How to find and get a project management job

Are you curious about project management and want to find out how you can secure a career in this growing industry? Here are a few practical steps and insights to help you get started.

How to get a project management job

Here’s how to become a project manager, regardless of your current level of experience:

• Gain relevant qualifications: A qualification in project management or a related field is a solid starting point – if you haven’t gotten started already, check out our Project Management courses.
• Explore related roles: If you’re having trouble getting a job in project management, consider roles with overlapping skills, such as project coordinator, project assistant or administrative roles.
• Build your portfolio with real-life projects: Get hands-on with projects during your studies, from group assignments to internships or volunteer work and document your involvement. A portfolio demonstrating your experience can make your CV stand out to potential employers.
• Get certified or accredited: Global industry-recognised certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2 and CAPM are valuable additions to your CV. These certifications can make you a more attractive candidate, especially if you’re aiming for positions in larger organisations or specialised project management roles.
• Create and leverage a network: Take advantage of the networks around you. If you’re studying, connect with your lecturers and fellow students – these are invaluable opportunities that can only be accessed at University. If you’re at Torrens University, you’ll have access to a Success Coach who can help you set goals and tailor your resume.
• Say yes to work experience: Our network of partner organisations means our courses offer you the chance to work on real projects with real clients, who may keep you in mind for a permanent position later. Embracing work experience or internship opportunities is a great way to get your foot in the door and kick-start your Project Management career. Even if the role isn’t a Project Manager position, other roles within project management firms or companies offering these services can be the first step toward your ideal role. Always stay open-minded!

Where to look for project management jobs

Finding job opportunities in project management means casting the net wide. Here are some common places to begin your search.

• Job board websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Seek.
• Professional associations like the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) sometimes list jobs (as well as networking events).
• Careers Connect has a job board, plus help with CVs, cover letters and interview prep.
• Large companies often post job openings on their websites.
• Networking and industry events – after all, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

Essential skills for project managers

Project management requires a mix of technical knowledge and soft skills. Here are some key skills that employers typically look for in project managers:

• Your ability to organise, prioritise, manage multiple tasks and keep track of project milestones is critical for success.
• Strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills are essential to convey project requirements, manage expectations and resolve conflicts.
• Projects rarely go as planned, so the ability to identify risks and troubleshoot issues as they arise is a valuable skill. Effective project managers are proactive in anticipating potential challenges and developing solutions.
• Familiarity with project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana or Trello and the ability to use them for scheduling, resource allocation and tracking progress is increasingly important.
• A project manager working on IT or engineering projects, for example, should have a basic understanding of the technical concepts involved, such as coding languages or engineering principles, enabling more effective communication with technical teams.
• Projects can change scope and timelines may shift. Being adaptable allows you to adjust plans and strategies in response to new information or unexpected circumstances.

Tips on finding a job in project management

Stephen Beaty, lecturer in Project Management at Torrens University with 45 years of industry experience, gave aspiring Project Managers advice on the best way to find work and maintain a career in the field.

Stephen’s advice:

• Be honest with yourself. Don’t try to exaggerate your experience.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As soon as you’ve made a mistake you’ve learned something.
• Always ask questions. Even if you think it’s a silly question, the next person will be glad you did because they also want to know.
• It’s super important to do an internship because you’ve got to connect the academic theory with what’s happening in the real world and often they are not the same thing. I took on four or five interns myself every year and one of them stayed for 10 years. I’ve maintained friendships with a lot of these interns as well, and I’ve helped them get a start.
• Volunteer - that way you can network and gain more experience.

If you're experiencing mental health challenges during your job search, check out headspace's tips for managing stress and anxiety during your job hunt or contact them directly for professional support.