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How to become a project manager

Project managers work in nearly every field, driving quality through strategic planning. Learn how to become a project manager, and enroll in an online project management course on edX.

Browse online project management programs and courses

A project manager works at the intersection of planning and doing, collaborating across teams to drive organizational projects forward. What does a typical day look like for a project manager, and how do you become one? Read on to learn everything you need to know about this lucrative career path.

What is a project manager?

Project managers are crucial members of many types of teams. These natural leaders manage the budget, schedule, and coordination aspects of a project, whether that's constructing a home or improving internal business processes. A project manager may also handle client communications.

Key skills

Workplace settings

While most project managers work in office settings, they may also travel to supervise team members on external job sites, depending on the type of project.

Steps to become a project manager

The path to becoming a project manager isn't the same for everyone — and it isn't always linear. However, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for most project management roles. Certification isn't always required, but it can help you stand out in a competitive field.

"Very few people actually start out saying, I'm going to be a project manager," said Johannes Heinlein, chief growth officer at the Project Management Institute (PMI) and former C-suite executive at edX. "Many people are accidental project managers. Once people discover the value of project management skills, both for their personal life and their careers, they usually stick with it. And that's where training and education are so critical."

Many aspiring project managers take the following steps:

1. Develop foundational project management skills

Project management skills include the abilities that you gain naturally through general life experience. As a result, the first step to becoming a project manager is building these foundational skills, such as:

  • Organization
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Attention-to-detail
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity

Many people gain these skills through entry-level jobs, secondary and postsecondary education, or volunteer opportunities, where they may discover that project management is a viable field to explore.

Can you learn project management online?

You can find many opportunities to learn project management online, whether it's with edX or PMI.

"You have to be a lifelong learner," Heinlein said. "We have...access to information in ways that we didn't even 15 years ago, 20 years ago, even 10 years ago."

You can find online Executive Education programs that teach leadership and management skills on edX. These courses include:

Alternatively, PMI offers certifications and an online community of project management professionals that can help you discover ways to advance your career.

How much can you make as a project manager?

Your earning potential as a project manager depends on several factors, including your employer, professional experience, education level, and location. In 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that project management specialists earned a median annual salary of $100,750. The BLS also projects that employment of project managers will increase by 6% from 2024-34, faster than the average 3% for all occupations.


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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a project manager?

It usually takes between four and five years to become a full-time project manager. Earning a bachelor's degree takes around four years, and some employers prefer candidates with relevant work experience. The time it takes to become a project manager depends on your employer, experience, and education level.

What degree is best to become a project manager?

Project managers typically have at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to their role. Education requirements depend on the industry and employer. A project manager for a manufacturing company may not have the same experience as a project manager at a tech firm.

Can you become a project manager online?

Yes. You can earn a bachelor's degree and certifications or gain relevant work experience online. Project management roles can be remote, hybrid, or in-person, depending on the employer and the work you will be doing.

Is now a good time to become a project manager?

Yes. The BLS projects that project manager jobs will grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034. This may be due to an increased demand for productivity in companies across industries — especially in the information technology field.

Last updated September 17, 2025