Posted on August 13th, 2025 in Blog, Business

How to Become a Project Manager

About 30 million project management professionals are needed by 2034 to meet global demand for their expertise, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI). From healthcare to technology to construction, industries of all types are seeking skilled leaders to drive successful projects, guide teams through complex challenges, and deliver impactful results on time.

For individuals wondering how to become a project manager, it generally begins with an education in an area such as business administration or organizational development. New project management professionals then need to hone their skills through experience, and many pursue professional certifications to reinforce their credentials.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project managers are responsible for planning and overseeing projects from start to finish. They set goals, define the project scope, create timelines, manage budgets, and coordinate team member efforts. Whether the project involves implementing a software system or launching a new product, project managers serve as the central point of communication and accountability.

A typical workday for a project manager may involve leading meetings, allocating resources, and ensuring that deliverables meet high-quality standards. They must track progress, identify risks, and adjust plans to stay on schedule. Project managers generally work in an office, but they may work remotely or on-site at a factory, plant, or jobsite. Some travel may be required to visit clients or other locations.

Industries across the board rely on project managers to align people and processes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about half of project management professionals are employed in the professional, scientific, and technical services and construction industries.

Key Skills Every Project Manager Needs

To become a project manager, professionals must develop a well-rounded skill set that combines leadership and technical knowledge. The following skills are essential for managing projects:

Organization: Project managers must keep track of timelines, resources, tasks, and goals while maintaining structure across all phases of a project.
Communication: Clear communication ensures that everyone, from team members to stakeholders, understands the plan, progress, and expectations.
Problem-solving: Unexpected challenges often arise, and project managers need to think critically and act quickly to keep things on track.
Time management: Meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality requires efficient scheduling and prioritization.
Leadership: Successful project managers inspire trust, motivate their teams, and provide guidance throughout the project life cycle.

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Project Manager

Becoming a project manager involves a mix of formal education, practical experience, and professional certifications.

Obtain an Education

To gain the knowledge and skills for a career in project management, many people start by earning a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business administration. A program like that can help students develop leadership skills while learning foundational business principles in areas such as accounting, marketing, and finance.

Professionals seeking to advance their education — and career prospects — with an advanced degree may consider a master’s degree in business administration or organization leadership. These programs dive deeper into business principles but place a special emphasis on leadership and management skills, with courses in areas such as change management, high-performing teams, business culture, coaching and mentoring, and project management.

Gain Experience and Develop Skills

Before stepping into a full project management role, many professionals build experience in entry-level positions such as project coordinator, business analyst, or operations associate. These roles offer valuable hands-on exposure to workflows, cross-functional teams, and problem-solving under pressure.

During this time, professionals develop key soft and technical skills, including communication, time management, risk assessment, and resource coordination.

Pursue Professional Certifications

Although not required, many project management professionals pursue certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) to boost their credentials and open possibilities for advancement.

The PMP is designed for experienced professionals and demonstrates advanced project leadership skills. The CAPM is ideal for those newer to the project management field and serves as an entry-level credential that shows a strong understanding of project management fundamentals.

Project Manager Salary and Job Outlook

Project managers can expect competitive pay and strong job prospects in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for project managers was approximately $100,750 (about $48.44 per hour) as of May 2024. Those in finance and insurance are on the higher end of the salary scale, with those in construction on the lower end.

The employment of project managers is expected to increase by 7% from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations, according to BLS data. This growth is driven by both expansion in the field and the need to replace workers who retire or change careers.

Prepare for a Career in Project Management

If you’re exploring how to become a project manager, earning a degree from Warner Pacific University Online can be a good place to start. WPU Online offers online and hybrid accelerated programs, allowing you to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, or a Master of Arts in Organization Leadership.

The flexible programs are geared toward working adults, with five- or six-week courses that let students focus on one subject at a time. Program graduates will have a strong foundation in business principles, alongside enhanced leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.

Take the first step today and learn more about how WPU Online can help you build your career in project management.

Sources:
IBM, Starting My IBM Career Journey as a Project Management Officer
Miami Herald, “Project Manager Salaries: How Much Do PMs Make?”
Project Management Institute, Become a Certified Success
Project Management Institute, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Project Management Institute, Shortage of Project Talent Endangers Global Growth According to Global Project Management Talent Gap Report
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists