Navigating the Tech Job Market: Project Management Skills You Need to Stand Out
The tech job market is full of opportunities far beyond coding or programming. For project managers with tech skills, you surely have an edge over the competition with your pm skills, but navigating this market does require more than just the basics to truly make an impact.
Because the tech world is ever-evolving, skills like adaptability, strategic planning, and effective communication are essential. In my experience from the last 5 years, companies are also searching for leaders who can manage chaos with a steady hand.
In this post, we'll explore some of the key project management skills you need to stand out and thrive in the tech job market.
Asya Watkins, Founder, Women of Project Management
A LinkedIn article by Colin Lernell provides valuable insights into the current trends shaping the 2024 tech job market. One of the key takeaways is the growing importance of AI and machine learning, with companies increasingly seeking professionals with expertise in these areas.
Personal Observations on the Tech Job Market
Remote Work is the Dream: Most people I talk to that are navigating the tech job market are looking forward to working from home. Honestly, working remotely was a huge driver for me 6 years ago when I made the decision to pivot.
The allure of working from anywhere, avoiding daily commutes, and achieving a work-life setup that suits lifestyle preferences is a big draw for tech job seekers.
However, the truth of the matter is that working remotely isn’t always an option in 2024 like it was during the pandemic and before. More and more companies are looking forward to more on-site collaboration.
Chasing the Six-Figure Salary: Many professionals are aiming for high six-figure salaries in tech. It's not just about passion for tech; it's also about finding roles that offer financial growth and stability.
Commitment to Continuous Learning: I've also noticed the willingness among job seekers to invest a pretty penny into tech training, particularly in cybersecurity and cloud computing.
According to a recent report, about 52% of tech professionals plan to pursue additional training in the coming year, with cybersecurity and cloud computing leading the pack.
Ordonna Sergeant, WOPM Certified Coach, Program Manager
If you’re on the search for a tech job, it’s important to note that openings are NOT exclusive to traditional tech companies anymore (think FANNG or now MAANG). Look into finance, healthcare and other industries where the need for technology is apparent.
With the tech job market evolving rapidly, it’s clear that project managers need to be equipped with the right skills to stand out.
Whether it’s adapting to new technologies or leading teams across different time zones, the ability to navigate these challenges is crucial. Let’s explore seven project management skills that are essential for thriving in the tech job market.
1. Agile Methodology Proficiency - Mastering Agile methodologies, such as the Scrum and Kanban frameworks, is a must for project managers in tech. Agile allows teams to be more flexible, adapt to changes quickly, and deliver results faster.
2. Technical Literacy - A solid understanding of technical concepts and language is crucial for project managers in the tech industry.
Understanding a variety of frameworks, as well as service management practices will allow you to communicate effectively with technical teams.
While you don’t need to be a coding wizard, being able to “speak the language” can set you apart.
3. Effective Communication - Clear and concise communication is vital for keeping stakeholders informed and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This includes the ability to convey complex technical information in a way that non-technical stakeholders can understand.
4. Risk Management - Identifying potential risks and developing thoughtful strategies to mitigate them is a key skill for any project manager. In the tech job market, where projects often involve big budgets and tight deadlines, being able to foresee and address risks proactively is essential for ensuring project success.
5. Problem-Solving Abilities - Tech projects require a high level of critical and creative thinking to effectively solve problems. Project managers who can navigate obstacles and find innovative solutions quickly are of extremely high value.
6. Leadership and Team Management - Being a strong leader involves motivating and guiding a team toward achieving project goals.
Effective project managers build a positive team culture, encourage collaboration, and inspire their team to deliver their best work.
This includes the ability to manage remote and diverse teams, which is increasingly important in today’s tech job market.
7. Time Management and Prioritization - With a healthy task list and tight deadlines, project managers must excel at time management and prioritization. This skill involves setting realistic timelines, managing resources efficiently, and ensuring that the most critical tasks are completed on schedule.
The best project managers can juggle multiple projects without letting quality slip, making them stand out as truly successful leaders.
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By, Airess Rembert, PMP, Member of Women Of Project Management & Blogger at The Nerd Bae
