Most thriving businesses owe their success to great systems of organization, collaboration and great management. Unsurprisingly, these are also just a few of the qualities that make a great project manager. Because of their growing importance in the marketplace, project managers are afforded a number of unique job opportunities in developing fields. For individuals looking to be part of a team and to make a difference, there are many exciting careers in project management to choose from. Here are just a few of the most enticing options.
Gas and Oil
As far as careers in project management go, there are few fields more sustainable than the oil and gas industries. The energy market is always growing, and businesses are always looking for employees that can contribute to company growth and market stability. Most project management careers emphasize collaboration, organization and great communication skills, making them an ideal fit for the gas and oil industry. Jobs in the oil and gas sector have an added incentive of being crucial to the way we use energy in our lives today and in the future. Energy and energy-adjacent careers in project management will not only pay handsomely (an average of six figures a year) but will offer a chance for workers to make a distinct difference for future generations in terms of energy conservation and renewal.
Information Technology
It’s no surprise that IT is one of the most competitive fields for pursuing project management careers. Jobs in IT come with a lot of flexibility, excellent job security and the chance to advance quickly within a company. The IT sector offers a more traditional path for individuals seeking project management careers. That said, the IT sector is an extremely varied and dynamic field, making it a great fit for workers who welcome change and enjoy the chance to grow and develop alongside new technologies. Project managers in IT will have the added benefit of software management programs like Planview AdaptiveWork to help with the basics so that workers can focus on the bigger picture. Creativity is always valued in IT, and if a project manager is dedicated to streamlining and perfecting pre-existing aspects of his or her job, IT will embrace that initiative with open arms, no matter how out-of-the-box it might seem.
Construction
For project managers who enjoy a challenge, value a diversity of projects, and would prefer not to be chained to a desk all day, construction is an ideal field to take on. Construction involves many different organizational aspects, and often one job will take many years to complete, providing both job stability and the ability to get deep into one project at a time. That said, construction project managers have to coordinate and communicate with workers across every stage of development. For these jobs, a level of perfectionism doesn’t hurt, but it also pays to know when to compromise and honor another person’s vision. Construction is a field that requires a certain amount of passion, as well as a great dedication to making sure everyone is satisfied with the outcome of a project. Each project requires careful attention, precision and a certain level of technical know-how. For individuals who enjoy jobs that require a lot of communication and attention to detail, construction might be a perfect fit.
For even more ideas, check out Six Career Paths with a Degree in Project Management
