The demand for project managers continues to rise at a staggering rate.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the global need for project management-oriented roles is expected to grow by 25 million new jobs by 2030, fueled by industries like technology, healthcare, and construction. Project management is a versatile career path, offering security and growth opportunities for professionals looking to build a future-proof career.

But how do you get started in a project management career? With the shift toward remote and hybrid work models, businesses increasingly seek to fill entry-level project management roles. Here’s a list of best practices to help you land an exciting new role in project management, regardless of your previous work experience.

1. Conduct Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a powerful way to gain insights into the project management field. These short conversations with professionals in your desired role can reveal career paths, key skills, and the day-to-day realities of working as a project manager. Reach out through your professional network or LinkedIn platforms to find someone to share their experiences. While initiating contact can feel intimidating, most professionals are happy to give advice to those eager to learn.

If you’d like more guidance on how to conduct these interviews, check out our 15-minute workshop below:

2. Get Certified

In 2024, certifications remain a top way to stand out in the competitive project management job market. The most recognized certifications include the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and CompTIA Project+. If you’re just starting, the CAPM is a great option—it requires only 23 hours of project management education, which can be completed through courses like the Pathstream Asana Project Management course.

According to PMI, 80% of high-performing projects are led by certified project managers, making certifications a vital asset.

3. Use Transferable Skills to Tailor Your Resume

When applying for entry-level project management roles, employers value candidates who can demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership, time management, and process improvement. These skills can come from various professional backgrounds, so reframing your past experiences regarding their relevance to project management is important.

Examples of illustrating transferable skills:

• Instead of: “Responsible for showing new employees how to use our customer invoice system.”
• Use: “Trained 4-10 new employees per quarter on our customer invoicing system.”
• Instead of: “Charged with maintaining the store inventory, ordering new inventory when needed.”
• Use: “Managed a store inventory of over 500 items, ensuring timely reordering and stock levels.”

4. Display Your Certifications on Your Resume

If you’ve earned a project management certificate, be sure to showcase it on your resume. Include the certificate name, issuing organization, and date earned. This demonstrates your dedication and signals to recruiters that you’re well-prepared for the role, even at an entry-level. To download the resume examples below, click here.

Example:

• Project+ Certification, CompTIA, December 2023

The Project Management Field Is Growing—Get Ready to Join!

No matter your background, the field of project management is expanding rapidly, and it’s never too late to pursue this dynamic career. By obtaining certifications and leveraging your transferable skills, you can be well on your way to landing an entry-level project management role.

If you’re serious about building a career in project management, check if your employer partners with us to cover the cost of our Pathstream Asana Project Management Certificate and start your journey today.