How to become an IT Project Manager?

A Project Manager is undoubtedly one of the strongest links in any organization, binding together the team and the higher management, ensuring timely and quality delivery of all deliverables for the achievement of overall organizational goals. In the case of the technology-driven IT industry, their significance grows manifold, which in turn boosts demand for skilled IT project managers across various organizations and sectors. This blog discusses in detail the exact professional skills needed for project managers in the IT domain and how to become one. 

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Understanding the role of an IT Project Manager

Let us briefly understand the key role of IT project managers in various organizations and the primary responsibilities they are entrusted with.

Project managers in the IT domain are responsible for 3 key stages of a project, namely:

Project planning –

This involves understanding the objectives, scope, and exact requirements of the project, designing effective strategies, schedules, and budgets, identifying potential risks/challenges in project completion, and communicating the same to the concerned stakeholders.

Project execution

At this stage, project managers delegate responsibilities and assign tasks to team members. They also manage the availability of resources following the defined budget and maintain reports and documentation to ensure seamless execution of the project.

Overseeing project progress

This includes tracking and monitoring the stage-by-stage implementation of the project, right from its inception through its successful completion. They evaluate team performance, resolve any challenges that may emerge en route, boost team morale, and communicate with the team members and other stakeholders to maintain transparency in project completion and expected success.

To be able to effectively carry out the above responsibilities, IT project managers are required to possess a few specific skills and competencies, as highlighted below:

• Leadership: It is vital to inspire and motivate the team toward the achievement of overall organizational objectives.
• Communication: Effective written and verbal communication goes a long way in conveying expectations clearly, both to the team and the other stakeholders, such as the organization and clients. 
• Technical proficiency: IT project managers are required to have a good knowledge of computers and possess the ability to understand and interpret complex technical issues. This enables them to proceed with seamless progress in project execution and completion.
• Problem-solving skills: A good manager should be able to identify any potential issues or challenges arising in a project on time and take the necessary steps to overcome or resolve them.

Educational pathways

Now that we know which skills are desirable in the IT industry for the position of a project manager, let us explore the various educational pathways that can lead us to this rewarding role:

1. Undergraduate Degree: The first step is to obtain a relevant Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Engineering. A BCA or BTech degree can provide the necessary technical proficiency as well as equip students with other sought-after soft skills like effective communication, problem-solving ability, and teamwork coordination.

2. Advanced Degrees: After graduating with a relevant undergraduate program, you may move on to pursuing an advanced degree in a related domain, such as an MBA in Project Management or a Master’s in IT Management. These degrees pave the path for career advancement and professional development, along with upskilling you to seek higher pay scales and leadership roles in the IT industry. 

Gaining relevant experience

After acquiring the necessary professional degree to make a headstart in the world of IT, students need to gain relevant work experience in the domain to make their way up the ladder. Graduates can begin their career journey with entry-level positions that provide the much-required foundational experience in areas like IT support, software development, or system administration. Graduates also have the opportunity to gain professional experience through internships and co-operative education programs designed to help students gain hands-on experience and industry exposure. All of these are a significant step towards career growth in IT project management. 

Certifications and Training

Continual upskilling is imperative and inevitable to career growth and advancement in any domain, and the IT sector is no exception. Some of the following certifications can help achieve professional growth and enable you to assume the role of an IT project manager:

• Project Management Professional (PMP): It enhances the skills and knowledge base of a professional in the field of project management, opening avenues for better career prospects and higher earning potential. Additionally, the certification is recognized globally and holds immense potential in the IT industry, placing project managers over their peers for career growth. 

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): The certification provides students with the desired knowledge they need for managing agile projects. Scrum is one of the most popular and highly demanded frameworks in agile project management and gaining the CSM showcases your proficiency in the methodology.

• Additional Certifications: In addition to the above certificates, you can seek some other valuable certifications as well. These include the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Projects IN Controlled Environments (PRINCE2), and CompTIA Project+, the only certification for IT professionals that teaches them the basic skills needed to manage small to medium-sized projects effectively. 

Developing Key Skills

Apart from professional certifications, some specific skills and competencies can come in handy to enhance the scope of IT project managers across industries. These include:

• Technical Skills: IT project managers must have technical proficiency in areas like software development, networking, and cybersecurity.
• Leadership and Team Management: A good project manager must be able to develop and showcase leadership qualities, and manage diverse teams.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: They must also have effective written and verbal communication skills to interact with stakeholders, team members, and clients.

Building a Professional Network

Along with upskilling, it’s important to network to advance in your career. Make sure to join relevant industry associations and groups such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) as well as local IT networking groups. This would help you get in touch with industry experts and more knowledgeable peers, allowing you the chance to learn from them and make advances in your career path.

Staying Current with Industry Trends

Considering that the IT industry is changing by the minute, thanks to rapid technological changes and innovations, it helps to stay on top of your game by engaging in continual learning. It can help stay updated with the latest technologies, methodologies, and best practices followed in IT project management.

Job Search and Career Opportunities

The last step on the path to becoming an IT project manager is to actively engage in the job hunt and be on the constant lookout for lucrative career opportunities that best align with your career goals. For this, you’d need to craft a strong resume and portfolio by showcasing some of the best projects that you worked on. Make sure to highlight your technical and soft skills and any other key achievements relevant to your job hunt. Find suitable job opportunities relevant to your skills and experience on job boards, company websites, and by networking with industry peers on various professional platforms. 

Take your career forward with Online Manipal

Step up the career ladder with an MBA in Project Management from Manipal University Jaipur, offered completely online, ensuring convenience in learning, without disrupting your normal work schedules. The university is accredited A+ by NAAC and all its online degrees are UGC-entitled. The online MBA degree is offered in several domains, including project management and the two-year PG course is designed to equip students with the necessary advanced knowledge and skills in the domain of handling projects professionally. Students can utilize these skills in the IT domain, as in several other areas of work, and advance on their respective career paths.

Conclusion

This blog highlighted the scope of an online MBA in Project Management and its potential to enable graduates to take the first step to becoming an IT Project Manager. The path involves an ideal combination of education, experience, certifications, and continuous learning, as detailed in this blog. With the right guidance and support from Manipal University Jaipur’s online MBA in Project Management degree, you can take proactive steps toward your career goals, achieving new milestones.