How to Become a Project Manager: 6 Steps

Project managers help organize teams and make sure important goals or projects get done on time and within budget. If you’re someone who enjoys planning, working with people, and solving problems, project management could be a great career for you.

There isn’t just one way to become a project manager. Some people study it in school offering a degree program on Associate of Applied Science in Project Management, while others take on project tasks at work and slowly grow into the role. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking of changing careers, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started on the path to becoming a project manager.

1. Look at the Skills You Already Have

You might have more project management experience than you think. Have you ever planned an event, led a group, created a schedule, or handled a budget? These are all tasks that project managers do.

For example:

Did you help organize a fundraiser or a company event?
Have you worked with a team to improve how something is done at your job?
Have you helped organize a move, a training session, or a community event?

If you’ve done any of these, you already have some of the basic skills needed to manage projects.

If you have about three years of experience in project-related work, you might be ready to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. This is a respected certification that can open doors to better job opportunities.

2. Start Building Experience

Many people begin their careers in non-manager roles. For example, someone working in IT might start as a support technician or analyst before becoming a project manager. Over time, they take on more responsibilities like planning, organizing tasks, or leading meetings.

If you’re looking to build experience:

Look for chances to help manage small projects in your current job.
Offer to lead a team meeting or organize a company event.
Talk to your manager and let them know you’re interested in growing your project management skills.

Even if you’re working in a retail store, restaurant, or hospital, there are always projects going on that need planning and coordination. Try to get involved wherever you can.

3. Learn the Skills of a Project Manager

To become a strong project manager, you’ll need a mix of technical skills and people skills. Here are some of the most useful ones:

Planning and scheduling
Risk management (spotting and handling problems early)
Budgeting (making sure projects don’t go over cost)
Team leadership
Communication
Organization
Agile and Waterfall project methods
Scrum and other teamwork methods

You can develop these skills through:

Online courses (like the Google Project Management Certificate)
On-the-job learning
Volunteering for project roles
Reading project management books and blogs

Many people become job-ready within six months of focused learning and practice.

4. Improve Your Resume

As you gain new skills and experience, it’s important to update your resume. Here’s how to make it stand out:

Use clear, strong action words (like “led,” “organized,” “planned,” or “coordinated”)
Focus on results—mention how your work improved something, saved time, or helped your team
Match your resume to the job description by including keywords that employers are looking for
Highlight any certifications, courses, or achievements that show your knowledge of project management

This will help employers see that you’re serious about the role and ready to take on the responsibility.

5. Apply for Entry-Level Project Management Roles

You don’t need to be a senior leader to get started in project management. There are many entry-level jobs that can help you learn and grow. Look for job titles like:

Project Coordinator
Project Assistant
Associate Project Manager
Junior Project Manager
Operations Assistant
Administrative Coordinator

These jobs are a great way to learn how projects work, build your skills, and work closely with experienced project managers.

6. Think About Earning a Certification

While certifications aren’t always required, they can help you stand out, especially when applying for your first project management job. Here are a few that are well-known and helpful:

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – A great starting point for beginners.
Google Project Management: Professional Certificate – A flexible, beginner-friendly online program.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Best for people with a few years of experience.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Useful if you’re interested in Agile or software development projects.
Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I) – Another respected Agile/Scrum certification.
ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP) – Focuses on working in Agile environments.

These programs often include hands-on examples and lessons that you can use in real-world situations.

Final Thoughts

Project management is a rewarding career that’s always in demand. You don’t need to have a certain degree or background to start—you just need to be organized, willing to learn, and ready to take the lead.

Start by recognizing the skills you already have. Then, build on those skills through experience, training, and certifications. Whether you’re just starting out or making a career change, following these steps can help you become a successful project manager.