What does the future of project management look like?
Project managers are more than just operational leaders; they’re strategic drivers of change. And the projects they manage, won’t ever stop existing. In fact, as time goes on, there’ll be more and more projects taking place across the world and between cities. Project management is vital for our future; as industries around the world confront major shifts, from climate change through to digital transformation, project professionals are at the heart of these changes.
It's estimated that we’ll need 25 million more project professionals by 2030. The challenge? The project profession is at risk due to talent shortages – the gap between talented project professionals and the rising demand for them is widening. The Golden Thread Report, a landmark study by the Association for Project Management highlights that the shortage of skilled professionals is now one of the biggest risks facing the future of the profession. Businesses in the UK and globally are struggling to attract the right talent, which hinders their growth potential.
The Golden Thread Report goes on to report the value of project management to the UK economy, revealing that without projects and the managers who lead them, it would be impossible to tackle many of the world’s most pressing challenges. It’s no wonder the demand for project professionals is continuing to rise, and those entering the profession can find abundant opportunities.
This brings us to an important question: how can you take advantage of this growing need?
The best time to be a project manager is now
For those of you looking to enter the project management profession, there’s never been a better time. Whether you’re coming in from another industry or taking your first steps as a student on a course, the demand for skilled project managers means there are plenty of opportunities available.
Organisations are desperate for competent, qualified and ambitious project managers who will be able to manage increasingly complex projects. And project management is a must-have in more than just construction and technology; now we need qualified project managers across energy, finance, healthcare and even creative industries. And as these sectors evolve with the changing world, so do project professionals who drive success. Here’s what you can do to make the most of the opportunities:
- Get your qualifications in order
One of the first steps for anyone aspiring to be a project manager, is to be recognised with qualifications and certifications. Having credentials can significantly boost your career prospects and help you find a role that matches your skill levels. There are a plethora of useful certifications like PRINCE2 and SCRUM, a range of valuable qualifications like the APM Project Management Qualification, and, going all the way through to the most advanced status, there’s the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard.
These certifications and qualifications demonstrate that you’ve got the knowledge and competence needed to manage complex projects successfully, making you more attractive to potential employers.
Chartered status, in particular, stands out. As the highest standard in the profession, it gives you global recognition, provides access to networking opportunities, and opens doors to higher earning potential. And, it’s accessible for professionals with and without project management qualifications. If you’ve had experience managing projects, there are pathways you can take to achieve this highest standard. For those of you moving into project management from other careers, achieving chartered status is a strong signal of credibility and commitment to prospective employers.
- Take advantage of skills gaps and sector demand
Project management skills are transferable across industries. This makes it easier for people with different backgrounds to move into the profession. With the demand for project professionals extending beyond traditional industries, sectors like healthcare and renewable energy, for example, are all experiencing a surge in the need for skilled project managers. If you have experience or interest in these sectors, you can leverage your sector-specific knowledge alongside project management training or qualifications to gain a competitive edge.
The need for project professionals adept in digital skills is also rapidly growing in demand. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape the world and various industries, project managers with strong digital capabilities will be in high demand. Continuous upskilling in areas such as digital tools, agile methodologies, and data analytics will be crucial to staying relevant in the future job market.
- Leverage the project management community
Being part of a professional community gives you numerous benefits when you’re entering or advancing within project management. Whether it’s through groups on LinkedIn or joining a project association, you’ll learn a lot about the industry when you start networking with other project professionals. The APM community and membership, for example, offers resources for networking and staying current with industry trends. Professionals and students alike can engage with the latest research, join special interest networks, and attend events that highlight the changing landscape of the profession.
Mentoring in particular, plays a crucial role in career development within project management. Being part of a project community will open doors for you to find a mentor who can support you. Mentors can give you insights into practical challenges, guide career transitions, and offer valuable advice on professional development. If you’re new to the field, joining mentorship programmes can accelerate your learning curve and build your confidence in taking on project roles.
What are you waiting for?
Project management requires professionals who are adaptable, technically skilled, and capable of navigating complex challenges. By gaining relevant qualifications and becoming part of the project management community, you can carve out a rewarding career path. And as for the future of project management itself?
The industry is growing, and rapidly. Project management has a strong, bright future and there are countless new and innovative opportunities popping up. As the global demand for project professionals continues to rise, those of you who enter, will find a huge variety of opportunities across sectors waiting for you. Now is the perfect time to invest in your future as a project manager.