A Look at the Responsibilities and Role of a Project Manager
Do you have a knack for balancing critical and creative thinking? Are you a decisive person who’s passionate about data and results?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, project managers can earn between $42,000 and over $135,000 per year.
Yet, how do you score such a promising career?
Your first step is to understand the role of a project manager. Clarification will also clarify your career path.
A Look at the Responsibilities and Role of a Project Manager
Let’s take a closer look at different project management skills and tools.
The Technical Role of a Project Manager
Technology experience wasn’t always included in the project manager job description. Before PM software, managers used email threads, calendars, meetings, and whiteboards to delegate project tasks. Project management software has changed all of that.
Since today’s project management industry depends on software, all aspiring managers need relevant experience. You could gain this experience from a college course, professional certificate program, or on-site training. For example, if you’re an intern or entry-level employee at an agency, you could learn the company’s PM software for resume experience.
Why is project management software so essential?
It streamlines tasks quickly, squeezing essential duties down to just minutes.
PM software automates the following repetitive (and time-consuming ) manual tasks:
- Calendar filling
- Email responses
- Email management
- Meeting confirmations
- Checklist creation
- Project progression visualization
- Real-time data
- Data collection
Managers also rely on feature-rich communication apps with in-app chats, channel segmentation, file transfers, voice conferencing, and more. A construction time card app can help track employee time, job site progress, and project costs. Using a time card app for construction, project managers can easily see which employees are working on which tasks and how much time they spend on each task. This information can be used to assess job site productivity and make necessary changes to the construction schedule. In addition, the time card app can also be used to track job site costs. This information can help project managers to identify areas where cost savings can be made.
Website coding and app development are also required for web-based projects. However, you can delegate these responsibilities to your web development team. For substantial projects, you may need to outsource an outside project management agency; learn more about this service type if you plan to scale your company.
Overseeing the Entire Project Lifecycle
Project managers are responsible for streaming progress from start to finish. Like any other manager, the buck stops with you. However, this role begs the question: how do you prevent project details from slipping through the cracks?
PM software is only one piece of the puzzle. Your management methodology is also crucial, and this part is tied to technical skills.
Today’s project managers are embracing new methods like Agile. The tech industry popularized this approach, but it is quickly being integrated into retail, medical, and other industries.
Agile project management is a feedback-heavy method that separates projects into smaller, focused tasks requiring more specialization. Furthermore, jobs aren’t officially completed until undergoing rigorous testing. This method was developed to mitigate costly quality control errors.
When managed correctly, you don’t have to worry about sending an unreliable product to market. With Agile, project managers aren’t blindsided by past mistakes lost in the shuffle. Furthermore, the methodology requires managers to document every step, allowing for better analysis.
Excel at Project Management
Are you ready to make some crucial decisions about your career?
Think hard about the role of a project manager. How could your natural skills contribute?
Start by exploring technical skills, methodologies, and quality control measures. The blog is also updated with your niche’s latest trends and tips.
