The role of project managers is changing rapidly today. To be a successful project manager in 2024, it’s essential to expand your technical project management skills to learn new frameworks and software and fine-tune your soft skills. Here are 10 essential skills you must master to be a rockstar project manager in 2024.

What does a project manager do?

This is one of the rare job titles that accurately describes the job itself. Being a project manager means managing projects—seeing them from conception to completion with hands-on work and team leadership. It’s a little like being an orchestra conductor. The plan for a new product or service in development is like sheet music, and it’s your job to ensure that what comes out, in the end, is pleasing to your paying customers.

What are the top qualifications required to become a project manager?

While it’s not necessary to complete any specific schooling or hold certifications to become a project manager, these things can make it easier to find success in the role. Some companies will have prerequisites for experience and training. That said, project manager qualifications don’t just come from textbooks. Companies are looking for proven skillsets and abilities, such as leadership skills, creative thinking, and delivering under pressure. Remember that certifications and training demonstrate that a project manager or prospective project manager took time, effort, and money to learn best practices and refine their skills. While companies want people with the right temperament, certifications can suggest that candidates will be well suited for the job.

 

Top 10 project management skills

1. Project and process management

This is, after all, the role of a project manager. Project managers should be experts at mapping out the steps it takes to complete a project or process. Effective project and process management should eliminate confusion, simplify processes, and communicate well.

2. Leadership and teamwork skills

Being a good leader is helpful in many different roles, but it’s especially important for project managers. A great project manager is able to balance being a leader and taking charge while cultivating a team environment and motivating everyone to complete their goals. Someone with strong interpersonal and people skills is usually a natural leader.

3. Critical thinking

The nature of project management will involve tough decisions and course correcting if necessary. It’s important for project managers to be able to think clearly under pressure to make informed decisions. Critical thinking involves coming up with unique solutions, making objective conclusions, and being an expert problem solver.

4. Communication and interpersonal skills

Project managers will work with a variety of different people and backgrounds during the life of a project. It’s crucial to be able to understand and be understood well. Some people are naturally better communicators than others. However, communication is a skill that can be learned and worked on. Having a clear communication plan and communication tools is extremely important. To work on developing these soft skills, practice active listening and analyze how you interact with other people.

5. Time management

Meeting deadlines is one of the most important roles of a project manager. They should be experts at not only managing their own time, but the time of their team as well. They are responsible for deciding how long a project should realistically take and taking the necessary steps to ensure it’s completed on time and as expected. Milestones should be utilized in order to break a large project into a series of smaller tasks and care should be taken to ensure these smaller tasks remain on schedule.

6. Risk management

Part of a project manager’s role is identifying and mitigating risk throughout the life of the project. It’s important to have foresight when planning a project and be able to identify potential risk, to avoid hiccups in the future. A successful risk management plan would involve identifying potential risks and coming up with effective mitigation plans early in the project.

7. Project management software

Most people find learning project management tools easier than learning some of the other soft skills it takes to be a project manager. These tools are important to be able to assist in the organization of projects, the administrative side of projects, and the success of projects. While there are many different tools, the right tool will depend on the job at hand and it’s important to have general knowledge of the different tools available and the skills to learn new tools quickly.

8. Organizational skills

Strong organization skills are arguably one of a PM’s most important soft skills. With many moving parts to a project, it’s vital to keep everything organized, easy to understand, and on track. Poor organization in a project will be the downfall of it and reflect poorly on the project manager.

9. Attention to detail

Project managers need to be able to see the big picture of a project while also focusing on the small details. One aspect of a project can change the entire outcome of a project and have a direct impact on the success. Missed details lead to change orders, and change orders lead to schedule delays and increased financial burden.

10. Analytical skills

To really fine-tune your skills as a project manager and excel, you’ll need to dive deeper into the technical side of the job by developing skills like project scoping and project scheduling. However, if you can master the skills listed above, you’ll have a solid foundation for being a successful project manager in 2024.

 

How do you transition to a project management role?

Securing a role as a project manager doesn’t require a specific degree, but certifications in project management can demonstrate to potential employers and hiring managers that you’re qualified, dedicated, and capable of learning and working hard. Companies seek candidates with the technical skills to complete projects and soft skills, such as creative thinking and working well under pressure, that can elevate a team from “good” to “great.” Here are some pathways to develop these essential skills:

Formal and Informal Training

Project management courses and certifications abound, offering structured learning experiences. Additionally, mentoring by experienced project managers provides invaluable hands-on experience. This mentorship can be formally organized or simply requested from an existing project manager willing to “show you the ropes.” Informal training can also come from self-guided research and examination.

Experience

Sometimes, the best education is practical experience. Entry-level positions such as Junior Project Manager exist specifically to help people transition into full project management roles. With hands-on experience, you’ll benefit from being involved in projects without bearing full responsibility.

Certifications or Degrees

Many businesses seek candidates with relevant project management experience and training. Certifications such as Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP), Global Association for Quality Management’s (GAQM) Certified Project Director (CPD), or the Asana Project Management Certificate are highly regarded. These courses teach project management skills, including the use of project management software, monitoring and controlling teams, and project planning.

 

Pathstream’s Asana Project Management Certificate

Pathstream’s Asana Project Management Certificate equips you with the essential skills needed to excel as a project manager in 2024, all in less than 5 months. With experienced instructors, a flexible part-time schedule, and personalized career coaching, you will learn how to lead your team more effectively, manage your work and projects efficiently, and advance in your career. Discover success stories from students who have completed this certificate and secured project management roles.