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
Business project manager
Alternative titles for this job include Commercial project lead, project manager
Business project managers plan and organise people, tasks and resources to complete a project on time and within budget.
Average salary (a year)
£22,000 Starter
to£70,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37 to 39 a week
You could work
between 8am and 6pm attending events or appointments
How to become a business project manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- a graduate traineeship
University
Apprenticeship
You could get into this career through a higher or degree apprenticeship in project management, lasting around 4 years.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll 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
Work
You may be able to work your way up if you've got several years' experience in a project support or administration role.
Other routes
You could get into this career through a graduate traineeship, where you'll usually start off as a junior project manager.
More information
Further information
You can find more details about careers, courses and apprenticeships in project management from:
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
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
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You'll be:
- finding out what the client or business wants to achieve
- agreeing timescales, costs and resources
- drawing up a plan for each project stage
- negotiating with contractors and suppliers
- choosing and leading a project team
- constantly monitoring progress, quality and costs
- reporting regularly to senior managers and the client
- using specialised software and spreadsheets for planning, costing and analysing risks
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression
While you're working, you could study for an industry qualification like PRINCE2 or Agile.
You could also get professional qualifications through:
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
- Project Management Institute (PMI)
If you're working in the IT industry, you could get a certificate in project management through The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS).
With experience, you could move into senior management or become a freelance consultant.
Current opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
Project Management Degree Apprenticeship - Bridges team, Manchester
- Wage : £19,000.00 Annually
- Location: M15 4RP
Degree Apprentice - Project Management (Rotational)
- Wage : £20,000.00 Annually
- Location: London NW1 1AD
Courses In England
Project Management Level 4 Diploma
- Provider: Chichester College Group
- Start date: 11 January 2021
- Location: Chichester
Project Management - Foundation Degree
- Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
- Start date: 08 September 2020
- Location: Blackpool
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