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How to Become a Project Manager

By DeVry University

November 14, 2025

5 min read

If you have a passion for planning and organizing, developing your project management skills can be a great launchpad for upping your career game. A project manager is an essential role at companies large and small – and across industries.

 

No matter what field you work in, or plan to pursue, you can likely apply the skills of project management in some capacity. Knowing how to keep workflows and teams organized can be helpful for people leaders, software developers, content creators, small business owners, and many others.

What is a project manager?

A project manager is a professional who plans and leads complex projects, organizes workflows, manages budgets, and much more. These project pros do everything from scheduling tasks to allocating resources to mitigating risks that can slow down work. Successful project managers are detail-oriented, have an eye for organization, and can nimbly adapt to change.

4 steps to start your project manager career path

It takes a special set of skills to become a project manager. Developing your experience and education in project management with these 4 steps can help you get started.

1. Gain project management experience

You may be able to hone your project management skills right now in your current role. Whether you work in IT, help run a coffee shop, or are starting a career in marketing, you may have a chance to develop your project planning skills. In fact, you may already be building relevant experience.

For example, if there’s an opportunity to pitch in on a project at work, offer to help. In the process, you might find yourself managing expenses, assigning tasks, or ensuring work is completed on time. These activities can help you start developing your project management tool kit. 

Some employers even provide continuing education options to help proactive employees learn new skills. You can also try your hand at project management through volunteer work, like organizing a neighborhood cleanup event or planning an activity at your child’s school. 

2. Earn a project management degree or education

A great way to work toward becoming a project manager is to pursue a focused education in the field. This way, you’ll get hands-on experience with the tools, tech, and methodologies used in workplaces today. 

If you’re beginning your academic journey, consider pursuing a bachelor’s. In this type of program, you’ll learn how to do things like:

  • Analyze project requirements

  • Identify and manage risk

  • Create project plans

  • Manage budgets

  • Incorporate AI tools into workflows

  • Communicate and collaborate effectively

Graduate programs in project management offer an even more specialized course of study where you can dive deep into the methods and strategies that drive the field. For example, you might learn how project management ties closely to complex decision making, budgeting management, and business strategy – and how to lead in the field.

3. Pursue project management certifications

Professional certifications are a meaningful tool because they demonstrate you’ve developed deep knowledge in a specific area. They can also signal to hiring managers that you have put in the work to learn your craft.

Two project management certifications worth looking into are:

  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®:1 Earning this credential shows you have a solid foundation in project management. It’s a great option to pursue for those with less than 3 years of experience, according to the Project Management Institute (PMI).

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)®:1 This certification, also through PMI, demonstrates your advanced knowledge and leadership in the field, and it’s typically pursued when you have more than 3 years of eligible experience.

4. Apply for project management roles

When it comes to exploring project management careers, you have options. Many career paths and fields rely on the skills you’re building. If you’re starting out, consider entry-level roles that allow you to continue gaining experience, such as project coordinator or related administrative support positions.

Once you've gathered more experience, it might be time to move up and pursue roles like project manager, operations manager, or program manager.

Here are some tips to help with your project management job search:

  • Talk with your professional network: Let current and former colleagues know you’re considering a move into project management. Offer to share referrals and tips, especially if they’re looking to make a change, too. Support goes both ways, and it might pay off down the road.

  • Explore options at your current workplace: It’s worth checking if there are open roles with your employer or opportunities to put your growing skills to work. While there’s no guarantee it will lead to a new job, it could help expand your options.

  • Keep an eye on job boards: In today’s fast-paced job market, it’s a good idea to check for open positions regularly on sites like LinkedIn. Many job sites even let you set up notifications that come right to your inbox.

  • Connect with our career coaches: If you’re a student or alum here at DeVry, our Career Services team can help you tailor your resume to PM roles, offer interview tips, and even connect you to our internal job listings.

  • Consider industry memberships: Joining a group like the Project Management Institute can help you stay up to date on changes in your field and make professional connections.

  • Tell friends and family: Don’t forget about your personal network and the power of word of mouth. Let your circle know you’re looking for a job or hoping to pivot into project management. You never know when an opportunity might pop up.

Do I need a certification to become a project manager?

No, you don’t necessarily need a certification to become a project manager, but credentials can demonstrate to employers that you have the knowledge and skills you need to work effectively in the field. 

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®,1 for example, is a good fit for those building fundamental project management skills. You can prepare to pursue this exam here at DeVry in several of our business bachelor’s programs with a Project Management Specialization – as well as learn about options for pursuing project management certification.

What are some project management careers?

Jobs in project management can vary depending on the industry and experience level, but here are a few typical project management roles:

  • Operations manager

  • Project manager

  • Project specialist

  • Project team leader

  • Supply chain manager

How AI tools and project management software are transforming the field

Artificial intelligence is transforming project management through automations, software integrations, document creation, and more. Project management AI tools can help streamline workflows and make processes more efficient. 

For example, some professionals use AI to populate tasks and schedules in project management software like Airtable, Trello, and Asana. It’s also used to generate reports to more quickly help managers get a bird’s eye view of project status, risks, and financial impacts. 

As AI tech continues to evolve, it will bring new developments to the field of project management. Learning to leverage emerging AI tools can help you stay current on the latest tech reshaping the field of project management.

Keep growing your project management skills

Stay sharp by continuing to build your knowledge. We can help you gain the project management skills employers look for.

1Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® and Project Management Professional (PMP)® are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc.

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