Business project manager

Getting a degree in any subject can help you get into this type of job, although business or project management may give you an advantage.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You could get into this career through a higher or degree apprenticeship in project management, lasting around 4 years.

You could train specifically to help businesses create environmentally friendly policies and practices through a sustainability business specialist degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You may be able to work your way up if you've got several years' experience in a project support or administration role.

You could get into this career through a graduate traineeship, where you'll usually start off as a junior project manager.

Further information

You can find more details about careers, courses and apprenticeships in project management from:

• Association for Project Management
• Project Management Institute
• Chartered Management Institute

You'll need:

• leadership skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• persistence and determination
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• business management skills
• maths knowledge
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You may:

• find out what the client or business wants to achieve
• agree timescales, costs and resources
• draw up a plan for each project stage
• negotiate with contractors and suppliers
• choose and lead a project team
• constantly monitor progress, quality and costs
• report regularly to senior managers and the client
• use specialised software and spreadsheets to plan, cost and analyse risks

You could work in an office or at a client's business.