Is Project Management Your Career?

Have you ever wondered how a 100 story sky-scraper somehow rises magically from the ground? Or how a tiny cell phone can have so manyintriguing high-tech features?

There are many processes involved in these accomplishments, not the least of them being project management. Project management is a booming profession that is only going to get bigger in the years ahead. It offers excitement, challenge…and a good income. If it’s not a field you’ve considered, maybe it’s time you should.

What is s project management
In a nutshell, project management provides organizations with the knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to plan and execute projects on time and on budget.
Most likely, you have already participated on different types of projects. Whether it’s participating in sports or the school play, organizing a prom, publishing a newspaper, or entering a science fair competition, you’re involved in project management.
Examples of projects in the business world include:
• Planning and implementing the Olympics
• Creating a Web application to support selling a company’s products and services
• Relocating portions of a business from one location to another.

Why consider project Management as a career
For one, it’s hot. In the 21st century, the demand for skilled project managers is at an all-time high as organizations and agencies continue to focus on higher productivity and greater customer satisfaction with minimum resources.

What is in it for you
Marketability and value. Said another way, your skills will be in heavy demand by companies and organizations worldwide in multiple industries. As a project manager you will:
• Earn an excellent salary ($) and benefit compensation
• Be highly skilled in the tools, techniques and processes (industry standards) used to effectively manage projects and produce expected results
• Work in a profession that offers seemingly limitless opportunities for growth and advancement
• Have ample opportunities for ongoing professional development.

What you can earn
While salary levels will naturally vary by industry, by level of experience and by the amount of formal education and/or certifications one has, compensation may begin at $30,000 (US) as an entry level project team member and go well into six figures as a project management executive.

Is Project Management a career for you
Annualized median salary (US) by years worked in project management*
3 years or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65,000
6 to 10 years. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85,000
21 years and over . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100,000
*Information from PMI® Project Management Salary Survey-Third Edition

Exciting Career Opportunity in Project Management.
Opportunity knocks! Project management includes a broad range of industries including:
• Aerospace and Defense • Information Technology
• Automation • Systems Manufacturing
• Design, Procurement and Construction • New Product Development
• Education and Training • Risk Management
• Environmental Management • Urban Development
• Financial Services

Summary
Few fields of endeavor offer the excitement, challenge, diversity, sense of accomplishment and excellent income potential as project management. If you like working with people, honing your communications skills, having hands on involvement, managing projects from start to finish, you will be genuinely excited about the opportunities awaiting you in project management.