Since it is a one time responsibility, it will have an end and a start, constraints of time and resources as well as budgets. It will require a team of workers who are proficient at what they do The project team will have many team members, for instance, end users of a service or product, IT (Information Technology) representatives, business analysts, project leaders, and a project manager. A project manager also plays a crucial role in the completion of a project. A project manager has the responsibility to ensure tasks are complete within the deadline and within the budget allotted.
Project Manager's Job Profile
A project manager is responsible for coordinating, directing, executing, implementing, completing and controlling all aspects related to projects. A project manager will also ensure compliance with company requirements, strategies and goals. The manager of a project conducts project assessments and prepares reports of recommendations for improvements. He or she is responsible identifying successful and unsuccessful elements of the project. It is also the responsibility of the manager to develop tools and practices for project management and execution.
There are many responsibilities that a project manager needs to fulfill, including leading the implementation and planning of a project, defining resource requirements and project tasks, developing full-scale project plans, and coordinating and assembling the project staff. A manager manages the budget, resource allocation as well as schedule and plan project time line. Tracking the project deliverables utilizing appropriate tools, providing support and direction to the project teams and maintaining quality assurance are other tasks that are performed by a project manager.
A project manager must ensure the project is moving in the right direction progress analysis must be done regularly. Status reports and recommendations to resolve problems are submitted to management on a regular basis. It is the job of the manager to execute and manage project revisions and interventions for achieving satisfactory project results. As a project manager, the person is also responsible for project assessments and evaluation of results.
A project manager recognizes team members' efforts and ensures his or her staff progresses accordingly. Additionally, a manager prepares timely, regular and correct billings for the owners and ensures well-timed payment of subcontractor billings.
Skill Sets
To become a successful project manager, it is imperative for the interested candidates to have excellent written and oral communication skills, superior decision-making and interpersonal skills along with the ability to multi task. As things may not go as they are planned, a manager should be capable of working under pressure.
A project manager must possess good organizing, planning, critical thinking and problem solving skills. In order to become an efficient manager, a person must be leading leader work in a team and be influential. Other traits such as adaptability, stress tolerance and conflict management are important for a project manager. Proficiency in software and computer systems as well as typing is necessary.
Academics
Educational requirements include a Bachelor's degree in building science, construction management, civil engineering or construction science. Also, a degree in quantity surveying, mechanical engineering or architecture assistance is acceptable in getting a project manager job.
Training
Training is important to succeed in a job of this nature. Candidates who are interested in pursuing a project manager position will gain knowledge regarding all theoretical and practical aspects of the field. A new project manager will learn about the tools required and techniques used to properly manage incoming projects.
Prior Experience
Along with an educational degree for becoming a project manager, work experience is of required to get a good project management job. Experience can be gained through internships, paying jobs or co-op experience. When it comes to working as a project manager, proven experience with strategic planning, human resource planning, risk management and change management is very helpful.
Career Outlook
The job growth within this field is likely to increase more than ever before. Since, almost all companies would like to achieve positive outcomes, complete their projects on time, within the restricted budget; demand of project managers is increasing day by day. This field is expected to grow at a rate of 16% from years 2006 to 2016.
Salary
The average salary a project manager can earn is about $76,230 annually. A project manager in the computer/IT industry can earn up to $109,130. Insurance company project manager have the potential to earn $102,180. Salaries will vary based on experience, performance and the industry the company is in.
Conclusion
A career as a project manager is one of the most lucrative careers to be in. It will not just allow you to earn money, it will also give you the opportunity to work on a new project regularly, and thus you will not get bored by doing the same task again and again. You will have a new opportunity and a new challenge. You may get to work at different sites, locations and in different circumstances.
