Teacher Career Change Ideas - Project Management

Project management can be a great career change path for teachers looking to leave the classroom…

Project management can be a great career change path for teachers looking to leave the classroom… not only are there project management roles in a huge array of sectors, but the pay range is anything between £30-£60k+.

It can be a challenging and rewarding career path for those who have a passion for organisation, leadership, and problem-solving which skills teachers have in spades. It involves planning, executing, and evaluating projects, while ensuring that they meet specific goals and juggling the demands of a variety of stakeholders - sound familiar?!

So - what exactly is project management?

Project management is the process of leading and coordinating a team of individuals to achieve a specific goal or set of goals within a defined timeframe and budget. It requires effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

The main objectives of project management are to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Project managers use various tools and methodologies, to plan and execute projects and measure their success. For example you may have heard of PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments) which is a process-based method for effective project management.

Project management might be for you if…

You’re highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously.
You enjoy finding solutions to complex problems and have the ability to think critically and creatively.
You have strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and direct teams towards common goals.
You’re an effective communicator, able to articulate complex ideas and information to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
You’re able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and remain calm under pressure.
You have a strong attention to detail and the ability to identify potential risks and issues before they become problems.
You’re committed to achieving excellence in all aspects of their work and strive for continuous improvement.

But what does a project manager actually do on a daily basis?

A project manager's daily responsibilities can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project, but some common tasks include:

Planning: Creating project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation, and updating them as necessary.
Monitoring progress: Tracking project progress and making adjustments as needed to keep the project on track.
Communicating with stakeholders: Keeping stakeholders informed of project progress and addressing any concerns or issues that arise.
Managing team tasks: Assigning tasks to team members, ensuring that everyone understands their responsibilities, and providing support and guidance as needed.
Managing risk: Identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans to mitigate those risks.
Solving problems: Resolving any issues or obstacles that arise during the project, and making decisions that are in the best interest of the project.
Collaborating with other teams: Working with teams from other departments, such as engineering or marketing, to ensure that the project is completed successfully.
Reporting: Preparing and presenting project reports to stakeholders, including status updates, budget reports, and performance metrics.

These are just some of the tasks that a project manager may perform on a daily basis. The specific responsibilities will vary depending on the size and scope of the project, and the industry in which the project is being managed.

What should I consider doing if I’m thinking of getting into project management?

If you are considering a career as a project manager, here are some key steps to help you succeed:

Gain experience: Get involved in projects, both at work and outside of work, and take on responsibilities that demonstrate your ability to lead, manage time and resources, and communicate effectively.

Get certified: Consider obtaining a PRINCE2®, AgilePM® or Scrum certification which demonstrates your understanding of project management principles and practice.

Build your network: Join professional organisations such as PMI and attend conferences, workshops, and networking events. These opportunities will provide you with the chance to meet and learn from experienced project managers, as well as stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Develop leadership skills: Strong leadership skills are essential for success as a project manager. Focus on building your leadership skills through courses, workshops, and on-the-job experience.

Stay current: The field of project management is constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay current with the latest tools, technologies, and methodologies. Read books, articles, and blogs, and attend training and professional development events.

By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation for a successful career as a project manager. Remember, success as a project manager requires hard work, dedication, and a passion for the field. But the rewards of seeing projects through to successful completion and making a positive impact on organisations and communities make it all worth it.

What are the career development opportunities in Project Management?

Here are some ways in which you might develop a career path in Project Management:

Specialisation: Project managers can specialise in a specific industry, such as construction, healthcare, or technology, and build expertise in that field.

Leadership roles: Project managers can progress to higher leadership roles such as program manager, portfolio manager, or executive manager.

Professional certifications: Project managers can continue to build their skills and knowledge by obtaining advanced certifications, such as PMI's PMP, PgMP, or PfMP.

Mentorship and coaching: Project managers can mentor and coach junior project managers, sharing their expertise and experience.

Consulting: Project managers can transition into consulting roles, offering their services to organisations looking to improve their project management practices.

Entrepreneurship: Project managers can start their own consulting or project management firms and use their skills and experience to help organisations achieve their goals.

International experience: Project managers can work on international projects, gaining exposure to different cultures, languages, and business practices.

Cross-functional roles: Project managers can broaden their skill set by taking on cross-functional roles, such as business analyst, product manager, or change manager.

A project management career path requires more than knowing how to manage abstract tasks and projects. You also need leadership skills to successfully rally a team around common goals which is good news for experienced managers and leaders in education. If you have experience in implementing projects and managing change, project management might be a great option for you.

If you haven’t already, check out the Teacher Career Change Quiz to see if you’re suited to project management. And definitely have a peek at the Success Path in the Adventures After Teaching Academy - we have members currently retraining as project managers and have supported ex-teachers to successfully secure project management roles! You can hear about Lauren's journey here.