Jobs in project-management

Project managers are indispensable in the modern working world in many industries. They play a decisive role in the development of new products or services, the introduction of new technologies and the optimization of processes. Project management is therefore a central component in many areas.

Project managers ("PM" for short) are responsible for ensuring that projects are implemented successfully. They act as a link between the various parties involved in a project and ensure that the right process steps are carried out by the right specialists at the right time. They work closely with superiors, clients, project staff and other stakeholders such as external service providers and suppliers. Their main task is to ensure that the overall project runs smoothly.

The tasks of a project manager are varied and include, among other things

• Planning: The project manager clarifies and formulates the objectives of the project and translates these into specific work packages. These work packages serve as the basis for cost calculation and the development of a timetable for implementation.
• Implementation: The project manager coordinates the work of the project team and ensures that the successive work steps run smoothly.
• Control and monitoring: The project manager controls the course of the project using key performance indicators and reacts to changes as required in order to adjust the project plan and ensure that the objectives are achieved.
• Realization: The project manager ensures that the project is successfully completed by meeting all objectives and requirements and accepting the results.

The tasks and areas of application of project managers are as diverse as they are varied. In every industry, there are projects of all kinds, each with their own individual requirements.

A few examples: In the IT segment, they are dedicated to the development of software solutions. In the construction industry, they manage the realization of real estate and infrastructure projects, from architecture to project acceptance. In industry and engineering, they are responsible for technical development projects for products, machines and processes. Project managers also play a central role in event management by organizing and coordinating events. They are also involved in the implementation of advertising campaigns, where they implement marketing strategies and monitor their success. Finally, they work in the digitalization of processes by analysing and optimizing business processes and implementing new digital solutions. In all these areas, project managers make a decisive contribution to the success of projects.

Unlike a product manager, a project manager's projects always have a beginning and an end. The product manager, on the other hand, looks after a constant product in the long term and adapts it to market conditions in the best possible way.

What qualifications should a project manager have and what requirements should they fulfill? A distinction can be made here between hard skills and soft skills:

Hard skills are demonstrable and measurable abilities, such as the completion of a specific vocational training program. They also include language skills as well as specific abilities and experience in carrying out certain activities. Examples of hard skills include mastering a programming language or operating a specific machine. These skills can usually be proven by certificates, degrees or other formal qualifications.

• Let's start on a positive note: there is no set training path for the profession of project manager. Although many degree courses include modules on project management, there is no specific qualification as a "project manager" through training or study.
• Nevertheless, there are certified training courses that teach methods and tools for successful project management. These are helpful for organizing work and managing projects. Agile project management based on SCRUM has become increasingly important, particularly in the field of software development.
• Industry experience and specific specialist knowledge are often more important than a specific educational qualification. For example, a project management position in the construction industry often requires a degree in engineering.
• In principle, it is also possible to be successful in project management without academic training. Professional experience and active involvement in previous projects are an advantage. With experience, training and further education, career changers can also grow into the role of project manager.
• Soft skills are therefore often an important prerequisite for success in project management.

Soft skills are understood to be interdisciplinary skills as well as individual character traits and personality traits that are used, for example, in social interaction.

Good project managers and those who want to become one should have the following skills:

• Effective communication and the ability to achieve goals
• Initiative and a structured, conscientious way of working
• Leadership qualities and the ability to manage employees
• Commitment and flexibility
• Efficient time management and resilience to stress
• Analytical skills and the ability to solve problems