Are you interested in becoming a proficient Project Manager (PM)? Do you want to learn more about this field? This article will provide you with detailed information about suitable areas of study and the essential skills required to become a proficient PM. Additionally, exploring reputable project management certifications such as PMP can be a significant advantage.

What is a Project Manager?

In our rapidly developing society, new job positions and opportunities are emerging for students. In the field of Information Technology, the terms “Project Manager” or “PM” have become familiar. So, what is a PM? What are the job characteristics? How can you become a genuine project manager? Let’s delve into the details in the following article.

Definition of a Project Manager

A Project Manager (PM) is an individual responsible for managing a project. As a manager, the PM takes overall responsibility for completing a project. The PM’s tasks include organizing personnel, tasks, deadlines, budgets, resources, documentation, and regularly reporting progress and updates to stakeholders. Whether executing a marketing campaign, constructing a building, developing software, or launching a new product, the PM is accountable for the success or failure of the project.

Roles of a Project Manager

A PM balances various aspects but is not primarily a motivator or a supporter of individual team members like a Project Leader or a Scrum Master. However, in small businesses, these positions are often merged to conserve resources.

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What to Study to Become a Proficient PM?

To succeed as a PM, practical knowledge is often valued more than academic degrees. However, this does not mean that degrees are not important. Many companies require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree. To easily secure a PM position, the following three fields of study can be beneficial:

Project Management:

This is the most suitable field to pursue a PM position. Studying this field provides knowledge of real-life project processes and trains individuals to become project managers. You will learn how to build plans, manage resources, coordinate tasks, control risks, and acquire various project management-related skills.

Business Administration:

Studying Business Administration equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to become future leaders. Business administration helps PMs develop solid management abilities, make decisions, build strategies, and manage business models effectively.

Information Technology:

Although PMs can work in various fields, project management in the Information Technology sector is becoming increasingly popular. Understanding Information Technology will help PMs manage software development projects and work with team members effectively. Studying Information Technology provides knowledge of software engineering, computer technology, information security, computer networks, and other aspects related to IT.

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

In addition to the aforementioned fields, obtaining the internationally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered highly prestigious in the project management field. This certification has been awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the United States since 1984. Holding a PMP certification increases project success rates and enhances your reputation among employers, potentially leading to better remuneration.

Responsibilities of Project Management Personnel

The project management process consists of four main phases: initiation, planning, execution, and closure. Throughout the project, the project management personnel have the following responsibilities:

• Identify the project’s scope and requirements.
• Set reasonable milestones for the project and ensure adherence.
• Plan project costs and adhere to the project budget.
• Manage human resources for the project.
• Monitor and record project progress.
• Communicate with stakeholders involved in the project.
• Evaluate and manage risks.
• Handle any issues arising during the project.
• Ensure the quality of the completed product.

What Skills are Required to Become a Project Manager?

As a Project Manager, you play a significant role in the success of a project and, ultimately, the success of the company. Therefore, to effectively fulfill your PM duties, you need to possess the following essential skills:

• Communication skills: To effectively convey information to clients and team members.
• Leadership and comprehensive management skills.
• Planning skills: Establishing project goals, scope, project size, and resource and time estimation.
• Organization and team coordination skills: Arranging tasks in the correct priority order and ensuring smooth project operations.
• Risk management skills: Predicting and mitigating potential risks throughout the project.
• Research skills: To gain a deeper understanding of the necessary knowledge and data for the efficient and successful implementation of the project.

Why should you try your hand at the role of a Project Manager?

First and foremost, this profession offers vast prospects. Every company requires Project Managers for project implementation, regardless of the industry, be it software, construction, architecture, or fashion. According to a report from PMI, it is estimated that approximately 2.2 million new project management roles will be recruited annually until 2027. With leadership abilities and specialized knowledge, you can find suitable job opportunities in the future.

Furthermore, the salary level for PMs is considered quite high. According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a Project Manager in the United States is $81,798 per year, with an additional annual bonus of around $13,500. This figure can further increase with more experience.

So the question is, where can you try your hand at the role of Project Manager?

APP – Leading and reputable Project Management company in Vietnam

APP is one of the leading and recognized Project Management companies in Vietnam. With many years of experience and success in the field of project management, APP has built a strong reputation and gained customer trust. They have completed numerous projects both domestically and internationally, such as BUV, Hiive 1 & 2 Binh Duong, Lemeriden, Trang Tien Plaza Hanoi,…

APP understands that talent is a valuable asset and a crucial contribution to the development of an organization. Therefore, they always welcome passionate and skilled project management professionals to join their team.

If you are seeking job opportunities in the project management field, APP is an ideal place to develop your career. They provide favorable conditions for employees to maximize their potential and explore their capabilities. You will work in a professional environment with friendly colleagues and have the opportunity to participate in diverse and exciting projects.

APP not only offers attractive job opportunities but also creates conditions for continuous learning and career development. They value training and knowledge sharing, helping you become an expert in the field of project management. With their team of experienced experts and staff, APP is committed to delivering the highest professionalism and efficiency to clients in this field.

>>> You can learn more about the projects APP has undertaken here: APP Completed Projects