Moving into project management in the latter stages of your career

For many people there can come a point in life where their current career no longer makes them happy, perhaps this is something that they have felt for a long time, or it can be a sudden realisation. For some people, it can be as a result of something significant changing in their personal life. Whatever the reason making a career change can be a huge step. A lot of people take up blogging, but moving into project management can be a great choice for someone who has already spent many years as a valued employee in any field and has picked up many valuable skills that they will be able to bring to the role.

Apprenticeship

Project management apprenticeship is not just for those who are taking their first steps on the career ladder. It is something that is open to everyone, no matter what their age or their background. Taking on an apprenticeship is a great way to learn all those important skills that you need to pursue a career within the field of project management. If you have been working for a number of years, especially in a variety of different roles or even fields then you may not realise it, but you will have picked up a lot of skills that will be invaluable and you may find the training easier than you would have thought. Never underestimate just how much you may already be bringing to the table, experience of working with others, whether as part of a team or even a team leader, will offer you very valuable insights.

What is a project manager?

A project manager is not in fact a team leader but rather a leader who is responsible for any problems that occur within a project, they share in the successes of the team. A project manager will not claim that good work is theirs but rather attribute it to the whole team who have been instrumental in making something work. They organise schedules and make sure everything is gong to plan, and more importantly when they, or a team member, spot an issue they will work to find a solution. They oversee everything so that a project can run as smoothly as possible.

For a mature employee looking for a career change this is an ideal type of position in which they can use many of the skills they have gained over the years, and with the right training behind them they can really learn how to bring those skills to the role of a project manager.

Remuneration

It might be that you are considering a move to project management in the search for a bigger salary, and even with a more junior position, there is a good chance that you will notice a difference in the amount of money you take home at the end of each calendar month. Employers are always ready to pay for the right skills – so do complete those project management courses–  that can help them to achieve the results that they are looking for and that help their teams to work well towards them.

Julie Lord

I have a Masters degree in PPE (UK) and now research and write as a freelancer on a variety of subjects such as personal finance, home improvements and work-life balance.

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