The latest BLS statistics are in! Data shows that job growth in project management is projected to rise by 10%, which means almost half a million new job positions will be posted.
This career is growing faster than the national average. That’s good news for people who excel at leadership, organization, risk management, communication, and critical thinking.
Does this sound like anyone familiar?
Now’s your time to throw yourself into a career you’re passionate about. Keep reading to learn about the different types of project management you can pursue.
What Is Project Management?
Before delving into the nuts and bolts of project management, let’s go over what it is and isn’t.
By definition, a project manager oversees the planning, production, implementation, and termination of a project. This project could be a new educational software or an office building. Projector managers are needed for nearly every industry.
Identify which sector you would like to work in. Are you drawn to retail, construction, computer engineering, or museums? Learn about the different qualifications and responsibilities of project managers in these areas.
Project management doesn’t necessarily require a college degree, but it’s a big plus. Project managers are expected to understand a variety of topics, like budgeting, regulations, project management tools, and management. You’ll also be expected to know the different types of project management methods.
Here are the most important project management practices to know.
Agile Project Management
Let’s start with one of the most-talked about project management approaches.
The agile method is primarily used for software development. For utmost quality assurance, project details are planned, communicated, and executed in incremental steps. This approach requires all participating departments and personnel to collaborate.
Agile project management simplifies large projects into small manageable development cycles. This approach improves focus, communication of errors, and keeps all parties on schedule.
Every agile plan is customized for each project. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, but there are core principles that keep the agile framework in place.
The Principles of Agile
1. The first principle of agile is to value employees and communication over the processes and tools used.
You don’t want your project to lose that human element, which happens all too often with technology projects. Erasing that element may lead to such disasters as data breaches and poor QA control.
2. The second principle is prioritizing resources over meticulous documentation.
Of course, documentation is critical to Agile projects, but that doesn’t mean anything if your team doesn’t have the resources they need to create an exceptional product. Ensure your team has the right access, permissions, and tools to succeed.
3. The third principle is one of the most fascinating. Agile projects welcome customer involvement.
The ultimate end goal in the supply chain is sales. That’s why consumer data and input is so essential to product development. Only your customers can tell you what they want.
To satisfy this requirement, you’ll need to elicit customer feedback and run beta tests throughout the project.
4. The fourth and final principle of the Agile method is adapting to change. How you respond to change is so critical as an Agile project manager.
A detail could change at a moment’s notice. There could be a last-minute algorithm update that throws your whole SEO project for a loop. Responding quickly will prevent a disastrous roll-out.
The Waterfall Method
If Agile is the new kid on the block, then the waterfall method is the seasoned veteran. This classic PM method was introduced in the tech sector in the 1970s. It became the standard framework for early software projects.
The waterfall method takes a linear approach, so projects follow sequential steps. The Agile process is more flexible and allows teams to jump around. In a waterfall framework, one team can’t complete a stage until the previous phase is completed.
This classic project management approach is best suited for industries like home construction and manufacturing. However, it was the standard method for decades among several industries.
Ironically, while Agile was developed for software projects, it’s now being adopted by retail brands, food businesses, and industry sectors across the board.
Other Types of Project Management
Agile and Waterfall are the two leading project management approaches. However, there are several more that are worthy of attention.
Agile is so big that it’s given rise to a popular Agile-based approach called Scrum. Scrum is all about speed. It puts a significant emphasis on accountability. This method is most suitable for time-sensitive projects that change rapidly.
Kaban is another PM method that’s making waves. This approach is highly organized. The project manager starts by assessing the total amount of tasks needed for a project. Then, they’ll create a complete schedule for producing and completing tasks.
Kaban is an off-shoot of the “lean” PM method, just like Scrum is an off-shoot of Agile. The approach takes a reductive look at project management and looks for ways to cut costs, time, and unnecessary processes.
How to Become a Project Manager
Are you curious about this fast-growing career path? While educational requirements may vary, a college education will help your chances.
If you’re pursuing a PM position at a startup, familiarize yourself with PM concepts like Agile, Scrum, and Kaban. A solid foundation in business is also helpful, so consider courses in business accounting, business law, and supply chain management.
Ideally, you should pursue a degree in the industry you’re planning to work in. For example, a degree in computer engineering would be useful for IT project management.
It never hurts to take a project management course. You should definitely do this if you’re seeking a PM role at your current job. You want enough resources to succeed in your position.
Start Pursuing a Career in Project Management
There are thousands of project management positions waiting to be filled. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to channel your best traits and skills. Use this guide to discover the right PM career path for you.
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