What is Project Management Experience? A Complete Guide

Experience in Project Management is a valuable asset that can help you advance your career and personal development. By managing or participating in projects, you gain Project Management Experience, which teaches you how to plan, organise, execute, and control projects of any size, scope, or complexity. 

But how can you gain Experience in Project Management if you don’t have a Project Management title or role? The good news is that many jobs can offer you substantial opportunities to apply Project Management skills and techniques in your daily work. In this blog post, we will explore Project Management Experience, why it is important, and how you can gain and demonstrate it in your resume and interviews. We will also provide some examples of Project Management Experience from different jobs and sectors.

Table of Contents

1) Understanding What is Project Management Experience? 

2) What qualifies as Project Management Experience? 

3) Common examples of Project Management Experience 

4) Jobs that can help you gain Project Management Experience 

5) Ways to get Project Management Experience

6) Conclusion

Understanding What is Project Management Experience? 

Project Management Experience is the knowledge and expertise you gain from managing or participating in projects. Projects are temporary endeavours with specific deliverables and goals, such as launching a new product, developing a software application, or organising an event. Experience in the field equips you with expertise in planning, organising, executing, and controlling these projects using various skills, tools, techniques, and methodologies. Project Management Experience can be acquired in various ways, such as:

a) Hands-on experience: This is the most direct and practical way to gain Project Management Experience. You can get hands-on experience by leading or contributing to projects in your current or previous jobs, volunteer work, or freelance gigs. Hands-on experience allows you to apply Project Management skills and techniques in real-life situations, learn from mistakes, and improve performance.

b) Courses and certifications: This is another effective way to gain Project Management Experience. You can join courses and certifications that teach you about the fundamentals of Project Management, like the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification, or the Scrum Master certification. By taking courses and certifications, you can acquire theoretical and conceptual knowledge of Project Management and get ready for the tests and evaluations that verify your abilities and skills.

c) Higher education: This is a more formal and academic way to gain Project Management Experience. You can pursue a degree or diploma in Project Management or a related field, such as Business Administration, Engineering, or Computer Science. Higher education can provide you with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of Project Management and expose you to different perspectives and approaches from professors and peers.


 

What qualifies as Project Management Experience?  

Project Management Experience encompasses the time dedicated to organising, guiding, overseeing, and executing projects. Here’s a refined description of the typical duties of a Project Manager:

a) Planning: They draft a detailed plan that serves as a roadmap for the project from start to completion, outlining its scope, required resources, expected timeline, communication protocols, and more.

b) Leadership: Project Managers are at the helm of the project team, steering the project with solid communication and interpersonal skills.

c) Execution: They are actively involved in the hands-on tasks that propel the project forward.

d) Time Management: Project Managers ensure that the project adheres to its schedule and addresses delays by finding solutions and keeping all parties informed.

e) Budgeting: They are responsible for devising a financial plan for the project and adjusting funds as needed to handle any unforeseen expenses.

f) Documentation: They maintain comprehensive records of the project’s progress through systematic data collection and progress reports.

g) Maintenance: Project Managers also have strategies for the long-term operation of the project’s output, which includes addressing any issues that arise post-delivery.

Engagement in these responsibilities is indicative of Project Management Experience.

Common examples of Project Management Experience

Project Management Experience can be gained through involvement in any of the five distinct phases of the process, even if your current job title isn’t specifically ‘Project Manager’. Here are refined examples of activities that count as Project Management Experience:

a) Initiation: Assembled a creative team tasked with developing new packaging designs for a brand.

b) Planning: Devised a strategic schedule for the debut of a client’s website.

c) Execution: Applied User Experience (UX) design expertise to finalise a product’s aesthetic and functional elements.

d) Monitoring and Controlling: Oversaw a Quality Assurance (QA) review with clients to refine the product prototype.

e) Closure: Performed the final edits to the content before its release.

These examples illustrate how Project Management skills can be applied and recognised, regardless of whether one has formally held the title of Project Manager.Get a holistic overview of Project Management Office (PMO) components.

Register for our Project Management Office Fundamentals Certification now!      

Jobs that can help you gain Project Management Experience

Project Management helps you advance your career in different fields and industries. However, you may wonder how to gain Project Management Experience if you do not have a Project Management title or role. The good news is that many jobs can offer you substantial opportunities to manage or participate in projects and develop your Project Management skills and competencies. Here’s a list of some job roles that can help you gain Project Management Experience:

Office Administrator

Here's a complete overview of an Office Administrator’s job:

Average salary: £24,000 per year.

Primary duties: As an Office Administrator, you are responsible for coordinating the daily activities and operations of the office, such as supervising administrative staff, assigning tasks, ordering supplies, managing budgets, and supporting staff when needed. You also handle correspondence, agendas, and policies and ensure the office environment is efficient and compliant.

Event Planner

Here's a complete overview of an Event Planner’s job:  

Average salary: £29,900 per year.

Primary duties: As an Event Planner, you coordinate events for your clients, such as weddings, conferences, parties, or fundraisers. You work with a set budget, goal, and timeline and oversee all aspects of the event, such as selecting venues, hiring vendors, designing invitations, arranging catering, and evaluating feedback.

Training Coordinator 

Average salary: £36,900 per year

Primary duties: As a Training Coordinator, you design and implement effective training programs for your organisation or clients. You can choose the appropriate training methods and materials, schedule training sessions, monitor trainees’ progress, and evaluate the outcomes and impact of the training. You also collaborate with trainers, Managers, and stakeholders to meet the training objectives.

Marketing Coordinator

Average salary: £37,100 per year.

Primary duties: As a Marketing Coordinator, you work with a team to create and execute marketing campaigns for your organisation or clients. You perform tasks such as conducting market research, analysing competition, forecasting sales, supervising staff, and managing budgets and timelines. You also communicate with clients, media, and vendors to ensure that the goals are achieved.

Business Analyst

Average salary: £60,800 per year.

Primary duties: As a Business Analyst, you work with teams from various departments to develop and improve business processes, strategies, and systems. You identify problems and opportunities, propose solutions, and implement changes. You also create budgets, financial models, and reports, outline specifications, and monitor projects. You also report to the stakeholders and ensure the business requirements are fulfilled.

Software Developer 

Average salary: £83,400 per year.

Primary duties: As a Software Developer, you develop, design, and test new software products or applications for your organisation or clients. You write code, debug errors, update systems, and create documentation. You also work with other developers, UX Designers, business analysts, and testers on projects and follow the Software Development Life Cycle and methodologies.

Engineer

Average salary: £92,600 per year.

Primary duties: As an Engineer, you work on projects that involve designing, building, testing, and maintaining various products, systems, or structures, such as machines, software, bridges, or buildings. You plan, draw, and estimate the projects, conduct experiments, and solve problems. You also coordinate with clients, staff, and suppliers to meet the Engineering standards and specifications.

 Salary source: Glassdoor

Ways to get Project Management Experience

There are various paths to acquiring Project Management Expertise, each leading to rewarding career prospects. Below are several unique methods to develop proficiency in Project Management:

Earn relevant PMP Experience

To earn relevant Project Management Professional (PMP) experience, you should actively seek and manage projects that align with the PMP’s five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. It could mean leading a small team, managing a project timeline, handling a budget, or ensuring the quality of deliverables. Documenting your experience is essential, as this is a requirement for PMP certification.

Pursue side projects

Side projects are an excellent way to practice Project Management skills in a low-risk environment. These can be personal or professional projects outside your primary job responsibilities. The key is treating these projects seriously by setting clear objectives, deadlines, and budgets and managing resources effectively. Documenting your work on side projects can also help you reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Volunteer or get an internship

Volunteering or interning allows you to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a cause or learning from a seasoned Project Manager. Look for opportunities in community organisations, non-profits, or industry-specific companies. While volunteering or interning, focus on developing core Project Management skills such as leadership, communication, time management, and problem-solving.

Earn your PMP Certification and other relevant certifications

Earning your PMP certification is a formal step towards becoming a recognised Project Manager. The certification process requires a combination of education and experience, so it’s a goal to work towards as you accumulate Project Management hours. Other certifications, like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), can be valuable, especially if you’re starting.

In addition to these methods, continuous learning and adapting is crucial. Project Management methodologies and tools constantly evolve, so staying up to date with industry best practices through courses, workshops, and networking with other professionals is beneficial. Remember, gaining Project Management Experience is a journey that requires dedication, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to seeking opportunities.

Learn the basics of Project Management by joining our Introduction to Project Management Course!

Conclusion 

Project Management Experience is a valuable asset that can help you advance your career and personal development. By gaining an Experience in Project Management you can showcase your experience in your resume and interviews. You can also use tools such as journals, portfolios, or blogs to document and reflect on your Project Management Experience and share it with potential employers or clients.

Gain a certification that demonstrates your management skills and experience – sign up for PMP® Training!