Why should Project Manager be your next job title? Three words: demand, salary, and passion. Let’s break it down:
- An estimated 15 million new project management roles will be created by 2020.
- The average salary for PMs in the U.S. is $91,440.
- The PM field is a haven for tech enthusiasts who lack coding skills, but want to get their hands dirty in software development.
Project Managers rely on time-tested methodologies to lead projects to completion—within budget and on time. But with so many methodologies out there, where do you start? Read on to learn which is right for your career.
Popular Methodologies
Agile
Agile is based on the idea of adapting to changing trends and company priorities throughout a project’s lifecycle. It’s no wonder Agile is used heavily among fast-moving tech startups, and will shine bright on your resume if that’s your desired path.
Want to learn more about Agile? Check out this Agile Certification Training.
Lean
Lean falls under the Agile umbrella, but is focused on maximizing customer value with minimal resources. In other words: you’ll be empowered to create the best possible product despite constraints on your manpower, money, and time. Lean is often associated with big manufacturing companies, but has recently become popular with small startups.
Want to learn more about Lean? Check out this Lean Process Training.
Scrum
Scrum—also under the Agile umbrella—is designed to quickly reveal errors for immediate correction. The go-to method for working with complex software, Scrum will eliminate issues before they go live. The process begins with a “product wish-list”. The team dives into the topmost item, and completes a consumer-ready product by the given deadline.
Want to learn more about Scrum? Check out this Scrum Project Management Training.
Six Sigma
Did you ace Statistics? Six Sigma uses stats to turn complex projects into simple blueprints. Six Sigma PMs can save companies up to $200k per project, and therefore are extremely valuable to the team. Less malleable than Lean, it’s often turned to for operational and manufacturing projects.
Want to learn more about Six Sigma? Check out the Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Course.
Industry-Recognized Certifications
PMP
More and more PM positions require certifications, and PMP is the most important industry-recognized certification out there. PMP pros are needed in every country and every industry, from healthcare to construction—and make a median entry salary of $113k.
Want to know more about PMP? Check out this PMP Certification Training.
CompTIA+
Certifications hold the most value in the IT industry. CompTIA+ is vendor-neutral, allowing for extreme flexibility in your job search. It has no prerequisites—so is a great way for inexperienced professionals to jump right into a lucrative, in-demand IT career. Plus, the high-level certifications offer an opportunity for job and salary growth at any stage in your career.
Want to learn more about CompTIA+? Check out the CompTIA IT Certification Bundle.