Business project manager
Business and Finance

Related videos on a business project manager

How to become a business project manager

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• a graduate traineeship

University

Getting a degree in any subject can help you get into this type of job, although business or project management may give you an advantage.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Apprenticeship

You could get into this career through a higher or degree apprenticeship in project management, lasting around 4 years.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to work your way up if you've got several years' experience in a project support or administration role.

Other routes

You could get into this career through a graduate traineeship, where you'll usually start off as a junior project manager.

More info

Further information

You can find more details about careers, courses and apprenticeships in project management from:

• Association for Project Management
• Project Management Institute
• Chartered Management Institute

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• business management skills
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

What you'll do

Day to day

You'll be:

• finding out what the client or business wants to achieve
• agreeing timescales, costs and resources
• drawing up a plan for each project stage
• negotiating with contractors and suppliers
• choosing and leading a project team
• constantly monitoring progress, quality and costs
• reporting regularly to senior managers and the client
• using specialised software and spreadsheets for planning, costing and analysing risks

Working environment

You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

While you're working, you could study for an industry qualification like PRINCE2 or Agile.

You could also get professional qualifications through:

• Association for Project Management (APM)
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
• Project Management Institute (PMI)

If you're working in the IT industry, you could get a certificate in project management through The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).

With experience, you could move into senior management or become a freelance consultant.