Level up your Project Management career

Recently, I attended the Level up your Project Management career: insights from Michael Page webinar hosted by BCS PROMS-G. As someone currently working in technology and actively preparing to transition into project management through my Masters in Technology Management and recent job searches, the session was particularly relevant to where I am in my career journey.

The webinar provided a realistic and insightful overview of the current project management job market, the skills employers are actually looking for and how aspiring project professionals, such as myself, can position themselves effectively in a competitive environment.

The Current Project Management Job Market

One of the most striking takeaways was the reality of the current hiring landscape.

There are a significant number of Technology and Transformation Project Managers in the market, with many actively seeking roles, while the number of available vacancies is comparatively lower. This creates a more competitive and cautious hiring environment, where organisations are less willing to take risks and instead favour candidates whose experience closely aligns with their industry, function and technical context.

This reinforced an important reflection for me: transitioning into project management is not just about gaining qualifications, it is about clearly demonstrating how existing experience translates into project environments.

Key Trends Shaping the Profession

The webinar highlighted several trends influencing both recruitment and career development within project management:

• Flexibility is now an expectation, with hybrid and adaptive working models becoming the norm.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) remains a core organisational priority, particularly in diverse and multi-generational workplaces.
• AI and digital tools are increasing productivity expectations while also adding complexity to roles.
• Salary expectations remain high, despite a more cautious and uncertain market.

What stood out most was the emphasis on adaptability and people-focused skills in an evolving technological landscape.

Human Skills vs Technical Skills

A particularly interesting insight was that job demand has seen a significant increase in the importance of human skills compared to purely technical ones, especially following the rise of AI and automation tools.

In-demand capabilities include:

• Leadership and decision-making
• Stakeholder engagement and influence
• Adaptability and collaboration
• Emotional intelligence
• Problem-solving

Technical awareness still matters, particularly in areas such as Agile, data literacy, digital collaboration tools and applicable AI. However, the key message was clear: employers value applied skills and real experience more than theory alone.

This strongly aligns with my own approach to professional development by focusing not only on academic study, but on practical application through volunteering, governance exposure and continuous learning.

Certifications and Strategic Development

Another valuable discussion point was around certifications. Rather than collecting qualifications, the recommendation was to be strategic:

• Identify target roles and organisations
• Analyse job specifications
• Map required skills against current capabilities
• Invest in certifications that can be actively applied

Certifications demonstrate ambition and commitment, but they are most impactful when supported by real examples of delivery, leadership and collaboration.

As I continue progressing through my MSc in Technology Management and APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, this has encouraged me to focus on how I can actively evidence my learning in real-world contexts.

Career Pathways from Project Management

The webinar also explored the long-term career trajectory of project professionals. Project management can act as a foundation for a wide range of leadership roles, including:

• Programme and delivery leadership
• Strategic transformation roles
• Consulting and advisory positions
• Functional leadership (e.g. CIO, COO)
• Product, service and operational leadership

This broader perspective was particularly motivating, as it highlights how project management is not just a role, but a versatile professional pathway.

Positioning Myself as an Aspiring Project Professional

As someone with a background in web development, currently studying technology management and seeking to move into project management, this session prompted a lot of personal reflection.

Rather than viewing my technical background as separate from my future career, I am increasingly framing it as a strength. My experience in technology has helped me develop:

• Structured problem-solving skills
• Operational awareness within delivery environments
• Experience working with stakeholders and clients
• An understanding of technical constraints and project lifecycles

Alongside this, my academic studies and professional development activities are helping me build a stronger foundation in leadership, strategic thinking and project governance.

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

Some of the most practical advice shared during the webinar included:

• Tailoring CVs to each role and aligning experience directly with job specifications
• Showcasing applied experience, not just qualifications
• Building a portfolio of projects, outcomes and lessons learned
• Leveraging professional networks and personal branding
• Gaining feedback and continuously refining career strategy

It was also emphasised that entry routes into the profession are not always linear. Roles in PMO, project support and administrative functions can provide valuable exposure to project environments and governance structures.

Final Reflections

One of the most memorable points from the webinar was the idea that career development itself should be treated as a project.

This means:

• Setting clear long-term goals
• Regularly reflecting and adapting
• Developing both technical and human skills
• Seeking opportunities to gain relevant experience

As I continue my academic journey and professional development, my focus remains on building a well-rounded skill set that combines technology, governance, stakeholder engagement and strategic awareness.

The transition into project management is not an overnight shift, but a gradual and intentional progression. Each webinar, qualification, volunteering role and academic module contributes towards that wider goal, helping develop me into a competent and effective project professional over time.