Overview

Curious about how to be a project manager? Whether you're just starting or looking to level up your career, project management offers a dynamic pathway in virtually every industry—from energy and life sciences to renewables and mining. 

Knowing how to be a project manager means mastering skills that ensure project success, from inception to completion. Key qualifications include effective communication, risk management, and adaptability, all of which contribute to building a strong project manager resume.

 

This guide covers essential steps, the best project management certifications, and expert tips for crafting a standout project manager resume to help you secure your ideal role.

Daily Tasks

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Project managers across these industries focus on tasks that drive productivity, streamline processes, and manage resources effectively. 

 

Daily responsibilities often include:

 

Project Planning and Scheduling

  • Developing project plans that outline objectives, timelines, budgets, and key milestones.

  • Creating schedules that optimize team workflow and ensure timely deliverables.


Resource Allocation and Management

  • Assigning resources such as personnel, equipment, and materials to project phases.

  • Adjusting allocations to balance workload and respond to project demands.

 

Budgeting and Cost Control

  • Managing project budgets, tracking expenses, and making financial forecasts.

  • Ensuring that costs align with budgeted amounts, addressing deviations when needed.

 

Risk Management

  • Identifying project risks and developing mitigation strategies.

  • Monitoring and adjusting strategies as project conditions change.


Stakeholder Communication

  • Regularly updating stakeholders on project progress, risks, and achievements.

  • Facilitating meetings with team members, executives, and external partners.


Quality Assurance

  • Overseeing quality standards, making sure each phase meets performance criteria.

  • Working with teams to resolve issues quickly to prevent delays and maintain project integrity.

Work Settings

Project managers work across diverse settings, tailored to the nature of each project:

 

Corporate Offices

Many project managers work from corporate headquarters, especially in planning phases.


Field Sites

Energy, mining, and construction project managers often visit field locations to supervise project progress and troubleshoot issues on-site.


Manufacturing and Production Facilities

In sectors like life sciences, project managers may work closely with production teams to oversee project phases that involve manufacturing or lab work.

Common Types of Project Managers in Industries

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Construction Project Manager

Manages construction phases, including site preparation, compliance, and subcontractor coordination.


Engineering Project Manager

Oversees technical projects, often involving detailed planning and coordination of design and engineering teams.


Process Improvement Project Manager

Focuses on streamlining and enhancing operational efficiency, commonly seen in life sciences and renewables.


R&D Project Manager

In life sciences and renewables, responsible for managing projects from concept through testing and development phases.

Top Certifications for Project Managers

Certifications validate skills and give project managers a competitive edge when negotiating compensation, or moving up in their career. Here are key options:

 

  • Project Management Professional (PMP): Highly regarded across industries, PMP certification demonstrates advanced skills in planning and management.
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Ideal for entry-level project managers, especially those looking to establish foundational skills.
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): Best suited for those working in Agile project environments, especially within tech or fast-moving industries.

Project Manager Career Paths

Becoming a project manager can lead to several career paths:

 

  1. Senior Project Manager: Manages larger, more complex projects.
  2. Program Manager: Oversees a portfolio of related projects.
  3. Project Controls Specialist: Focuses on cost control, scheduling, and progress tracking.
  4. Project Director or Head of Projects: Directs strategic oversight of multiple projects.

Compensation Overview

For specific salary expectations across industries, please visit our dedicated project manager career pages.