BENEFITS
Careers &Â Knowledge
CAREERS
Construction
Median annual salary: $93,370
From putting up new shopping malls to fixing the nation’s aging infrastructure, an abundance of construction projects means a need for competent construction project managers. These professionals break down what must be accomplished during every phase and work with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to make it all happen—including compliance with safety, zoning, and legal regulations.
Energy
Average annual salary: $70,031
Project managers in this field work for public and private organizations interested in developing new energy systems or improving existing ones. For instance, a project manager on a wind plant project may take charge of selecting and clearing a site, gathering bids from contractors, keeping track of materials and equipment, and maintaining a safe environment.
Engineering
Average annual salary: $94,440
From aerospace to manufacturing, companies hire engineers to design new products or find better (faster, cheaper, safer, etc.) ways of doing things. Engineering project managers work closely with these engineers as they figure out how to create something new or solve a given problem. They also pay close attention to the business side of engineering projects, such as allocating resources, staying on schedule, and keeping clients updated.
Software Development
Average annual salary: $86,372
Software project managers use their solid technical background plus their ability to explain concepts to laypeople to turn ideas into reality. After achieving a firm grasp of what the client ultimately desires, software project managers work with tech staff to figure out the steps needed to make it happen and the tests required to ensure quality. Along the way, they stay abreast of deadlines, budgets, and potential problems.
Information Technology (IT)
Median annual salary: $142,530
Perhaps the highest-paying project management career path, IT project managers combine their technical prowess with business acumen to direct their organization’s computer-related activities. They keep an eye on factors such as upgrades, installation of new equipment, security, departmental requirements, and cost efficiency. Working with vendors to address needs and negotiate deals is often part of the job.
Healthcare
Average annual salary: $75,474
As the number of people with chronic conditions continues to rise and baby boomers age, healthcare project managers stand to have quite a lot on their plates in the years ahead. A healthcare system, for instance, may want to open a new hospital wing and needs someone to oversee each stage of its development. Taking on such an endeavor involves collaboration with doctors, department heads, donors, hospital board members, and vendors—each with their own priorities. Thus, awesome interpersonal skills serve a healthcare project manager well, as does the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
Consulting
Salaries vary by the nature and duration of projects.
Both large and small organizations sometimes require assistance with certain projects. Perhaps an insurance firm wants to revamp its record-keeping system or a large city is upgrading its public works equipment. Consulting project managers provide the organizational skills and follow-through needed to obtain results. They use their talents to identify objectives, plan out the specifics in terms of time and money, hire and monitor workers, keep everyone involved updated, and problem-solve as situations arise.
KNOWLEDGE
Accomplish goals faster
Project management is essentially the practice of turning ideas into reality. Learning how the pros plan, budget, prioritize, and execute projects will help you do the same in your personal and professional life.
Give you an edge
Project management is an in-demand skill. Industries such as engineering, healthcare, financial services, technology, and law require people who have a high level of organizational and leadership skills. Skills that project managers are trained to develop.
Improve the quality of work
Knowing how to take a project through to completion will not only make for a less stressful experience, but it will also improve the quality of your work and thus leave you more satisfied.
Learn to budget
With project management training, you will be able to manage your resources better. For example, If something needs to be done well, you will know to contract the job early on so it can be completed at a slower pace for a cheaper price.
Meet more deadlines
Managing one project can be tricky enough, but managing multiple (which is likely the case) can feel impossible at times. Learning about the tools and frameworks that Project Managers use to strategize their work will help you provide the most value to your projects and avoid procrastination.
Lead better
Taking a project management course not only benefits you, but it also has the ability to benefit the people you lead. You will be better organized, giving your teammates a clearer path to success.