Looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding? Consider becoming a Project Manager!
With the increasing need for skilled professionals who can manage complex projects across various industries, project management has become an in-demand career option. This guide will help you understand what it takes to become a Project Manager in India, from education and certification options to career paths and upskilling opportunities.
What is Project Management?
Project Management is the process of planning, organising, and managing resources to complete a project successfully within specific constraints. A project manager is responsible for ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and meets the desired quality standards.
There are different types of projects, such as:
- Construction projects
- IT projects
- Business operations projects
- Research and development projects
Skills required to be a project manager
To be an effective Project manager, you must have excellent communication skills to ensure everyone involved in the project understands their roles and responsibilities. Time management skills are also necessary to ensure the project is delivered within the agreed timeframes. You should be able to handle stress well and motivate your team towards achieving common goals.
Education and Certifications For Aspiring Project Managers
Degree Programmes
- Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Project Management can open doors to entry-level positions in various industries, such as healthcare, technology, and the construction sector. Several universities in India offer undergraduate programmes in Project Management with a duration of three to four years. These courses focus on cost analysis and resource management.
- A Master’s degree in Project Management is highly valued by employers across industries. It can provide you with advanced knowledge about project execution methodologies, risk management techniques, and the leadership skills required to oversee complex projects successfully. For example, IIM Kozhikode offers a 2-year Executive Postgraduate Programme in Project Management, which prepares students for leadership roles in the future.
Popular degree courses in project management
Certification Programmes
1. PMP Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized certification that validates your advanced knowledge and experience in leading and directing projects. It requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in project management. The certification exam assesses your knowledge in areas such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling.
2. PRINCE2 Certification: PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) is a process-based approach to project management. It provides clear guidelines on how to manage projects from start to finish while maintaining quality standards. The PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner course can be completed online with an average duration of 32 hours.
3. CAPM Certification: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level certification provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It demonstrates your understanding of fundamental project management concepts such as risk management, scope management, cost management, etc.
Job Potential and Career Paths for Project Managers
Project Managers are required across various industries, such as IT, healthcare, and the construction sector, to manage complex projects successfully. According to Glassdoor.com data for India's job market trends for 2021 report, "Project Manager" was at the top position with over 98K job openings available across all industries.
Different Career Paths for Project Managers
1. Technical/Engineering Projects: If you specialise in technical or engineering fields, you can work on complex infrastructure projects like building airports or bridges. For example, as an engineering Project Manager, you can earn up to ₹ 15 lakhs per annum in India.
2. Business Operations Projects: Business Operations Project Managers are responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of a business by managing projects such as product rollouts and software implementations. As a senior Project Manager in Business Operations, you can earn up to ₹25 lakhs per annum.
3. Construction Projects: Construction Project Managers manage projects related to new building construction or the renovation of existing buildings. The salary range for construction Project Managers is between ₹5-15 lakhs per annum.
Salaries and Benefits for Project Managers
Entry-level salaries for Project Managers in India range between ₹3-9 lakhs per annum, depending on the industry and geographic location. Meanwhile, the average salary range for experienced project managers is between ₹10-20 lakhs per annum across sectors like IT, healthcare, and construction.
Apart from competitive salaries, there are other benefits associated with working as a project manager, such as flexible schedules and opportunities to work on diverse projects that allow you to build skills while exploring different areas of interest.
Upskilling Opportunities to Become a Project Manager
Upskilling can help you acquire new skills that are demanded by industry trends and can also lead to promotions or higher salaries. Upskilling in areas like agile methodology, risk management, and communication skills can help you stay relevant in your field and open doors to job opportunities across various industries.
WIZR offers expert guidance on several upskilling opportunities in Project Management. Enrol now to choose the right course and enhance your career options.
Industry Growth Trends
Both the IT sector and construction industry are expected to grow rapidly in India, creating a demand for Project Managers who understand software development, data analytics, and cloud computing.
According to a report by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM), the Indian IT industry is projected to be worth $350 billion by 2025. And a report by KPMG projects that the Indian construction industry will reach ₹50 trillion by 2025, which means more job opportunities for project managers.
Takeaways for Aspiring Project Managers
Becoming a Project Manager requires hard work and dedication, but it can be a rewarding career path with plenty of growth opportunities. Education and certification programmes can help you get started in this field, but upskilling offers a pathway to more advanced roles. Speak to WIZR experts to learn about financing options for upskilling programmes.
FAQs
1. Is there a specific project management software?
Yes, there are various project management software programmes available, such as Trello, Asana, Microsoft Projects, etc.
2. Do project managers have long work hours?
It depends on the complexity of the project and the company culture. However, it is common for project managers to work extended hours during critical phases of a project.
3. Is there travel involved in project manager jobs?
Travel requirements vary depending on the scope of the project and company policies.
4. What are the challenges in project management?
Common challenges include managing timelines and budgets while also ensuring quality control and stakeholder satisfaction.
5. Who earns more: project managers or architects?
According to Payscale India data, Project Managers earn an average salary of ₹10 lakhs per year, while Architects earn an average of ₹6 lakhs per year.
