When it comes to high-demand careers, project management always tops the list. Indeed, a variety of industries need project managers, especially in the face of competition, tackling internal and external challenges.

Project management has become a necessary career path in today’s agile environment and also a financially rewarding job with many opportunities.

So, if you are ready to start a career in project management, this content will give you a clear understanding and expose you to future prospects.

Roles and responsibilities of the project manager

• Project managers establish a plan and schedule before implementing a given project.
• They oversee and control the resources of the project and suggest ways to use the funds in order to achieve a good result.
• The project manager ensures and controls cost overruns. They are responsible for completing projects within the project budget.
• Assist in proposal preparation and tender submission procedures
• Operate and promote a high level of health, safety and environmental compliance
• They make sure to keep the quality of the project at the top.
• They ensure that project results meet or exceed the needs of stakeholders, including end customers and users.
• Define the scope and objectives of a project.
• Report regularly to senior management.
• Customer relationship management.
• Project performance monitoring

Reason for choosing project management as a career

• Project management professionals are in high demand. Due to the emerging need for PM oriented jobs. So, choosing this career will bring you many career opportunities.
• Project management professionals benefit from attractive salaries. The reason for this is their ability to take on challenges in complex scenarios. A project manager earns N139,000-N457,000 per month as a starter according to the organization.
• If you enjoy being around people and know how to handle them well, then this profile is right for you.
• If you like to travel abroad, PM related profiles offer you such an opportunity. You can travel around the world to lead multiple projects.
• Although PMs are expected to work intensively on an ongoing project, they often benefit from on-site flexibility and time to work in their own way. Virtual interfaces such as video conferencing provide the ability to join remotely. Therefore, this profile maintains a good work-life balance.
• PM employment is not restricted to any particular industry or sector. Additionally, this role gives you the privilege of working in a variety of environments and industries. A project manager can find his position in different industries.
• PMs act as risk managers. They help organizations identify potential risks when undertaking a new project. They monitor all possibilities of the occurrence of risks. And plan to combat those risks well in advance using their risk management skills. In this way, they significantly reduce the risk of project failure.
• The PM role gives you opportunities to learn something new every day. Project managers keep their body of knowledge alive. And share them with the organization and people to ensure continued success. They know – how to capture and manage knowledge to drive future projects. This is why a seasoned project manager is an asset to the organization. If you are a good learner, ready to expose yourself to a variety of learning opportunities, this profile will help you.

Skills Required to be a Project Manager in Nigeria

• Effective communication skill
• Critical thinking ability
• Negotiation skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Time management skill
• Resource Management Competence
• Organization skill
• Risk management skills

Training and Certifications Needed to Become a Project Manager in Nigeria

As mentioned earlier, if you want to become a project manager, the first thing you will need is a degree in project management. There are two very common types of project management certifications; The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP), both offered at Project Management Institute (PMI) branches across Nigeria.

The difference between the two degrees is that although you need at least 4,500 hours of work experience and a degree in project management (although this prerequisite is optional) to qualify for the PMP, you do not need prior project management experience or a degree. to follow the CAPM courses. Besides the CAPM and PMP certifications, there are other project management certifications you can earn, each with their own prerequisites. Some of these certifications are.

• Program Management Professional (PgMP),
• Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP),
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP),
• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP), and the
• PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

In conclusion, project managers are in high demand and the job can be very rewarding. For anyone who aspires to take on leadership positions, is ready for new challenges and loves to learn, unlearn and relearn, PM is the best fit for them.

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