The role of a digital project manager may not sound like a really exciting one. However, it is not something that you should dismiss straight away. This role, which entails dealing with the constraints of both timescales and budgets, managing a team and, of course, dealing with clients, is an essential one for any project. With the right project management skills behind you this is one of those jobs that can be incredibly satisfying when done well.
If you are still not convinced, then read on as we explore just some of the reasons what you may want to become a digital project manager. But first let’s take a quick look at exactly what a digital project manager does.
What does the role entail?
There is some belief that a digital project manager does all of those tasks that nobody else wants to deal with. It is certainly true that they will be involved with some of the more important challenges that occur in a project. However, they are also one of the most important influences to the project itself.
Essentially, a project manager is the one who shapes the project and guides it in order to get the most out of the project team. They will ultimately lead the project to its ultimate goal, a satisfactory conclusion that hopefully comes in on time and on budget.
Reasons to consider digital project management
There are roughly 7 main reasons why it is worth considering a career in digital project management.
#1. Demand is greater than supply
When it comes to finding a job it’s nice to have plenty of choice. There are plenty of digital project manager roles out there, and not enough people with the relevant digital project management skills. This is a situation that makes this a very good career move. With the right project management qualifications there should be little problem finding a job.
It is expected that by 2027 there will have been an increase of around 33% in the demand for project managers. A PMI “Talent Gap” report estimates that from 2013 to 2020 there will have been a staggering 15.7 million roles in project management.
#2. The pay
Because the supply is lower than the demand for these roles there are good financial benefits to be had. This might not be great for those who already carry out the role as well as other responsibilities. However, it is a good tool for negotiations for those looking for a digital project. Whilst pay for the role in the UK is better than that for other roles in the digital field it is much higher in some parts of Europe and also the US.
#3. A flexible career path
Those skills that you might expect to develop as a digital project manager are very transferable. In fact, they really can open up project management roles within a range of different sectors.
Because of the transferable nature of the different skills that are involved there is much possible movement that can be made in a range of different career directions. A digital project manager needs to know a bit about just about everything and this can certainly help when it comes to transitioning into another sector.
#4. The path to senior management
The road to senior management is one that is often taken by project managers. Many of the skills managing a team that can be gained in digital project management are exactly the right skills that are looked for in senior management.
The need to see the bigger picture and think about business requirements are also important skills for both roles. The other thing that is important to remember is that as a project manager you will spend a good amount of time communicating with the more senior members of staff in the company. This can provide a valuable learning opportunity and also help you make those all important contact that could help you advance your career.
#5. Work with a wide range of people
As a digital project manager you will get to work with a really diverse range of different people, and this can offer you some great opportunities to get an insight into a number of different fields. It’s a great way to learn about all sorts of things that you may not come into contact with, in other roles.
#6. If you are a generalist, it’s an ideal role
A job in digital project management is ideal for anyone who is curious and likes to learn about the diversity of the digital world. If you don’t particularly want to specialise in one field, then this could really be the way forward.
In fact, for some people, the idea of specialising can make them feel a little anxious. Digital project management moves them away from these anxieties. However, it is important to remember that you need to speak to others in the language that they understand, and this can be difficult to do if you do not take the time to learn what it is they actually do.
It is also vital to understand the work that they do if you are to assist them in overcoming any of the challenges that they will come up against. It could also help you to protect them from problems before they occur.
#7. Don’t deny the role you are already fulfilling
A huge reason that individuals struggle with the idea of being a project manager is that they simply have not committed to the role. They deny that that is already what they are doing, and this means that they avoid taking the time to improve any skills that they may already have in this area.
If you are already undertaking the role of digital project manager then own it, take your job seriously and make sure that you have the support you need behind you and the qualifications to help you.
Now you know a little more about the role, you might have decided that digital project management is for you. If so, why not begin to look into courses that could help you get where you want to be?
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