What Is an Entry Level Project Manager and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As an entry-level project manager, you work to improve communication between departments in an organization. You are assigned a team to manage as you guide them through a project and help them collaborate with other groups. Your responsibilities center around completing the project goal, creating a plan for the project, and designing a timeline for project completion. You also work with upper management, explaining your project strategy and how it falls in line with their goals and budget. Other duties include creating visual representations of the project processes, monitoring employee progress, and altering the process when necessary.

The qualifications you need for an entry-level project manager job begin with a bachelor’s degree in business, but you need to hone your management skills on the job. Previous experience managing employees, even in entry-level positions, is vital. Some colleges also offer certifications in project management, which can open the door to many potential opportunities. You need excellent communication and organizational skills for this role. Your ability to create concise reports, crunch numbers for budgeting, and pitch a quality project plan are also vital. You should also be familiar with project management applications like Microsoft Project.