A project manager controls everything from start to finish. They flesh out an idea, sell it through the organization, assemble a team, organize the project steps, lead the team, manage the budget, make important decisions, update stakeholders, ensure objectives are met, provide a smooth transition, and share gained knowledge. They have ultimate control over initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, control, and closing.

You don't necessarily need an advanced degree to become a successful project manager. However, you will need experience managing projects and a high school diploma or equivalent. Completing a project management certification course will help you understand national and global standards of project management. Choose a training course that prepares you to sit for respected certifications such as CAPM or PMP. A bachelor's or master's degree in business management, engineering, computer science, or a related field can help you climb the corporate ladder and open more opportunities.

Project managers work in various industries, including IT, engineering, construction, healthcare, finance, and law. Regardless of the industry, they work closely with people and technology.

Certification is not mandatory to become a project manager, but possessing the necessary knowledge, training, and experience is essential. However, obtaining a CAPM and/or PMP certification can increase your opportunities, earning potential, and demonstrate your commitment to the industry and professional development.

This project management course is considered intermediate to advanced. Students should have completed the Essentials of Project Management program and/or have three or more years of experience leading projects.

You need at least 35 hours of formal project management training—which this program meets. The PMI also requires project management experience in a leadership role. You don't have to be a "project manager," but you do need to demonstrate that your experience is in a leadership role of some sort. In the exam application, you will document the number of hours you personally performed project work.

The amount of experience you need depends on your level of education. You will need 4,500 hours of project management experience if you have a four-year degree or equivalent from another country. If you don't have a four-year college degree, you will need 7,500 hours of project management experience.

Nikki Choyce

• Nikki Choyce, PMP has been involved in the project management field for almost 20 years and has worked as a consultant and trainer for much of that time. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and very active in the project management community. She has worked in various industries, including Information Technology, Insurance, Manufacturing, Marketing, Aerospace, Construction, and Telecommunications. She has worked with Microsoft Project for over 10 years.

Erica Kirwan

• Erica Kirwan has more than 15 years of experience in process and project management. Previously, Kirwan served as Senior Project Manager for a Fortune 200 financial services company. She earned an Advanced Project Management Certification from Stanford University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration.