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Project management is a rewarding career that offers significant opportunities for growth. In fact, the Project Management Institute reports that by 2027, 88 million project management roles will be needed globally. As industries become more complex, organisations will rely on skilled project managers to deliver successful projects. If you are considering a project management career, here are 10 compelling reasons to do so.
A project is a one-time job with a clear goal, like building a house, launching a new app, or planning a wedding. It has a start, an end, and a plan to get things done. Unlike daily work, a project is temporary - it finishes when the goal is met.
Project management is the art of making sure the project runs smoothly. It’s about planning, organising, and leading a team to get things done on time, within budget, and without chaos. A project manager keeps everything on track, solves problems, and makes sure everyone knows what they need to do.
A project is a lot like a road trip. You have a destination (project goal), a map (project plan), and a budget. You decide who’s coming (project team), what to pack (resources), and how long it’ll take (project schedule). Project management is making sure you don’t run out of petrol, get lost, or blow all your money on snacks before you reach the finish line.
Read more about what a project is here.
Project management is a rapidly growing field. In Australia, the demand for project managers has increased significantly. This growth is due to the expansion of various sectors, such as healthcare, renewable energy, construction and infrastructure, IT, and professional services. For example, in the construction and infrastructure industry, according to Jobs and Skills Australia, from 2021 to 2023 there was a skills shortage in every state of Australia. These industries need skilled professionals to manage projects efficiently, ensuring success.
Project management roles come with attractive salaries. According to SEEK, the average project manager earns between $135,000 to$155,000. This can be higher depending on the industry and experience level. Senior project managers, especially in industries like construction, finance or IT, can earn more than $150,000.
The opportunity for high salaries is promising for project managers who are formally certified. In 2023, a Project Management Institute study of 20,000 project management practitioners revealed that certified project management professionals earned 33% more than their non-certified counterparts. Read our article ‘10 Reasons Why Project Management Certifications Matter’ here.
With the increased demand for qualified project managers, you can expect excellent financial rewards and job stability as you advance in your career.
Project management offers versatility and the ability to work across a range of industries. This includes construction, healthcare, technology, education, and finance. For example, in Australia, many project managers in the construction industry are moving into project management roles in the renewable energy industry as it grows.
Each industry offers unique challenges and opportunities, which makes the role exciting and varied. For example, in the IT sector, you might be managing software development projects, while in healthcare, you could oversee the implementation of new patient care systems.
The diversity in industries allows project managers to choose a career path that aligns with their interests, from building infrastructure, advancing technology, or improving healthcare systems.
Project management is a role that involves continuous learning. From scheduling to budgeting to risk management, project managers develop many technical skills. Beyond technical skills, project managers learn soft skills, particularly leadership, communication and consultation skills, which can be applied to other parts of life.
Project management is all about leadership. As a project manager, you'll lead teams, make key decisions, and solve complex problems. These leadership opportunities help you develop skills that are transferable across industries. The responsibility of guiding projects toward success is incredibly rewarding.
No two days are the same in project management. The variety of tasks you undertake—setting timelines, coordinating teams, managing risks, and solving problems—means your project management career will never be boring. If you enjoy dynamic work environments and tackling different challenges, project management is ideal.
Further, many project management roles offer flexibility, such as remote work options or flexible hours, which allows for a better work-life balance.
Project management is a global profession. Companies in Australia, and worldwide, rely on skilled project managers to oversee international projects. This opens doors for Australians who want to work abroad or manage projects in different regions. If you're interested in working abroad, with the right certifications you could find yourself leading projects in the UK, US, Asia-Pacific, or other regions.
Project management boosts career progression. Starting as a project coordinator or assistant, you can become a project manager, senior project manager, or even a program manager overseeing multiple projects. Often, experienced project managers transition into roles like project management director or even CEO, especially if they’re involved in high-level strategy and business decisions.
Project management is a highly satisfying career for those who enjoy seeing tangible results. Completing a project, from launching a product to building a solar farm, can provide a great sense of achievement. According to SEEK, the average project manager has a job satisfaction of 4.1 out of 5, well above the national average.
Finally, project managers deliver projects that improve lives. Whether it’s constructing new schools, developing medical technologies, or delivering infrastructure projects that create jobs, project managers improve society, communities and lives. For example, recent Australian Federal Government data shows that in the 2022/23 financial year, the construction and infrastructure industry contributed $163 billion to the Australian economy.
As a project manager, you will shape your organisation’s future and leave a lasting impact. For many project managers, this sense of purpose is a significant motivator.
Project management offers a dynamic and rewarding career path with vast opportunities for growth and development. Whether you're drawn to competitive salaries, global prospects, or the chance to lead impactful projects, this profession provides a stable and fulfilling career option. If you're interested in pursuing a career in project management, the first step is to seek further education or training, through a multi-year course or diploma, or a shorter certification.
Want to learn more about a career in project management? Join our free Project Management Community here.
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