Diverse Applications and Careers With a Degree in Project Management

Organizations across all sectors and industries are experiencing the same challenges, they are attempting to improve quality while reducing costs and streamlining efficiency. This increased need for innovation and the pressure to complete projects on time and under budget has heightened the demand for skilled project managers. 

Your project management career path can curve in many directions, allowing you to set a course that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. Knowing the potential within any project manager career path can help you decide the next best steps for your career. 

Exploring the Field of Project Management 

Defined by the Project Management Institute as the application of specialized knowledge, techniques and skills to develop a timeline and meet project requirements, project management is a growing field becoming increasingly relevant in today's global economy. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the project management field is expected to grow by about six percent between 2022 and 2032. Experts further anticipate about 54,700 new project management positions each year during that time period. 

Within the field of project management, there are various applications and careers to consider. That makes this a field quite appealing to professionals with a wide range of abilities and interests. 

Understanding the Role and Impact of Project Managers 

Project managers are professionals able to develop the scope of the larger picture, while simultaneously focusing on the details. Per the Project Management Institute, project managers are often responsible for: 

• Developing the scope of the overall project. 

• Identifying key deliverables that will be met throughout the project. 

• Identifying and mitigating risks that could occur during the project in an effort to avoid time delays or cost increases. 

• Effectively collaborating and communicating with all involved with the project to keep the project moving forward. 

Skilled project managers play a crucial role in the overall success of a project. The ultimate goal is to complete the project within the identified scope while remaining on target with the deadline and in line with the agreed upon budget. At the end of the day, it's the project manager steering the ship, so they have a critical impact on the overall outcome. 

Key Industries Benefiting From Project Management 

Compared with other career paths that often align with a specific industry, project management is a multidimensional career path that can be applied in a wide range of industries. In fact, skilled project managers are in high demand across several key industries. These are some of the industries that benefit the most from expert project management: 

• Construction — Understandably, large-scale construction projects require skilled project managers at the helm to optimize efficiency, maximize the use of available resources and complete the project on time. 

• Finance — Project managers who specialize in finance are often working to increase cash flow, improve productivity and reduce overhead costs. 

• Healthcare — In a time of great change and evolution, healthcare project managers are in high demand. Project managers who work in healthcare often specialize in compliance and regulatory issues, and they work to improve overall efficiency and patient outcomes while prioritizing compliance and reducing overhead costs. 

Educational Pathways in Project Management 

To break into the project management field, you will need to first pursue a degree in project management. Project management degree and certificate programs are designed to provide students with an introduction to the field of project management as well as the business acumen needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Knowing the different educational pathways available to you can help you select the right degree or certificate program for your personal career goals. 

Differences Between BA and MA Degrees in Project Management 

Many universities offer both a bachelor's degree in supply chain and project management as well as a master's degree in project management. There are distinct differences between the undergraduate and graduate degree programs that you should be aware of, so that you can select the program that is right for you. 

A bachelor's degree in project management prepares students for entry-level project management positions. With an emphasis on technological proficiency and critical thinking skill development, this degree program allows students to become familiar with the best practices and techniques in project management. The coursework covers topics such as accounting, marketing, operations management, business analytics, project management principles and more. It is considered to be the top degree program for anyone interested in pursuing a career in project management. 

A master's degree in project management, on the other hand, builds upon existing educational and professional experience to help students develop an advanced understanding of the project management field. With a curriculum that emphasizes advanced project management processes, risk assessment, quality management and strategic application, this graduate degree program prepares students for senior-level project management positions. It is best for those looking to advance their project manager career path. 

Core Subjects and Skills Acquired 

The core subjects and skills acquired remain relatively consistent between the bachelor's degree program and master's degree program, though the master's degree program often takes a more in-depth look at specialized areas. 

Some of the core subjects that you can expect within a project management degree program include: 

• Project Management Processes 

• Management Principles 

• Business Principles 

• Risk Assessment 

• Quality Management 

• Finance 

• Project Monitoring and Control 

These degree programs develop practical and business skills needed for project management. They also emphasize interdisciplinary skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, giving aspiring professionals a well-rounded skill set for any industry. 

Essential Tools and Resources for Aspiring Project Managers 

While project management is a heavily skills-based field, aspiring project managers will also want to invest in essential tools and resources that can help them improve their processes, optimize their efficiency and increase the likelihood of success within any given project. 

Students enrolled in a project management degree or certificate program can start familiarizing themselves with field-specific tools and resources. This helps them become proficient over time and ready to use these tools effectively after graduation. 

Software and Technology in Project Management 

Advanced software and technology in project management allows project managers to streamline their administrative tasks and optimize workflow. These are some of the best project management technologies: 

• Project Management Software — Project management software programs allow project managers to digitize every aspect of the project, giving them an opportunity to instantly take an at-a-glance look at the status of the project. These software programs can optimize workflow and reduce inefficiencies, ultimately helping project managers to successfully complete projects on time and under budget. 

• Time Tracking Software — These software programs monitor the time that individual team members are spending on specific tasks, giving project managers insight into the best ways to increase efficiency and allocate resources. 

• Predictive Analytics Tools —Predictive analytics tools and other machine learning technologies can harvest data and utilize algorithms to make predictions about what may happen during a project, making them a critical risk assessment and quality control tool for project managers. 

Networking and Professional Organizations 

In addition to investing in the top technology and industry tools, aspiring project managers can invest their time into networking and connecting with like-minded professionals. Through networking, project managers can become aware of the emerging industry trends, the latest technology and new opportunities that may help them along on their project management career path. Some of the top professional organizations for project managers include the Association for Project Management and the International Project Management Association. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Career in Project Management 

If you are looking to embark on your own project manager career path, you can follow this step-by-step guide to get started. By taking intentional steps and focusing on the qualifications needed for this industry, you can easily break into the field of project management. 

Step 1: Assessing Your Interest and Skills 

As you consider a career as a project manager, you will also want to reflect on your own personal interests, strengths and skills. These are the essential skills that project managers need to have: 

• Organizational Skills 

• Communication Skills 

• Problem-Solving Skills 

• Collaboration and Team Management Skills 

• Financial Skills 

Generally speaking, project management may be a good field for you if you enjoy working with others, if you consider yourself a leader and if you are a resilient and adaptable individual who can effortlessly navigate through unexpected challenges. 

Step 2: Choosing the Right Degree 

If you feel that you have the right personality for project management and your natural abilities complement the skills required for this dynamic field, then the next step is to begin a project management degree program. If you have a high school diploma or GED and you are looking to begin your career, then you will want to focus on a bachelor's degree in project management. If you have a bachelor's degree in project management or another related field, then you can advance your career with a master's degree in project management. 

Step 3: Gaining Relevant Experience Through Internships 

As you work toward earning your degree in project management, you also will want to gain hands-on experience in the industry. One of the best ways to gain relevant experience is to pursue project management internships. These internship programs allow you to learn more about what daily life is like in the field, and they also give you an opportunity to build your professional network as you make vital industry connections. 

Step 4: Earning Certifications and Specializations 

To further advance your project manager career path, you can earn certifications and specializations that prove you have relevant industry skills and niche expertise. A project management certificate program can help you focus on skill development and allow you to specialize in this industry. 

Step 5: Building a Professional Network 

After earning your degree and completing any certificate programs that interest you, you can begin building your professional network to uncover opportunities within the field of project management. The best ways to build your project management professional network include: 

• Joining industry organizations. 

• Attending conferences and industry events. 

• Networking within your degree program to stay connected to young professionals in the industry. 

Career Opportunities With a Degree in Project Management 

Given the fact that project managers can work in a wide range of industries and professional settings, almost no two project management career paths look the same. The project management field is a broad and growing field, which means that there are no shortage of opportunities for aspiring project managers. 

Entry-Level Positions and Their Requirements 

Most recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in project management find that they can easily secure entry-level positions in the field. Most entry-level project coordinator positions require graduates to have a four-year degree as well as relevant industry experience, making internships vitally important to the overall success of your job search. 

Advancing From Project Coordinator to Project Manager 

It's not uncommon for recent graduates to accept a project coordinator position, but many quickly focus on advancing to the coveted project manager role. Through industry experience and continued education and professional development, project coordinators will find that it does not take long to qualify for project manager positions. There are other, higher-level project management positions to pursue throughout your career as well, such as Senior Project Manager and Chief Operating Officer. 

Real-World Applications of Project Management 

Project management success stories highlight the true power of expertise and skill in this dynamic field. Project management applications have recently transformed several of the world's largest business organizations, including Amazon. Recently, Amazon partnered with BrightWork to improve project management at the massive online retailer, ultimately allowing Amazon to improve task tracking and enhance its collaborative workflow. 

Emerging Trends and Technologies in Project Management 

As the field of project management takes center stage in an economy becoming increasingly reliant on new technology, it is important to be aware of the emerging trends that will shape your project management career path in the years ahead. 

These are some of the up-and-coming trends that will have an impact on the field of project management: 

• Increased emphasis on automation. 

• Increased prevalence of generative AI. 

• Steady rise in hybrid project management work environments. 

• Heightened demand for emotionally intelligent and culturally aware project managers. 

Overcoming Challenges in Project Management Careers 

Regardless of the amount of preparation that you put into your project manager career path; you will likely encounter some unexpected challenges along the way. Knowing what to expect and how to navigate the most common pitfalls in this career path can help you become more resilient and adaptable. 

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them 

Some of the most common project management challenges include: 

• Vague goals not well-defined. 

• Unclear project scope. 

• Inadequate research findings prior to beginning the project. 

• Lack of accountability within the team environment. 

Recognizing the common pitfalls in this field and proactively working to avoid them can help you launch a more streamlined and successful project management career path. 

Continuous Learning and Adaptation in the Field 

Fortunately, with each new project that you take on as a project manager, you will continue to grow and adapt. The best way to refine your project management skills is to continue pursuing complex and challenging projects, as this will give you the real-world, real-time experience you need to thrive in this field. 

Carve Out Your Own Project Management Career Path at University of the Cumberlands 

Whether you are looking to gain the foundational knowledge to launch your career in project management or you are hoping to advance your project manager career path, University of the Cumberlands has degree and certificate programs that can help you develop the necessary skills. We offer an online Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Project Management, an online Master of Science in Project Management as well as an online Project Management Certificate, allowing you to select the program that aligns with your personal circumstances and professional goals. 

Request more information about our online degree and certificate programs today.