Project management can be a challenging, interesting course of study, encompassing a wide range of practical skills. Financial planning, leadership, and logistic skills are all necessary for project managers to see their projects through from beginning to end.
After graduation, a project management degree holder can work in a seemingly endless range of industries. Whether your interests are in the creative or financial sectors, you can pick and choose from a variety of career pathways.
On this page
1. Operations Management
An operations manager is responsible for overseeing several departments of a firm, often juggling multiple projects at once. It takes advanced project management skills to work up to this level, where you might be handling a business’s finances, overseeing product development, and organizing marketing tactics all at the same time.
2. Construction
As you can see from this article by Now Learning, many project managers end up working in the construction industry. This allows you to help coordinate the efforts of both contractors and architects to see a project through to completion.
On a smaller scale, a construction project manager may work directly onsite with the builders. This can be an exciting career path for those who like to see physical proof of their efforts and have an interest in architecture.
3. Industrial or Product Development
On the other hand, if you prefer to take a more analytical rather than a hands-on approach to your work, you may wish to go into product development. Product development managers help design and test new products throughout the trial and error process, fine-tuning the design with the help of engineers. In addition to developing the product, management also includes devising a marketing, packaging, and commercial strategy to ensure success.
4. Information Technology
Tech-savvy project managers often gravitate to the booming IT sector, where their talents are put to good use. It’s helpful to supplement your project management coursework with computer design or information technology to get a foot in the door, but once there you can enjoy a lucrative and intriguing career path. As with other industries, IT project managers provide leadership and ensure that the project is completed on time and according to budget.
5. Environmental Project Management
Wildlife restoration, soil restoration, and forest regeneration are just a few types of typical projects that an environment project manager would be in charge of. Cleaning up waterways and national parks, overseeing volunteers, and restoring animal populations can help make a difference in the world.
Environment research project management can be a very interesting career path for those with an affinity for the natural world. You’ll need a background in both project management and science to pursue this rewarding career.
As a project management degree holder, every day on the job can present new challenges and allow you to put your practical skills to use. By combining project management courses with specialty courses in the field of your interest, you can open up your career prospects to virtually any industry.
Image Source: BigStock
