Project manager
Plan and organise people and resources so a project achieves its aims on time and on budget.
About the job
A day in the life – Project manager
What it's like
You'll plan and organise people and resources so a project achieves its aims.
You’ll get everyone working well together and to finish the project on time and on budget. You’ll spot potential problems that might come up and work out how to solve them.
You could work in almost any industry on many different types of project. You could oversee the introduction of a new computer system, a large building development or a mission to space!
You could oversee the introduction of a new computer system and be aware of potential cyber security risks. You’ll need to have an understanding of secure coding practices, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing. You’d take steps to protect against malware by developing a cyber security plan and responding to security incidents.
Whatever the project, you’d need to have relevant technical knowledge.
Your tasks might include:
finding out what the client or company wants to achieve
agreeing timescales, costs and resources needed
creating a detailed plan and scheduling for each stage of the project
selecting and leading a project team
negotiating with contractors and suppliers for materials and services
making sure each stage progresses according to the plan
reporting regularly on progress to senior managers and the client
managing risks to avoid delays
Part of your work would involve using particular project management methods such as 'PRINCE2' (Projects in Controlled Environments) or 'agile' to break down the project into stages and check its progress.
You'll also use specialised software to help with scheduling, costing, and risk analysis.
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- motivating others
- coaching
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- compromising
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Accounting
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Business Management
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Economics
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Statistics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'd need a degree (SCQF level 9/10). Some entrants hold postgraduate level qualifications (SCQF level 11).
To enter a business or management degree, you need either:
Nationals and three to five Highers
a relevant Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND)
Postgraduate level qualifications in Project Management (SCQF level 11) are available following a degree.
A Business Management degree or a degree relevant to the industry you are applying is helpful. For example, in Construction, Engineering, Finance, IT or Manufacturing.
Skills and experience in project management and using related ICT such as 'PRINCE2' software, and specialist project management software like Microsoft Project and Workbench.
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