How to Become an IT Project Manager (Step-by-Step)
Learning how to become an IT Project Manager is simple with this step-by-step guide. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast looking to leverage your technical knowledge as a Project Manager or a seasoned Project Manager looking to break into the tech industry, this guide is for you!
There is a lot of opportunity to work as an IT Project Manager since IT, healthcare and construction are 3 industries that are known for the frequent utilization of project managers.
Step 1: Explore your desire to become an IT project manager.
Exploring this desire requires you to come up with reasons why being an IT project manager is right for you. Do you have a passion for digital transformations and software development? Or do you have a specific interest in a field like cyber security, IT infrastructure, or cloud computing?
If you already have an IT background, maybe you desire it to remain in your current field but in a different capacity. Whatever it is, it’s important to really identify where your desire stems from. This is going to help you determine your next steps.
Step 2: Understand the details of the projects management role in IT.
Although the standard for managing projects has been set by the Project Management Institute (PMI), there are different methodologies that should be used for managing IT projects. It also depends on the type of IT project you are managing. For example: IT projects for the most part follow a waterfall approach in most linear and predictable project, while software development projects follow the Agile methodology.
Types of IT projects:
Software Development
Software Implementation
Systems Decommissioning
Mobile Application Development
There are so many others but it’s good to understand the different lifecycles of these project types to help you better manage the project.
Step 3: Acquire relevant education and certifications.
If you’re a newbie to the field or industry, do some research on the industry standard as far as certifications are concerned. Sometimes it’s not required if you have a natural ability and the knowledge to perform the role. But having formal education and certification will put you ahead of the competition.
Certifications depend on what your path is. The PMP certification is solid across the board at is proves your expertise in managing projects. In my transition to a more technical role, I knew that having my PMP would give me the knowledge to succeed in IT.
However, because I wanted to work in software and systems development and didn’t have specific knowledge in those domains, earning a certificate in Software Product Management equipped me with the tools I needed.
Create a strong resume and ace the interview.
It’s best to hire a professional who specializes in resumes and interviews to help you get through this phase. There is a specific way that you should tailor your resume that speaks to your technical skills as well as your project management expertise.
IT project managers may also have to go through a technical interview process. Likely testing abilities to use a specific type of project management software such Smartsheet, Jira, Moovila, etc.
Be prepared to talk through different use cases to demonstrate your abilities to manage an IT project.
Join.
Join the full discussion inside the Women Of Project Management Membership. Listen to part of our conversation on the Women Of Project Management Podcast.
If you're new to our community, Women Of Project Management is the only community created to support & amplify the voices of women & women of color in every specialty of the project management industry worldwide. We support women in every stage of their career, learn more at Women Of Project Management.
