How to Become a Project Manager: Get into Project Management in 2026

Project management is a booming field. Stats from TeamStage have found that by 2027, companies will need 87.7 million specialists to manage projects and ensure project success. And with the average project manager’s salary coming in just shy of six figures, it’s safe to safe that managing projects can be lucrative.

If you’re looking for a solid career path with many opportunities to grow and money to make, project management might be it. But figuring out how to get into project management can be tricky. Especially since it’s only been a profession since the late 1950s.

This article will give you a crash course in everything you need to know about the project management career path, what project management skills are needed, and how to secure a project manager job.

But first, let’s dive into an important question, “What is project management?”

What is Project Management?

This is a term that lots of people know, but few people really understand. Even those thinking about a project management career path often need clarification about what it really entails.

Project management is the process of organizing and coordinating resources to achieve a specific goal. This can include anything from developing new products or services to planning and executing events.

To be a successful project manager, you’ll need to have strong organizational skills and be able to communicate effectively with other members of your team. You’ll also need to stay calm under pressure and handle stress well.

Project management skills needed to secure a project manager job

• Plan and forecast
• Manage resources
• Assess quality control
• Study risk management
• Coordinate complex projects
• Succeed at time management

Project managers must have strong leadership skills and be able to motivate a team to achieve common goals. They must also be excellent communicators, as they often need to liaise with clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

At this point, you’re probably wondering…

Exactly how does one start the project management journey?

If you think you have what it takes to be a project manager, then read on to learn more about how to get into project management step-by-step.

How to Get into Project Management

The first step to getting into project management is understanding what the role entails. Many people go into a project management job without knowing what is expected of them. They usually end up unhappy in their roles.

Project managers are responsible for ensuring that a project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. They do this by planning, monitoring, and controlling all aspects of the project.

The job overview for a project manager includes duties like:

• Defining project scope and objectives
• Predicting resources needed
• Preparing a budget based on the scope of work
• Tracking project costs
• Developing a schedule

Those in project management roles are also responsible for doing the following.

• Providing updates to stakeholders and projects
• Managing contracts with vendors and suppliers
• Monitoring progress and making adjustments along the way
• Measuring project performance
• Identifying areas for improvement

Education and Experience

If you think you have what it takes to be a project manager and would enjoy the project management duties we’ve discussed, the next step is to gain some education and experience.

Most project management work requires a bachelor’s degree. However, sometimes, an associate’s degree or high school diploma is enough formal education. This is especially true when the project management professional has experience.

Have a degree that is in a different field? This is rarely a problem. Many successful project managers start out in one area before deciding to journey down the project manager career path.

Gaining experience before scoring your first project management role is trickier.

However, there are a few ways to do this, such as volunteering for projects at work or in your community or completing internships or placements with project management firms.

Get Certified as a Project Manager

Once you have some project management experience under your belt, the next step is to become a certified project manager.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a range of certification exams that will demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers. While building experience, you might start with the CAPM certification. 

Once you have some experience under your belt, you can pursue a more advanced certification with the help of PMP exam prep courses.

To be certified as a PMP Professional, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Four-year degree with 36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification.
• High School Diploma or associate’s degree, with 60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years and 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® certification.

Although earning project management certifications isn’t required to get your first project manager job, it is recommended for a few reasons.

For one, it gives more weight to your resume and sets you apart from other project management applicants.

Also, it gives you industry recognition as a skilled project manager with not only formal education but top-tier project management skills.

Finally, as the industry grows, it gives you a security blanket. There is a strong possibility that employers will not only prefer but require certification for those hired for a project management position in the near future.

Let Crush the PM Exam Help You Get into Project Management

Although getting certified is the best way to enter the field and work your way up to senior project manager, it takes both dedication and solid resources.

Crush the PM Exam is the perfect place to start if you’re looking to get into project management.

Why is this?

Our partners offer review courses, practice exams, flashcards, and other resources that will help you prepare for the certification test. They can also link you to a community of project management professionals that help those wanting to grow in the field.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today and grow your project management career!

GO TO PMP EXAM PREP COURSES

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FAQs on How to Become a Project Manager

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