Even if you don’t have Project Manager in your job title, if you’ve ever orchestrated, directed, or completed projects, you’ve already dipped your toes into project management. The same goes for if you’re familiar with project management software, tools, or even AI. To expand your experience within your workplace, look for chances to take charge of project planning, to hone your interpersonal skills like communication and stakeholder engagement, and to demonstrate your prowess in managing time and budgets. This approach not only enhances your CV but also enriches your grasp of project management nuances.

You might also consider going after entry-level project management positions to kickstart your career. These roles can have different names depending on where you look, but they might include titles like project coordinator, junior or assistant project manager, or even junior or assistant business analyst.

Diving into volunteer work with local nonprofits or community organizations is a fantastic way to hone your project management skills while making a positive impact.

Volunteering is one of the best ways to pick up project management experience. By spearheading community efforts like organizing food drives, planning non-profit events, or leading environmental clean-ups, you not only contribute to your community but also bolster your resume with tangible skills.

Project Management Institute provides avenues to get involved through its chapters, outreach committees, and various working groups, offering you structured ways to volunteer and further your project management journey.

Having a mentor can truly shape your career, offering you personalized feedback, sage advice, and insights from their own journey. Connecting with a mentor, whether at your workplace or within your community, can guide you through your career’s ups and downs and give you a glimpse into the roles you aspire to achieve. The project management community is also rich with seasoned professionals willing to mentor those eager to climb the project management ladder.

Becoming part of the PMI community links you with a network of professionals who are all about sharing knowledge and pushing each other towards success. With access to conferences, seminars, local chapter events, and more, being in the PMI community means you’ve got the backing of over 700,000 project pros to help you achieve your ambitions.

The best approach is to dive into as many communities as you can, whether they’re global, regional, or local. Engage actively, volunteer, go to seminars, take part in any projects you come across, and really soak up the profession.

Getting certified is a fantastic way to prove your capabilities and unlock new career paths. With over half of all organizations looking for project professionals who are certified, it’s an essential move for anyone starting out. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification is an excellent initial step, helping to plug any gaps in your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and boost your confidence as you gear up for your first role in project management.

Earning the CAPM can make you shine as a candidate. With the CAPM, you demonstrate your commitment to project management, your sense of responsibility, your work ethic, and your discipline to study and succeed, even without much work experience. This foundation is invaluable when you aim for further certifications down the line.

The CAPM also serves as a launchpad towards the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, which can significantly increase your earning potential.

To really shine in the job market and propel your career forward, you’ve got to rack up experience. Whether it’s by leading projects at work, volunteering in your community, finding someone to mentor you, or getting involved with professional groups, these steps are crucial. As you journey toward becoming a project manager, make sure you’re capturing your achievements, measuring your outcomes, and always looking for ways to enrich your resume and skill set. And don’t overlook the power of certifications; the CAPM certification could be your secret weapon, distinguishing you from others and boosting your career to new heights.

Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.