How I Broke Into Project Management (And How You Can Too)
Breaking into project management was one of the best career moves I ever made, but it wasn’t something that happened overnight. Like many people, I didn’t start my career with a project management title, but I gradually built the skills, experience, and credentials needed to land my first role. If you’re looking to transition into project management, I’ll share the exact steps I took—and the ones you can take—to break into this exciting and rewarding profession.
Understanding the Role of a Project Manager
Before diving in, I had to understand what project management really meant. Project managers (PMs) are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. We coordinate teams, manage budgets, track deadlines, and ensure that projects align with business goals. Whether it’s in IT, construction, marketing, or any other industry, the core skills remain the same: organization, leadership, problem-solving, and communication.
Leveraging Transferable Skills
One of the biggest myths about project management is that you need a specific degree or years of experience to get started. The truth is, many of us already have the skills needed to be a PM. In my previous role, I managed timelines, collaborated with different teams, and handled unexpected challenges—without even realizing I was already doing project management. If you’ve ever planned an event, led a team, or handled multiple deadlines, you already have experience that can translate into this field.
Gaining Experience (Even Without a PM Title)
Since I didn’t have the official project manager title at first, I started by taking on more responsibilities in my current role. I volunteered to lead projects, documented my contributions, and looked for opportunities to showcase my ability to manage tasks efficiently. If you’re in a similar situation, start small—offer to coordinate team meetings, create project timelines, or track deliverables. Even side projects, freelance work, or nonprofit initiatives can help build your portfolio.
Getting Certified: Do You Need a PMP?
One question I had early on was whether I needed a certification like the PMP (Project Management Professional) to land a PM job. While certifications help, they aren’t always necessary for entry-level roles. I started with a more accessible option, like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or even free online project management courses. However, if you already have some experience and want to stand out, the PMP certification can give you a competitive edge.
Learning the Right Tools
Project managers rely on tools like Scop’l, Trello, Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project, and Monday.com to organize tasks and communicate with teams. Since I didn’t have formal experience, I familiarized myself with these tools by taking free tutorials and practicing on my own. Knowing these platforms gave me confidence during job interviews and showed employers that I was serious about the role.
Networking and Finding a Mentor
Networking played a huge role in my transition. I joined project management groups on LinkedIn, attended local meetups, and connected with experienced PMs who offered guidance. Having a mentor helped me understand industry expectations and even led to job opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise. If you’re serious about getting into project management, start networking now—you never know who might help open a door for you.
Applying for Entry-Level PM Roles
When I finally felt ready, I started applying for project coordinator and junior project manager roles. I tailored my resume to highlight relevant experience, even if my previous jobs didn’t have “Project Manager” in the title. Keywords like “project coordination,” “stakeholder communication,” “risk management,” and “agile methodologies” helped my resume stand out in job searches.
Final Thoughts: You Can Become a Project Manager Too
Breaking into project management isn’t about waiting for the perfect opportunity—it’s about creating one. By leveraging your existing skills, gaining experience where you can, getting familiar with tools, networking, and applying strategically, you can land your first project management role just like I did. If you’re serious about making the switch, start today. Every small step brings you closer to your goal.