IT project manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with a professional body

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• computing
• information systems
• project management
• computer science
• business management

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship, for example:

• Associate Project Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Digital Product Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These apprenticeships can take between 2 and 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start with an organisation as an assistant project manager if you've got experience of working in IT.

You could then do further training on the job and take on more management responsibilities.

OtherRoutes

You could train with a professional body, like the Association for Project Management or the Project Management Institute , to help with your career development.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• business management skills
• persistence and determination
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• maths knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• customer service skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of human resources and employment law
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

IT project managers plan and organise the work of a project team to deliver IT products and services on time and on budget.

As an IT project manager, you could:

• assess project tasks and risks, and allocate work to team members
• use project management software to plan and monitor work
• manage a budget, timescales and resources
• report on progress, check quality and deal with changes or delays
• lead and motivate the project team

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £35,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings occasionally

Career Path:

With training and experience, you could:

• become a digital delivery manager or senior project manager
• specialise in an area such as cyber security or technical architecture
• become a programme leader, with responsibility for a whole department or service
• work as a freelance consultant