Looking to break into Project Management?

Here are a few pointers for you…

The IT and Digital Industry within the UK is a rapidly growing and constantly evolving field, with a high demand for skilled professionals who can manage and coordinate projects effectively. Project managers play a vital role in ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of being a project manager within the IT and Digital Industry within the UK, including career development opportunities, recommended courses, and employment statistics.

Career Development

Project management is a highly sought-after skill within the IT and Digital Industry, and there are numerous career development opportunities available to those who have the necessary skills and qualifications. The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) states that project management roles are expected to increase by 33% in the next five years, with the average salary for a project manager in the IT and Digital Industry being £55,000 per year. Regional variations and cost of living increases will apply from Q4 2022.

Additionally, the Project Management Institute (PMI) states that project management is a transferable skill, and project managers can work in a variety of industries, including IT, engineering, construction, and finance to name a few. This means that project managers can move between different industries, giving them more career development opportunities.

Recommended Courses

To become a project manager within the IT and Digital Industry, it is recommended that individuals have a relevant degree in a relevant field, such as IT, engineering, or business management. Additionally, it is recommended that individuals have a professional project management qualification, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) from the PMI or become PRINCE2 Practitioner.

There are also a number of courses available that are specific to the IT and Digital Industry, such as the ITIL Foundation and the AgilePM Foundation. These courses provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to manage IT and digital projects effectively.

Industries that Use Project Managers

Project managers are used in a variety of industries, with the IT and Digital Industry being one of the most prominent. Within the IT and Digital Industry, project managers can work in a variety of roles, such as software development, IT infrastructure, and digital marketing.

Additionally, project managers are also used in other industries, such as engineering, construction, logistics, retail and finance. This means that project managers have a wide range of employment opportunities available to them, giving them more career development opportunities.

Employment Statistics

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were approximately 1.2 million people employed in the IT and Digital Industry within the UK in 2020. Of these, approximately 7% were project managers. This represents a significant number of employment opportunities for project managers within the IT and Digital Industry.

Additionally, the ONS states that the average salary for a project manager in 2020 within the IT and Digital Industry was £45,000 per year. This was higher than the average salary for a project manager in other industries, such as engineering and construction. This highlights the value that companies place on project managers within the IT and Digital Industry.

Conclusion

Project management is a highly sought-after skill within the IT and Digital Industry, with numerous career development opportunities available to those who have the necessary skills and qualifications. Project managers can work in a variety of roles and can also work in other industries, giving them more career development opportunities. It is recommended that individuals have a relevant degree and a professional project management qualification, such as the PMP or the PRINCE2 Practitioner, to become a project manager within the IT and Digital Industry. With 1.2 million people employed in the IT and Digital Industry and 7% of them being project managers, there are plenty of employment opportunities and we haven’t even touched on the interim market yet…

Whatever career choice to make, the very best of luck to you but if you’re at a cross and you want something to ignite your internal fire again, Project Management could be for you. Let us know what successes you’ve had, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected].