How to become a project manager

Project managers are increasingly in demand in fields ranging from engineering to information technology (IT), from defence to finance.

Whether they’re ensuring the smooth management of a major urban infrastructure project, overseeing the delivery of new mining developments, bringing to life a new community health initiative, or implementing a cloud-based software system for a client, project managers are a vital ingredient when the working environment becomes complex.

Project management is not only well-paid and in high demand, but it also offers professionals the potential to move into industries with fascinating and dynamic work environments.

So how do you become a project manager and establish a career in this rewarding field? What skills do you need to succeed? What salary can a project manager command? What is the job outlook for this exciting role? Let’s find out.

Skills to become a project manager

As its name suggests, project managers are responsible for managing every aspect of projects that are critical to an organisation’s success. For this reason, they need several important skills.

Here are the top five skills required to succeed as a project manager:

Communication skills

Almost all professions demand communication skills. Given the diversity of people involved in a typical project in business, exceptional communication skills are essential for project managers.

Specifically, project managers need excellent written and verbal communication skills, as they spend a large amount of time communicating in meetings, email, or via presentations and project documentation.

Negotiation skills

Project managers need to be expert problem-solvers because projects rarely, if ever, go exactly according to plan. When problems arise, project managers are called upon to negotiate on many different fronts, including procuring and budgeting for resources.

When stakeholders’ expectations clash, project managers must draw on their negotiating skills to facilitate favourable outcomes.

Project managers must skillfully and calmly negotiate with stakeholders at various levels on issues such as resources, timelines and expectations. They need to ensure that the outcome constitutes a win-win for all parties.

Organisational skills

One of a project manager’s key responsibilities is to create a schedule, timeline and project plan to ensure that the project is delivered on time and on budget. For this reason, organisational skills are essential.

Project priorities and requirements often change. For this reason, project managers need to be able to organise schedules effectively and adapt schedules to changing conditions.

Leadership

Leadership skills are essential for project managers. They need to effectively guide and inspire team members and stakeholders, ensuring that they feel their concerns are heard and that they are making a meaningful contribution.

Project managers also need to give feedback, set goals and evaluate the performance of others. For all of these reasons, leadership skills are paramount.

Risk management

Every project carries a certain amount of risk. This risk can take many forms, from the possibility that the project may not be completed on time and on budget to the concern that stakeholders may not be satisfied or that the project may not achieve its target outcomes.

For those reasons, risk management is an important project management skill. Project managers need to identify risks and work proactively to mitigate them.

Adaptability and flexibility

Projects often face unforeseen challenges, including shifting client needs, market changes, or internal organisational hurdles.

Adaptability allows project managers to respond swiftly and effectively to unexpected developments, recalibrating plans as needed while maintaining project momentum.

This skill requires open-mindedness and the ability to pivot strategies without compromising team morale or project goals.

Adaptable project managers can identify solutions in real-time and keep teams aligned with revised objectives, ensuring continuous progress and stakeholder satisfaction​.
 

How to become a project manager

Aspiring project managers in Australia need to complete on-the-job training and formal education, as well as earn different certificates and specialist qualifications. Here is how to become a project manager in Australia:

1. Build your skills

Starting your journey toward becoming a project manager doesn’t have to mean a drastic career shift right away. Instead, use your current role as a testing ground for developing and refining key competencies.

This approach can help you determine whether project management truly aligns with your interests and strengths before you commit to formal training or certifications.

Do you enjoy planning social events such as birthday parties, or organising detailed travel itineraries?

If so, you may already possess foundational project management skills. These activities involve essential aspects of the role: planning, coordinating resources, managing timelines and ensuring everything comes together smoothly.

Similarly, if you thrive on structuring workflows for work projects, managing schedules, or leading team meetings, you’re naturally practising project management skills like communication, time management and leadership.

Seizing opportunities to apply these skills in your current job – by leading a team initiative, organising departmental events, or streamlining project timelines – provides a practical, low-risk environment to grow your project management acumen.

This phase enhances your professional toolkit and helps you assess your enjoyment and aptitude for the role, guiding your decision on whether to pursue formal qualifications and certifications.

2. Complete a diploma or graduate diploma

A good place to begin a project management career is with a Graduate Diploma in Project Management. This course helps the candidate develop deep knowledge of project management principles, quality control and risk, planning, and more. It also covers specialist units such as accounting or engineering management.

Numerous Diploma of Project Management and Certificate IV in Project Management courses are available around Australia. The Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) website has a comprehensive list of all AIPM-accredited courses.

3. Become professionally certified

Professional certification with an industry-recognised certificate is the next step to becoming a project manager. With so many project management courses available, it pays to do your research to determine which course best suits you and your career intentions.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is recognised globally and across all industries.

This certification is overseen by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

You might also consider the Registered Project Manager (RegPM) certification, Australia’s national program owned by the AIPM. Five project management certification levels are available through this system, and five years of experience are required before registration is possible.

Finally, there is the PRINCE2 program, which is well recognised in Australia, the UK, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. The PRINCE2 program is particularly attractive for those working in government and major corporate environments.

4. Complete advanced training

To become a senior project manager, individuals should complete advanced training – a step recommended after acquiring at least two years of project management experience. 

Before completing advanced training, it’s essential to have some existing qualifications. For example, you might complete a postgraduate degree like SCU Online’s Master of Project Management, a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, a minimum of two years’ work experience in a professional environment or five years of work experience.

Before completing advanced training, it can be valuable to seek a project management mentor, an experienced professional who can introduce you to the tools and competencies required for project management success. This mentor may be someone within the business for which you are working or from elsewhere.

To reach this point, consider taking smaller courses, reading up on the topic and seeking work experience within organisations or departments that focus on project management.

Every piece of knowledge you gain along the way will add to your value as a project manager.

Project management salary, job outlook and educational requirements

There is no doubt that to become a project manager in Australia, you need to invest in work experience as well as a number of educational options. The payoff is a rewarding, stimulating and well-paid career.

Here are the educational requirements, salary insights and job outlook for project managers as well as the industries where they thrive.

Educational requirements

To secure a project manager role in Australia, candidates typically need a combination of formal education and relevant work experience – typically at least two years on the job.

Specialised programs like a Graduate Diploma of Project Management or a Master of Project Management can provide advanced knowledge in project planning, risk management, leadership and quality control that will be hugely beneficial for those seeking senior roles or specialising in complex fields like construction or IT. 

Salary

Project management salaries in Australia can vary based on industry, experience level and specific roles:

• General project manager: According to Talent.com, the median salary for a project manager in Australia currently sits at $125,000.
• Construction project manager: Construction project managers in Australia earn an average annual salary of $130,000 - $150,000 according to Seek.com.
• Information and communications technology (ICT) project manager: With growing demand for tech-driven projects, IT project managers can see salaries ranging from $120,000 to $180,000 per year in Australia.
• Engineering project manager: According to Talent.com, engineering project managers in Australia can earn up to $185,000.
• Healthcare project manager: Project managers in healthcare can earn up to $150,000 annually.

It’s important to note that these figures can be influenced by factors such as location, with major cities like Sydney and Melbourne offering higher pay scales due to higher living costs and larger projects.

Job outlook

The job outlook for project managers in Australia is strong, buoyed by growth across various industries that rely on skilled project leadership.

For example, information and communications technology (ICT) project managers should expect strong growth, as should construction project managers.

There are a number of industries in which project managers can thrive, including:

Construction and infrastructure

Project managers in this sector oversee large-scale projects, coordinate teams, manage budgets and ensure compliance with regulations. This industry requires meticulous planning and adaptability to handle evolving project scopes and unexpected challenges.

Information and communications technology (ICT)

The rapid expansion of the digital economy has spurred demand for project managers who can lead tech projects, including software development, system upgrades and cyber security initiatives. This industry values tech-savvy project managers who can manage cross-functional teams.

Healthcare

Project managers in the healthcare sector coordinate projects such as hospital expansions, new health initiatives and the implementation of new medical technologies. These roles require strong communication skills and an understanding of healthcare regulations and patient care standards.

Engineering

Engineering project managers work on a range of projects, from civil engineering and manufacturing to renewable energy. These roles demand deep technical expertise combined with project management skills to ensure projects meet safety and quality standards.

Finance and banking

The finance industry relies on project managers to lead projects related to process improvements, regulatory compliance and new product launches. Project managers in this field often need strong analytical skills and a background in finance.

Event management and marketing

Project management extends to creative fields, with project managers leading product launches, marketing campaigns and large-scale events. This requires creativity, attention to detail and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

Join the elite

Whether you are an existing project manager eager to elevate your career or an aspiring project manager working in a related field, SCU Online’s Master of Project Management can help you achieve your career goals.

A two-year 100% online part-time course, the Master of Project Management is endorsed by the AIPM. It combines vital core units with industry-specific elective units, plus a powerful industry research project to create the ultimate project management experience.

Candidates take units focusing on principles, planning, quality control, risk, leadership, contract management and more. Elective units include accounting, business management, engineering management, health services management, information and knowledge management, and people leadership.

Along the way, each student’s critical and analytical thinking processes will be developed, particularly in planning, implementation, collaboration and evaluation.

This is important as successful project management is not just about practical application, but also about considering which skills to apply through critical thinking and reflection.

Upon completion of the Master of Project Management, entirely new career opportunities open up. From the startup environment to multinational corporations, talented, experienced and well-educated project managers are essential for success.

Those entering the project management field right now will discover a wealth of opportunity and choice and an environment where excellence is richly rewarded, both in terms of salary and engagement.

Learn more about SCU Online’s Master of Project Management.