Project Management Specialists

Education

To enter the occupation, project management specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, project management, or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a degree in a technical field related to the industry in which they will work, such as computer and information technology or engineering.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Although not always required, professional certification demonstrates competency to prospective clients and employers.

Advancement

Project management specialists may advance to more senior positions as they gain experience and take on more responsibility. For example, they may begin as trainees working on small projects and progress to large, complex projects.

Important qualities

Analytical skills. Project management specialists must be able to understand large amounts of information and data.

Communication skills. Project management specialists need to convey information to staff and must get input from and present results to clients.

Critical-thinking skills. To determine which strategy would work best for a particular project, these specialists must assess its goals and impact.

Interpersonal skills. Project management specialists must establish trust with clients and respond well to their questions and concerns.

Organizational skills. Project management specialists’ work involves balancing a variety of responsibilities, and they may oversee more than one project at one time.

Problem-solving skills. Project management specialists must be able to handle difficult or unexpected situations and find effective solutions.

Time-management skills. Project management specialists often work under tight deadlines and must use their time efficiently to complete projects on schedule.