6 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Project Management

Whether you’re just starting your career journey or thinking about making a switch, project management offers a unique mix of opportunities and benefits, including competitive salaries, strong demand for talent, and the opportunity to lead meaningful change. Here are six reasons you should consider a career in project management.

1. There are opportunities to make a difference.

Beyond playing a crucial role in driving organizational success, project managers also lead meaningful change that extends beyond the workplace. Through projects that innovate, solve problems, and address critical issues like climate change and social inequalities, project managers have a hand in shaping industries, improving communities, and making a lasting difference in the world.

For Ellie Mckay, founder and CEO of Ellipsis Earth and Future 50 honoree, her project management skills give her the opportunity to keep our oceans and planet a cleaner, healthier place, and inspire and guide the next generation in making a positive impact on the world.

2. Project managers have high earning potential.

While project management salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, our salary survey shows high median salaries for project managers, such as US$120,000 in the United States, US$103,789 in Australia, and US$99,512 in Germany.

Survey respondents with a PMP^® certification also report higher median salaries than those without PMP certification — 33% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed. As Leigh Anne Gunther, PMP, explains, earning her certification brought financial benefits.

3. Project management is an in-demand career.

The global economy will need 25 million new project managers by 2030, making project management an in-demand career. As companies rapidly evolve, projects become more complex, increasing the need for skilled professionals to manage the project lifecycle and deliver meaningful results. With an increasing number of jobs requiring project management-oriented skills, this presents an opportunity for those early in their careers as well as those looking to level up their skillset.

In an article on ProjectManagement.com, Andy Jordan, PMP, explores the growing importance of project management in today's business world.

And future-proofing your career with a certification can be a strategic move. Getting certified presents opportunities for career growth and advancement while also signaling you have the expertise needed to deliver on projects.

4. Project managers are needed in every industry.

One of the greatest advantages of project management is its portability. Project management skills are highly transferable across all industries. From technology and healthcare to construction and finance to creative industries and beyond, project managers are needed in virtually every sector. And the principles of project management are consistent no matter what industry you’re in.

In our blog series, Certified, Matt Austin, PMP, explains how he has thrived as a leader in diverse industries spanning finance, government, healthcare, marketing, and advertising with the help of project management skills.

5. Project management is a career that fits your lifestyle.

A career in project management not only offers the opportunity to explore a variety of industries, but also gives you an opportunity to explore the world, as the universal need for project management skills and consistent principles of the profession make global mobility a reality. While every region’s projects may differ, Fahad Ahmed, head of IT at Jubilee General Insurance, believes certified project managers are poised to adapt and implement best practices across diverse environments.

But you’re also in luck if remote work is what you’re after. Today, approximately 61% of project management professionals work remotely at least some of the time. Project management is a career that adapts to your goals and lifestyle.

6. There are opportunities for career advancement.

A transformation is underway in the project management profession. With administrative tasks becoming less burdensome, project managers are increasingly viewed as vital strategic assets within their organizations. This shift not only enhances their role but also creates a broad spectrum of career advancement opportunities in the field.

Project managers can aspire to positions such as senior project manager or program manager. And for those interested in managing a suite of projects, the role of portfolio manager offers the chance to prioritize and balance projects to achieve the best possible returns.

Moving further up the ladder, Project Management Office (PMO) leaders and Enterprise PMO (EPMO) leaders establish and maintain project management standards across an organization. Nisheet Saxena, PMP, MoP, PRINCE2, ITIL, senior program manager at Ooredoo Qatar says a continuous learning strategy is important for this type of career growth.

And at the pinnacle of project management careers, the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) leads and manages significant organizational changes. The dynamic nature of project management provides continuous growth opportunities for those in the profession.

Is project management the right career for me?

You’ve learned why a career in project management might be right for you—now it’s time to get started. Becoming a project manager doesn’t have to be daunting. Our career guide is here to simplify the process. Explore the essential skills for success, the top certifications to consider, and practical tips for earning those credentials.

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