With an uptick in project-based work across most industries, the current business climate provides a wealth of opportunities to get started as a project manager. But, what does the project manager profession consist of from an educational and career perspective? Explore the career insights featured here to get an inside look at this rewarding profession.
The Burgeoning Role of Project Manager
Regardless of the industry, all businesses have projects which often determine whether the company flourishes or fails. For this reason, it is crucial for project managers to be trained in all aspects of project execution and planning. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a successful career as a project manager, there are certain commonalities across the project management profession. As recently as 2018, the PMO Advisory cited that the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) recognized the project management profession as its own occupation. This is important because the recognition of project management as an occupational category gives the project manager career path the prominence it deserves.
A Day in the Life of a Project Manager
Project managers form the backbone of a successful business. In addition to handling multiple job duties simultaneously, project managers must be ready to deal with issues as they arise in real time. Therefore, flexibility as a project manager is important on a macro and micro level. From a professional standpoint, project managers ensure completion of projects on time and on budget. Additionally, they also take full accountability for the entire life cycle of a project.
Educational Aspects of Project Management
In recent years, online education has seen explosive growth, with universities adding specialized MBA programs in project management. What sets a quality online degree program apart is its ability to prepare adult learners for real-world success. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) online MBA program offers the educational background as well as the foundational and practical skills needed to succeed as a project manager. The program’s PMI (Project Management Institute) coursework foundation prepares students with know-how for real-world scenarios. Accreditation for USI’s Romain College of Business from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is further proof of the program’s quality.
Advantages of an Online MBA in Project Management
According to Learn.org, obtaining an advanced degree in project management can be an advantage in today’s competitive job market. With the average graduate seeing a 12% increase in pay over non-graduates, it makes financial sense to attend a quality online MBA program in project management. Another factor to consider is whether or not an online MBA program in project management offers accelerated project-based learning as part of the coursework. Project-based learning matters because it helps prepare graduates for the fast-paced project management industry. The USI online MBA program with a concentration in Project Management features project-based learning as a core component of the program.
Professional Outlook for Project Managers
The demand for project managers has outpaced the supply of qualified project management professionals so the need for properly trained project managers should continue to rise within the decade. The Federal Times anticipates that project management will continue to be an important economic driver in the U.S. market. With the forecasted positive outlook of the industry, now is the perfect time to join the ranks of the project management profession by enrolling in an online MBA program with a project management concentration.
Learn more about USI’s online MBA program with a concentration in Project Management.
Sources:
PMOAdvisory.com: Career Outlook in Project Management
Learn.org: What Are the Education Requirements for Becoming a Project Manager?
Federal Times: Bureau of Labor Statistics Recognizes Importance of Project Managers
