How Do I Become a Business Project Manager?

The project manager title can be used in a variety of business contexts. Certain requirements to become a business project manager can differ, depending on the underlying types of projects to be managed. Generally, however, to become a business project manager, you should have a bachelor's degree and experience managing people and resources at increasing levels of responsibility. From those two basic requirements, you must customize your credentials to demonstrate a topical fit with area of business where you want to be employed.

In business, there are many different types of projects that need to be managed. Executive-level projects can involve management areas, such as marketing, human resources, accounting or risk management. Field-level projects can involve construction, engineering or event planning. The diversity in the different types of projects is further compounded by the different types of businesses that can employ project managers. There is no single job description for a business project manager and no single set of appropriate credentials.

Regardless of where a business project manager is employed, however, he will likely be responsible for a team of people and the resources assigned to a project. He is expected to manage the schedule and the budget to ensure that the project is completed on time and within designated limits. These basic responsibilities typically cause employers to search for job candidates who have at least a bachelor's degree, since formal education trains a person how to think and function professionally.

The type of degree you pursue should be topically related to the type of projects you plan to be involved in. If you want to ultimately become a business project manager in a marketing department, you need a marketing degree. Project management of real estate developments, on the other hand, might require an engineering degree. A degree in business administration is a flexible option if you do not yet know what types of business projects interest you.

Once you have a degree, the requirements to become a business project manager will focus on experience and personal characteristics. Many employers will look for applicants with three to five years of experience working on similar types of projects in key positions. Usually, key positions that can catapult you into the project manager position are management assistant positions or finance positions working with budgets and cost allocations. Additional skills that can position you for success are proficiency with the types of project management software used in the specific business industry, experience running teams and demonstrated ability to develop internal and external relationships.

Personal characteristics that are often required to become a business project manager include strong communications skills, leadership ability and a natural ability to manage time. Your credentials should demonstrate that you are highly organized, meet deadlines and can get the best out of the people you manage. It can also help your candidacy if your extracurricular activities show a propensity to lead and organize projects, even if it is in a volunteer capacity.