How Do I Become a Project Manager Trainee?

Both educational and professional forms of experience are typically important to become a project manager trainee, as is the ability to demonstrate skills necessary for the position. Educational experience often depends on the type of position you are looking for, though an undergraduate degree in business administration or management is commonly required. Previous work experience to become a project manager trainee can take a number of forms, though it must typically be from a relevant field and of a level appropriate for a manager. Many employers also want to see that you can demonstrate communication and leadership skills, as these abilities are often vital for a project manager.

An educational background and degree from a college or university is typically required for you to become a project manager trainee. This can vary quite a bit, depending on your potential employer, but many industries look for an undergraduate degree in business. The nature of the degree you need to become a project manager trainee can depend on the field in which you want to work, such as a degree in computer science for a position in software development. Even though this is a trainee job, many employers expect you to be ready to move into management without numerous years of college.

Professional experience is often just as important as your educational background to become a project manager trainee. You typically do not need as much experience as you would to move directly into a management position, since this is a training job. Many employers still expect you to have a strong background working in the industry in which you wish to become a project manager trainee. The exact number of years expected of you may change, depending on the field in which you wish to work and the employer you are interested in, but many places look for several years of prior work experience.

An employer may also want to see that you already have some of the skills necessary to work in management before you can become a project manager trainee. This often depends largely on the level of training that a company offers. Some places may require that you have more experience and knowledge than others.

An employer might want you to have little in the way of previous management experience and skills, as this makes you a “blank slate” for their training program. Other places may prefer that you have a great deal of established training and experience with communications and team leadership. Look at different requirements posted by employers in your field and use these to determine the types of skills and knowledge you need to become a project manager trainee.