How to get project management experience (Quick guide)

Ever found yourself in the labyrinth of the working world, fingers itching to sculpt order from chaos?

That’s the siren call of project management. And trust me, navigating the path to gaining project management experience can be just as convoluted as the projects you’re eager to lead.

Why should you care? In a nutshell, it’s about transforming into the maestro who orchestrates business symphonies with finesse. Climb aboard, and by the article’s end, you’ll be equipped with a map to chart these waters.

From volunteer gigs to PMP credential marathons, we’ll explore every cranny.

You’ll get an insider peek at internships that pave roads and how Agile methodology is not just a buzzword but a GPS in disguise.

We’re talking about real-world tools— think Asana, JIRA, Gantt charts, and boots-on-the-ground team leadership skills.

This is no treasure hunt; it’s your career blueprint. Ready to take the plunge? Let’s start plotting your trajectory from novice to project maestro!

Key takeaways

Start with Small Projects: If you’re new to project management, consider starting with small, manageable projects within your community or current company to hone your skills.
Obtain Certification: Earning a PMP certification early on is beneficial as it provides formal education in project management and can make you more competitive in the job market.
Entry-Level Positions: Positions like Personal Assistant, Project Coordinator, Project Assistant, Business Analyst, and Event Organizer can provide valuable project management experience and are good starting points for building your career.
Proactive Approach: Look for project management opportunities within and outside of your current job. Many roles require project management skills, and taking initiative in these positions can lead you toward becoming an effective project manager.

How to get project management experience – Our 9 tips you should follow

The best way to prepare yourself for a project management position is to change your approach. Here are 9 tips you should follow to become a successful project manager:

Practice your planning skills

Planning is the cornerstone of good project management. As a PM, you must create a good plan that your team can follow. The plan should include aspects such as required resources, estimated time of completion, and communication strategy.

Knowing how to plan will be the first skill you must develop before you become a good project manager.

Look for opportunities outside of work

While you can hone your PM skills at work, that alone may not be enough. To get even more experience, you can volunteer. Just make sure you assume the leader position.

In an era where no one wants to do anything for free, volunteers are always in high demand. And unlike job hunting, volunteering is accessible to everyone regardless of experience. Even undergraduates can volunteer if they choose to.

Although you won’t get paid for this, the skills you acquire can be payment enough. You can volunteer at the following:

Setting up a local fair
Preparing a venue for a non-profit event
Overseeing an after-school program

Keep a record of your work

This tip is something most of us wish we knew earlier. Keeping records of your work can boost your PMP application. PMI often demands a detailed overview of the past projects you managed. These details cover qualifying hours, dates of employment, roles, references, and organization details. Make sure you keep track of them all when you work on a project.

But what exactly defines project management experience? PMI defines it as a ‘temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service’. Though it sounds somewhat fancy, the meaning is simple. A project is anything that has a clearly defined goal and a set deadline for its execution.

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Try to gain as much experience at work as you can

While you can volunteer to gain some extra experience, the odds are the opportunity sits right under your nose. If you believe project management is something you want to do, you can ask your employer to help with their projects.

Finding a good employee isn’t easy. Most employers will thus be pleased with your proactive approach. Just keep in mind that the experience may be your only form of payment.

In some cases, you can also express your interest in PM. Who knows, perhaps you’ll move up a few positions in your organization.

Network

You can gain a lot of experience from other people. For instance, you can join conferences to hone your project management skills.

Apart from that, networking provides several additional benefits for your career. With enough luck, it may even land you a new job.

Join a project management organization

Even though this doesn’t help you directly, you can learn a lot from working with other project managers. Joining a project management organization also comes with good advancement opportunities.

Our recommended PM organizations are:

Project Management Institute (PMI) located in the US
International Project Management Association (IPMA) located in the Netherlands
Association for Project Management (APM) located in the UK
Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)

Build your own project

Our tips thus far assume you’re surrounded by opportunities. But if have trouble finding some, you can build your own project.

Whether you focus on your community or the company where you work is up to you. The project can be simple and inexpensive. Think of it as a means of testing your project management skills.

Be realistic

Once you become a project manager, don’t expect to jump in on large, profitable projects.

Companies won’t hire someone who lacks the experience to oversee an undertaking of this scope. Instead, be ready to apply for a lower position and gradually work your way up.

Obtain your PMP certification as soon as you can

The earlier you get your PMP certification, the better. They often come with courses that can teach you a thing or two about PM.

A PMP certification shows that you have some degree of training. It also acts as a measure of your current skills. While a lack of certification doesn’t make you a bad PM, having one can certainly come in handy. If two candidates have the same resume but one has a certification, the employer will always choose the more qualified one.

What are the best jobs for gaining project management experience?

If you wish to pursue a project management career, it’s a good idea to start early. The following 9 jobs will help you find a solid footing in the project management world:

Personal Assistant

Some personal assistants handle several small projects at once. These can help you improve your task and time management. This is a good place to start since these projects are rarely difficult to oversee.

Project Coordinator

A project coordinator serves as the right hand of the project manager. Both positions interact closely together. This provides the perfect opportunity for you to learn from an expert. These projects are usually big, so you’ll see what high-end PM looks like in practice.

Project Assistant

Project assistants work under a project manager. As the name implies, they help them with some of the PM duties. These include monitoring the project progress, scheduling meetings, and updating reports. Becoming a project assistant is a great way to test the waters.

Business Analyst

As a business analyst, you gather data that eventually becomes part of a project. You may also assign tasks to team members during the execution phase.

Event Organizer

Being an event organizer is practically the same as being a project manager. Thus, it’s a great opportunity for you to improve. Building an event from the scratch calls for a lot of planning and strong organizational skills.

To handle it, you’ll also have to communicate with several third parties. And don’t forget the time constraints. If you can handle working under these conditions, you’ll certainly make an excellent project manager. Adding this to your resume can thus help you land a good job.

Office Administrator or Manager

Both positions require strong communication and organizational skills. You must also be able to plan and execute tasks of all sizes effectively. Thus, these are also good first stepping stones on your career path.

Researcher

Researchers must process a lot of data over a small timeframe. Sometimes, they may have to speak to the public. Both are important qualities found in a good project manager.

Training Coordinator

Developing a training plan is essentially a project. This makes it a great opportunity to learn new project management skills.

Side Hustle Hours

Some part-time jobs allow you to try your hand at project management. You can find such jobs on platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer.

FAQ On How To Get Project Management Experience

Can I break into project management with zero experience?

Absolutely, it’s like building a bridge while you’re crossing it. You start small, with an open mind. Offer to manage minor projects wherever you’re at—could be a local fundraiser or a community event. The key? Show eagerness to learn and lead, then scale up those experiences.

What’s the quickest route to gaining practical project management skills?

Accelerate your journey with certifications—CAPM or PMP, if you’re asking. Alongside, dive into Agile or Scrum workshops. Real quick, you’ll find that practical skills come from a blend of theory and getting your hands dirty in team projects, even if they’re not paying gigs at first.

Are project management courses worth it?

They’re worth their weight in gold when they’re paired with actual projects. These courses give you the foundation, yeah, but it’s the practical application that embeds that knowledge deep. Look for ones offering simulations or real-life project activities.

How important is a mentor in developing project management experience?

Think of a mentor as your personal GPS. Essential. Receiving direction from someone who’s navigated the project management maze? It’s a game changer. They’ll spot your blind spots, enhance your project management networking, and give you the wisdom that only comes from experience.

Can volunteering help me build experience in project management?

Volunteering isn’t just noble, it’s strategic. Plenty of organizations crave someone to help steer their projects. By volunteering, you put your newly learned skills to the test—risk-free. Plus, it’s prime material for your project management portfolio. Pro bono today, pro bono fides for tomorrow.

How does knowledge of project management software add to my experience?

Knowing your way around tools like Asana, Microsoft Project, or JIRA isn’t just about adding flair to your resume; it’s your wand for the magic of efficiency. You won’t just talk the talk; you can click the click, streamlining tasks and cutting through project complexity.

What’s the role of internships in gaining project management experience?

Think of internships as your backstage pass. They pull back the curtain on the project management show, revealing the nitty-gritty, from managing project budgets to handling last-minute changes. They’re the bridge from theory to practice, helping you apply those course concepts to real-world scenarios.

Does a background in a specific industry matter for project management?

Not as much as you’d think. Project management skillset? It’s universal—like the Rosetta Stone of the business world. Jumping between industries is more about adaptability and understanding the unique flavors—er, stakeholder management, compliance stuff—not a clean slate every time.

How valuable is networking for aspiring project managers?

Networking? It’s your ladder to opportunity. Each handshake or quick exchange can potentially unlock doors to projects or mentors. Think of project management networking events as marketplaces to trade insights and scoop up experience gems. So suit up and network like it’s Wall Street.

Should I specialize in a project management methodology early on?

No rush to put on methodological blinders. Early on, taste the buffet—Agile, Scrum, Lean—see what flavors tantalize your project palate. Later, when you’ve figured out your project cuisine of choice, that’s when you hunker down and master the chef’s specials.

Conclusion

So, we’ve reached the crossroads where the map folds up and the journey begins. We’ve trekked through the terrain of how to get project management experience, and it’s a climb from here, trust me.

But here’s the switchback – it all hinges on action. From the grit in tackling online courses to the sweat in volunteering—it’s the doing that transforms curiosity into capability. Forge your path with the right blend of book smarts and street smarts, and don’t shy away from the small projects—they’re your stepping stones.

Who said monopolizing coffee machines and printers was a dead-end? Internships, they flip the script, turning observers into doers. And don’t just network—create connections that resonate.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a project maestro. Every Gantt chart crafted, risk managed, and stakeholder speech delivered inches you closer. So yeah, go on, manage the heck out of those projects!

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan is a seasoned web designer and tech strategist, with a keen eye on emerging industry trends.

With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.

A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.