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
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a business project manager right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
Project Management - Foundation Degree
- Provider: BLACKPOOL AND THE FYLDE COLLEGE
- Start date: 08 September 2020
- Location: Blackpool
Project Management
- Provider: HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM LONDON BOROUGH COUNCIL
- Start date: 23 April 2020
- Location: London
JobsIn the United Kingdom
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