How to Become a Project Manager

Step 1: Understand What Project Management Is (Do Your Homework – Yes, Really)

Before you dive headfirst into a PM career, you need to understand what it actually entails. At its core, project management is about planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they meet specific goals. A project has three main constraints: scope, budget, and timeline. Your job as a PM is to balance these while keeping stakeholders happy (which is often the hardest part).

Key Responsibilities of a Project Manager:

• Defining project goals and deliverables – What are we actually trying to achieve?
• Creating project plans and schedules – Who’s doing what and when?
• Managing budgets and resources – How much money and manpower do we have?
• Risk management – What could go wrong, and how do we prevent it?
• Stakeholder communication – Keeping everyone in the loop without losing your sanity.

Project Management Methodologies:

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to project management. Different industries and teams use different methodologies, such as:

• Waterfall: Traditional, step-by-step approach – Think of it as the “plan everything upfront and pray nothing changes” approach. It’s used in industries like construction and manufacturing.
• Agile: Iterative, flexible approach (perfect for software development and startups).
• Scrum: A subset of Agile focused on short, iterative “sprints.”
• Kanban: Visual workflow management (ideal for ongoing tasks and improvements).

Spoiler: Neither is “better,” but knowing most methodologies and frameworks will make you smarter (and more employable).

Step 2: Develop Essential Project Management Skills

Project management isn’t rocket science, but you do need some structured learning to get the basics down. Here are the top skills:

Key Skills and How They Apply:

• Leadership: You’re the captain of the ship—steer it wisely.
• Communication: You’ll be talking. A lot. Emails, meetings, Slack—you name it.
• Risk Management: Spotting and handling risks before they become disasters.
• Time Management: Juggling deadlines like a pro.
• Problem-Solving: Because something will go wrong. It always does.

How to Develop These Skills:

• Read books like The Art of Project Management by Scott Berkun.
• Volunteer for small projects at work to practice.

Better yet, you can check out our upcoming PM mini-courses designed to cut through the fluff and teach you what actually matters. No dry theory, just real-world tactics that’ll help you survive in the wild.

Step 3: Get a Certification (The “Project Manager Qualifications” Step)

You don’t need a certification or other Project Manager Qualifications to land a PM job, but it sure helps. Here’s a quick breakdown:

📌 CSM (Certified Scrum Master) – The Premium Agile Entry Ticket

💡 Best for: Scrum Masters & Agile PMs
💰 Cost: High 💸
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Easy, but you MUST attend a 2-day Scrum Alliance-approved training 🏫
📊 Scoring: 74% to pass 📈
🆕 Membership: Includes a 2-year Scrum Alliance membership & 2 attempts to take the exam
🔄 Renewal: Every 2 years, with a renewal fee + mandatory continuous learning workshops 📚

✅ Pick this if you have the budget and want a widely recognized Agile cert with a structured training approach.

📌 PSM (Professional Scrum Master, Scrum.org) – The Budget-Friendly Agile Cert

💡 Best for: Scrum Masters & Agile PMs
💰 Cost: Much lower than CSM (yay, savings! 🎉)
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium – tougher than CSM, but no training required 🤓
📊 Scoring: 85% (higher than CSM’s 74%) 📈
🆕 Membership: None. Nada. Zip. 🏆
🔄 Renewal: No renewal needed – it’s a lifetime certification! 🔥

✅ Pick this if you want an Agile cert without breaking the bank and prefer self-study.

📌 Scrum Master Accredited Certification (Scrum Institute) – The Shoestring Budget Option

💡 Best for: Scrum Masters & Agile PMs
💰 Cost: Lowest (basically the fast-food version of Scrum certs 🍔)
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Super easy 😎
🆕 Membership: Nope, none needed
🔄 Renewal: No renewal needed – lifetime credential! 🏅

✅ Pick this if your budget is tiny, and you just need a quick cert for your resume.

📌 CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) – The Waterfall Starter Pack

💡 Best for: Beginners entering Traditional PMing
🔧 Enables: Scope, risk, & cost control 🏗️
💰 Cost: Medium 💵
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium – not impossible, but you’ll need to study 📖
🆕 Membership: PMI membership required for the first year 🏛️
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential, but requires continuous learning workshops 📚

✅ Pick this if you’re just stepping into project management and want to master the Waterfall way.

📌 PMI-ACP – The Agile All-Rounder

💡 Best for: PMs leading Agile transformations 🚀
🔧 Enables: Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, SAFe (basically, all the Agile things 🌀)
💰 Cost: High 💰💰
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium – requires effort but not soul-crushing 😅
🆕 Membership: PMI membership required in the first year 🏛️
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential, but requires continuous learning workshops 📖

✅ Pick this if you want a globally recognized, more versatile Agile cert than CSM.

📌 PRINCE2 – The Process Guru 👑

💡 Best for: Government & Europe-based PMs 🏛️
🔧 Enables: Highly structured project execution 🏗️
💰 Cost: High 💰💰
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium, but training is required (must be PRINCE-approved) 📚
📊 Scoring: 55% pass rate for both Foundation & Practitioner levels 📊
🆕 Membership: Yearly membership required
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential, but you must attend continuous learning workshops to stay relevant 📖

✅ Pick this if you’re working in Europe or the public sector and love structured processes.

Quick Cheat Sheet – Which One Should You Choose? 🤷‍♂️

👉 Go for CSM if you like structured learning & have the budget.
👉 Choose PSM if you want an Agile cert without mandatory training & at a lower cost.
👉 Pick the Scrum Institute cert if you’re on a tight budget and need something quick.
👉 CAPM is your go-to for learning Waterfall project management.
👉 PMI-ACP is perfect if you want broad Agile expertise beyond just Scrum.
👉 PRINCE2 is ideal for government work or if you’re based in Europe.

These credentials tell employers that you know your way around a project plan and aren’t just winging it. Choose your certification based on your industry and career goals.

🌟 Leveling Up – Advanced Certifications for Experienced Pros 🚀

Once you’ve got some battle scars from real-world projects, it’s time to flex your expertise with next-level certifications. These aren’t for rookies—these are for PMs and Scrum Masters who want to stand out from the crowd.

📌 PSM II – The “I Know Scrum Like the Back of My Hand” Cert

💡 Best for: Scrum Masters & Agile PMs 🌀
💰 Cost: Medium 💵
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium to High – expect real-world scenarios, not just textbook answers 📖
📊 Scoring: 85% to pass, with a strong focus on practical experience ✅
🆕 Membership: None required (yay, no extra fees! 🎉)
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential – once you pass, you’re set for life! 🔥

✅ Pick this if you want to showcase advanced Scrum knowledge and real-world application.

📌 PSM III – The “Scrum Jedi Master” Badge 🏆

💡 Best for: Scrum Masters & Agile PMs aiming for elite-level recognition 🏅
💰 Cost: Medium 💰
🎯 Exam Difficulty: HIGH – only serious Scrum pros survive this one! 🥵
📊 Scoring: Pass / Did Not Pass (brutal, but fair! ⚔️)
🆕 Membership: None required (another win for your wallet! 💰)
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential – no renewals needed, ever! 🙌

✅ Pick this if you want to prove you’re among the best Scrum Masters in the game.

📌 ITIL – The IT Whisperer 💻🔧

💡 Best for: IT Service Managers & process gurus 🤓
🔧 Enables: Incident, change, & service management ⚙️
💰 Cost: High 💸
🎯 Exam Difficulty: High – deep knowledge of IT service management required 🔍
🆕 Membership: None required
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential – once you pass, you’re golden! 🏆
🔗 Bonus: Bridges the gap between Project Management & IT Governance 🔄

✅ Pick this if you work in IT Service Management and want to be the go-to expert for IT processes.

📌 SAFe Agilist – The Enterprise Commander 🏢🚀

💡 Best for: Scaling Agile across multiple teams 🏭
🔧 Enables: PI planning, Agile Release Trains (ARTs), and enterprise agility 🚆
💰 Cost: High 💰💰
🎯 Exam Difficulty: Medium – deep Agile knowledge needed, but manageable 📚
🆕 Membership: Yearly membership required 🔄
🔄 Renewal: Annual renewal required (yep, gotta keep paying 💵)
🏢 Who Uses It? Top choice for big names like Oracle, Emerson, Accenture

✅ Pick this if you work in large-scale Agile environments and need enterprise-level certification.

📌 PMP – The Gold Standard of Project Management 👑📊

💡 Best for: Traditional PMs managing large-scale projects 🏗️
🔧 Enables: Scope, risk, & cost control for enterprise-level projects 💼
💰 Cost: High 💰💰💰
🎯 Exam Difficulty: High – this one’s not for the faint of heart! 📖🔥
🆕 Membership: PMI membership required in the first year 🏛️
🔄 Renewal: Lifetime credential, but you need continuous learning workshops 📚
💰 ROI? High! – PMP-certified PMs earn more $$ 💰📈

✅ Pick this if you want global recognition and higher salary potential as a PM.

🎯 Which One Should You Get? 🤔

✅ Go for PSM II if you’re ready to showcase advanced Scrum experience.
✅ PSM III is for Scrum Jedi Masters looking to prove they’re elite-level.
✅ ITIL is your go-to if you’re in IT Service Management & need structured processes.
✅ SAFe Agilist is perfect for big corporations scaling Agile.
✅ PMP is THE certification for serious project managers aiming for career growth.

No matter which one you choose at that point in time, these advanced certs can help you stand out and boost your career. Just remember—certifications open doors, but experience keeps them open! 🚀🔥

Step 4: Get Some Hands-On Experience (A.K.A. “The Hard Part or the Project Manager Requirements”)

You might be thinking, “How do I get experience if I need experience to get hired?” Ah, the classic paradox. The trick? Start small:

Side Projects – Got a personal or freelance project? Treat it like a real PM gig and document your process. Boom! Experience.

Volunteer – Help organize events, manage charity projects, or coordinate a friend’s chaotic wedding. (Yes, wedding planning is project management!)

Intern – Many companies offer internships or junior PM roles where you can learn the ropes.

Step 5: Network and Find a Mentor (Because Google Can Only Help So Much)

Project management is all about working with people, so the sooner you start making connections, the better. But let’s be smart about it—networking isn’t about collecting business cards at overpriced conferences. It’s about building relationships that actually help your career.

Online Networking: Less Effort, Bigger Payoff

Gone are the days when networking meant standing awkwardly at a conference, forcing small talk over stale coffee. Today, the real opportunities come from online connections. Here’s why:

• Wider Reach: Online networking isn’t limited to your city. You can connect with PMs, recruiters, and leaders worldwide. That’s a bigger pool of opportunities.
• Long-Term Value: A solid LinkedIn presence and strategic engagement pay off long after an in-person event ends.
• More Efficient: No flights, no travel costs, no wasted time—just meaningful connections from wherever you are.

Where to Focus Your Networking Efforts

1. LinkedIn: Optimize your profile, engage in discussions, and connect with industry pros.
2. Online PM Communities: Join relevant Slack groups, Reddit threads, or Facebook groups.

Skip On-Site Conferences (Unless You Have a Really Good Reason)

Sure, some conferences have great content, but are they worth the time, cost, and effort? Probably not. Most of what you’ll learn at a conference can be found online, and networking in person doesn’t compare to the long-term connections you can build virtually. Instead, invest that time into refining your LinkedIn presence or engaging in industry forums where the conversations don’t end when the event does.

Networking is Great, But Mentorship is a Game-Changer

Networking opens doors, but mentorship helps you walk through them. A good mentor can:

• Help you navigate career challenges
• Keep you from making common mistakes
• Introduce you to valuable connections

If you’re looking for guidance, we offer mentorship and coaching to help you fast-track your PM career. The right advice at the right time can make all the difference.

Step 6: Never Stop Learning (Seriously, Never)

Project management is constantly evolving. New methodologies, new tools, new workplace dynamics—if you don’t keep up, you’ll get left behind. Keep learning through:

• Books & Blogs – Read industry leaders like PMI’s Pulse of the Profession.
• Continuous Improvement – Every project is a chance to refine your skills.

And speaking of blogs, we’ve got you covered. Our project management blog is packed with real-life experiences, tips, and unfiltered advice to help you navigate this career path. Bookmark it, binge-read it, and use it to stay ahead of the curve.

Step 7: Apply for Project Management Roles and Advance Your Career

How to Land a PM Job:

• Write a killer resume – Highlight PM skills and achievements.
• Craft a strong cover letter – Show how you solve problems.
• Prepare for interviews – Expect scenario-based questions.

The Resume & Cover Letter: Your First Battle

Your resume is your foot in the door. Since you may not have “Project Manager” officially on your past job titles, you need to highlight your transferable skills and potential.

• Start with a compelling summary. Instead of “Aspiring PM looking for opportunities,” try: “Detail-oriented problem solver with experience coordinating teams, managing deadlines, and ensuring smooth workflows. Passionate about delivering results and keeping projects on track.”
• Highlight relevant skills. Maybe you’ve juggled multiple tasks in a retail job, organized events, or led a small team in a previous role—those are all project management skills! Include things like time management, communication, problem-solving, and organization.
• Showcase any PM-related experience. Did you coordinate a work project, plan a company event, or lead a student initiative? List it as a project! Employers care more about what you did than your exact job title.
• Tailor the cover letter. Don’t just repeat your resume. Use it to explain why you’re transitioning into PM and how your past experience sets you up for success.

The Interview: Show Them You Can Handle it

Got the interview? Awesome! Now, you need to prove you can handle the role—even if your experience is outside of traditional PM work.

• Be ready to talk about your transferable skills. “Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation” is a common question. Talk about times when you had to solve a problem, keep a team motivated, or manage a deadline.
• Use the STAR method. That’s Situation, Task, Action, Result. Instead of saying, “I organized an event,” say, “I coordinated a 50-person event by managing logistics, setting deadlines, and troubleshooting issues, resulting in a successful event that stayed within budget.”
• Expect the basics. They’ll likely ask: “How do you prioritize tasks?” “What would you do if a project runs behind schedule?” Even if you haven’t handled this formally, think about a time you had to manage multiple priorities and explain your approach.
• Ask good questions. Try: “How does the team handle new PMs without direct experience?” or “What’s the biggest challenge your PM team faces?” It shows you’re thinking ahead.

And speaking of questions to ask during an interview, we’ve got you covered – check out our article “5 Questions to ask as an interviewee” for a more in-depth view or simply use this cheat-sheet:

Climbing the PM Ladder

So you’ve got the job—what’s next? If you don’t want to be a PM forever, here’s where you can go:

• Senior PM – More responsibility, bigger budgets, probably still chasing stakeholders for updates.
• Program Manager – Juggling multiple related projects and trying to keep them from colliding.
• Portfolio Manager – The strategy-level role where you manage multiple programs and get to use fancy words like “alignment” and “governance.”

Need a Boost? We’ve Got You

If you’re struggling with resume optimization, mock interviews, or just need someone to tell you that “managed tasks” is not an achievement, we offer services to get you job-ready. Let’s polish that resume, fine-tune your interview game, and get you where you want to be—without the headache.

Show Me the Money: Salary and Job Outlook for Project Managers

Let’s talk numbers—because passion is great, but paying the bills is better. Project management isn’t just a rewarding career in terms of impact; it also pays well and has solid growth potential.

How Much Can You Make as a Project Manager?

Salaries vary based on location, industry, experience, and certifications, but here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

• United States: The average salary for a project manager is around $90,000 – $115,000 per year, with experienced PMs (PMP-certified or senior roles) making upwards of $130,000 – $150,000.
• Canada: Expect to earn between CAD $80,000 – $110,000, with top-tier PMs reaching CAD $130,000+.
• United Kingdom: Salaries range from £40,000 – £75,000, with experienced PMs earning over £85,000+.
• Western Europe (Germany, France, Netherlands, etc.): Mid-level PMs typically make €50,000 – €80,000, with senior roles exceeding €100,000 in some industries.
• Eastern Europe: Salaries are lower but rising—expect €30,000 – €60,000, depending on experience and country.

Want the big bucks? Industries like IT, finance, and healthcare pay significantly more than non-profits or small businesses. Also, certifications (like PMP) and specialized skills (like Agile or technical expertise) can add a hefty premium to your paycheck.

Job Growth: Is Project Management a Safe Bet?

Short answer: Absolutely.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), 25+ million new project management roles will be needed globally by 2030.

The U.S. Gov – Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% steady increase in the openings until 2033, which is way more than the average when compered to other roles.

Industries are shifting to more structured project-based work, and companies need skilled PMs to get things done efficiently.

Whether you’re looking for stability, career progression, or a globally in-demand skill set, project management is a solid choice. You’ll always find companies looking for people who can turn ideas into results—and that’s exactly what a good PM does.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a project manager isn’t about memorizing jargon or collecting certifications like Pokémon cards. It’s about problem-solving, adaptability, and keeping people (and projects) on track. Follow these 7 steps, keep your sense of humor, and before you know it, you’ll be the one steering the ship.