Here’s why you should pursue a career in Project Management

Valued for their leadership, creativity, and management skills – project managers continue to play a vital role in any business, regardless of industry. Such professionals are necessary in inspiring teams, improving productivity, and ensuring the appropriate resources are in place to successfully lead company projects to completion.

With rising industry demands, those seeking a lucrative, rewarding career path will find plenty of opportunity in the project management field. The right talents are continuously sought by Australian employers, with jobs only set to expand in the years to follow.

We break down the main reasons why you should pursue a project management career, and how Lumify Learn’s online course can help.

High income opportunities

Aspiring project managers can look forward to a multitude of high-income roles in the industry.

According to Payscale, the average project manager in Australia earns an average of $99,416 a year – with the lowest-earning 10% earning an average minimum of $65,000. Such numbers eventually grow experience, with the highest-earning 10% earning up to $149,000 annually.

These statistics, however, a general overview of the project management field. The Australian Institute of Project Management offers more detailed insight into the various sub-specialties of the industry, and the salaries one can expect. These include:

• Project coordinators, also known as the typical “entry-level” roles of the field. Project managers generally start their career by helping coordinate and organise projects under the supervision of a senior project manager. Payscale statistics show an average salary of $64,571 a year in this role, with the highest earnings around $80,000 to $90,000.

• Project managers of various fields, with those in construction ($98,000/year), information technology ($105,097/year), and engineering ($115,282/year) among the highest earners.

• Project directors; the highest-ranking members of the field – typically in charge of multiple large, complex, and critical business projects. According to Payscale, these professionals enjoy a generous average income of $194,402 a year, with some earning as high as $278,000 annually.

With the right skills, experience, and certifications, one enjoy the many fulfilling, lucrative positions the project management field has to offer.

Stable career progression

With a wide range of roles and responsibilities in the industry, project management offers its workers with plenty of opportunities for career growth and progression.

As mentioned, industry entrants typically build their career with starting roles in project coordination or administration. These positions help them build experience in planning and managing meetings, handling budgets, and a reporting on project date.

Many may even start honing these skills by managing projects in their current role. This could even fast-track their progression into managerial or directorial positions, depending on their previous experience.

Once they build enough skills and project experience, individuals can then take on more managerial responsibilities – typically adopting the role of a project manager and taking the lead on larger, more complex projects.

Career progression generally peaks in the role of a project director – in which an individual joins the industry’s highest-earners, managing multiple business projects and project teams.

Between stages of career advancement, project managers can also enjoy various opportunities to specialise; such as honing their software development skills to pursue the role of a Scrum Master, or focusing their abilities in digital project management.

Project managers are thus provided a clear path up the ladder, with additional high job security – as SEEK statistics predict a further 6.2% in industry over the next five years.

Hone a wide range of transferable skills

The skills you build in project management not only add value to your business, but are applicable in nearly any industry, job, or career path.

Successful project managers are excellent communicators, performing as middle-men between their teams, business leaders, external departments, and other stakeholders. They are able to explain their objectives in a clear, concise manner, offering their assistance when necessary. In times of high stress and overwhelming workloads, project managers can effectively motivate their workers, boosting team morale through encouragement and recognition.

Project managers are also valued for their keen organisational skills and time management. Tasked with handling multiple deadlines, resources, and workers, those in the role are well-skilled in keeping track of all project elements – while ensuring each are kept in line with project goals.

Finally, project managers are strong collaborators; able to contribute and engage with ideas, work with others to streamline processes, and willing to learn from others’ skills and experience.

While the profession requires all such skills, these abilities are also sought after in any role – regardless of field or position. Project managers additionally have the benefit of being in-demand across industries, helping them (more) easily shift from one sector to another.

Become a strong, effective leader

As a manager, you’ll be required to inspire, motivate, and lead teams to project success. Working in project management can thus hone your skills in strong, effective leadership; boosting you up the career ladder and unveiling more high-ranking opportunities.

The ability to lead others is both a challenging, yet highly fulfilling feat, one that draws many to the profession. Your strategic decisions, directional abilities, and integrity are constantly tested and improved on. Pursuing the field therefore sets on you a rewarding career path, with opportunities to make an impact on others and your industry.

As a role prone to risks, mistakes, and occasional failures – project management also encourages a “lifelong learner” mindset, where one continuously takes every opportunity (whether positive or negative) to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Plenty of training and professional development options

Lastly, the project management field offers plenty of options for educational training and professional development.

The Australian Institute of Project Management, for example, provides both working and aspiring project managers with certification programs to verify their skills. Various levels are offered depending on one’s current role and experience, helping them build the credentials they need to expand their career opportunities.

Additionally, the organisation provides countless resources for enhancing one’s expertise, including webinars, virtual workshops, mentoring programs, conferences, and networking events.

Multiple training providers also offer online courses to help professionals build or expand their project management abilities. Lumify Learn, for example, currently has a “Certified Project Management Professional” course, equipping students with the fundamental skills and practices of an entry-level project manager.

Such courses are often used to develop or maintain one’s skills for certification.

Keen to explore the project management field?

As mentioned, aspiring (or current) project managers can hone their skills through Lumify Learn’s Certified Project Management Professional course. Students can equip themselves with the essentials to start building their career – and best of all, its online delivery allows you to tailor your training around personal needs and schedule.

Explore the fulfilling, dynamic world of project management, and enquire with us today.