So what does a project manager do? It is the job of a manager to fulfill all the project goals and to make certain that the project is completed on time and hopefully under budget. In the end, it is the project manager who is responsible if the project fails to achieve all of its stated goals. This is the primary reason why project managers are so well compensated. Another reason is because it is a challenging and difficult job that requires individuals to anticipate and forestall any problems that may arise. Project managers must be bold and original thinkers. They must also possess exemplary interpersonal skills, as they must interact with individuals from many different fields.
What Schools Offer Programs in Project Management?
Since it is such a fast-growing field both in the United States and abroad, most colleges and universities now offer degrees in project management. Oftentimes, project managers also have degrees in their own chosen fields. For example, a project manager who works on engineering projects will usually have a degree and experience in engineering. Managers may also receive special certifications that take less time to complete than regular degrees. In fact, many schools now offer online courses in project management that take only a semester or two to complete. When looking for a business school that offers courses in project management, it is important to find one that offers you a degree or certification. It is also essential that you locate a program that focuses on your own particular field of study, whether engineering, manufacturing, construction, or information technology.
What You Can Expect to Earn as a Project Manager
As we mentioned, because project managers have so many challenges and responsibilities, they are well-paid. The starting salary for a graduate with a degree in project management is 40,000 dollars a year. Since real life experience is essential for any project manager, this figure increases substantially once the manager has shown that he or she can successfully complete the assigned projects.
Nowadays, most companies know that an experienced project manager can save them boatloads of time, money, and worry. They also know that good managers will dramatically improve business performance. That is why veteran project managers customarily earn over 100,000 dollars a year. Project managers in the field of information technology often earn up to twenty percent more than those in construction or engineering. So if you are an individual who likes working with people, can handle a ton of responsibility, and performs well under pressure, a career in project management might be for you.
