What are the steps to becoming a project manager without prior experience?

2 Find opportunities to learn and practice

The second step to becoming a project manager is to find opportunities to learn and practice the skills and knowledge you need. You can start by taking online courses, reading books and blogs, listening to podcasts, or joining webinars and communities related to project management. You can also look for mentors, coaches, or sponsors who can guide you and support you in your learning journey. Another way to learn and practice is to volunteer for projects or tasks that require project management skills, such as organizing events, leading initiatives, or participating in cross-functional teams. This will help you gain exposure, experience, and confidence in managing projects.

3 Apply for project management roles and certifications

The third step to becoming a project manager is to apply for project management roles and certifications that match your skills and interests. You can start by updating your resume and portfolio to highlight your project management achievements and competencies. You can also network with other project managers, recruiters, or employers who can offer you project management opportunities or referrals. Additionally, you can pursue project management certifications that can validate your skills and knowledge and increase your credibility and marketability. Some of the most popular project management certifications are the Project Management Professional (PMP), the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP).

4 Develop your project management career

The fourth step to becoming a project manager is to develop your project management career. Once you land a project management role or certification, you need to continue learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You can do this by seeking feedback, taking on new challenges, joining professional associations, attending conferences and events, or pursuing further education. You also need to build and maintain strong relationships with your stakeholders, team members, sponsors, and clients. By doing so, you will be able to deliver successful projects, grow your reputation, and advance your career as a project manager.

5 Avoid common mistakes

To avoid common mistakes that can derail your career or harm your projects as a project manager, you need to follow the best practices and standards of project management, use the appropriate tools and techniques, and learn from your own and others' experiences. Specifically, it is important to define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables clearly and realistically, involve stakeholders, team members, and clients in the planning and execution, communicate effectively and frequently with all parties, manage risks, issues, and changes proactively and systematically, monitor and control progress, quality, and budget, and celebrate and recognize achievements and learnings.

6 Enjoy the benefits

The sixth and final step to becoming a project manager is to enjoy the benefits that this career can offer. Project management can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when completing a project, as well as a variety of opportunities and challenges that can keep you engaged and motivated. It also provides a chance to make a positive impact and value for your organization and society, while connecting you with a network of diverse and talented people who can support and inspire you. Plus, project management offers a competitive salary and career prospects that can reward and secure you. Although it isn't an easy career, it is a rewarding and fulfilling one. If you follow these steps, you can become a project manager without prior experience and achieve your professional goals.