Project Management Consultant Career and Salary Profile
Project management is becoming an increasingly vital function to businesses in all industries. Professional project management (PM) consultants work to help pharmaceutical, financial, biotech, software, information technology and other firms succeed by streamlining projects to meet objectives and add to organizational profitability. Professionals who wish to pursue a project management consultant career can boost their chances of success by enrolling in an MBA with a specialization in Project Management program.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that management, scientific and technical consulting services will be the fastest-growing industry in coming years. Growth will result from a number of factors, such as an expanding economy, more complex business environment, increasing use of technology, the trend toward outsourcing, and globalization – all of which will spur demand for knowledgeable project management consultants. Despite the predicted job growth, competition will be keen; job seekers with experience and advanced education should have the best prospects.
Job Duties for Project Management Consultants
Project management consultants bring specialized skills and knowledge to assist companies in making the best possible business decisions. They typically provide oversight and leadership in executing projects from planning to completion. Daily tasks include managing budgets, resources and relationships to achieve organizational objectives. Planning, developing and executing schedules to ensure timely completion of projects are additional job duties for these professionals.
Extensive involvement and familiarity with a project allows the project management consultant to communicate with staff throughout its life cycle. They often define and monitor each team member’s role and function, and coordinate all team activities. Identifying and managing project risks and developing solutions to problems are additional duties performed by project management consultants.
During the execution of a project, the PM consultant might analyze data and identify trends and inefficiencies, to prevent problems before they occur. Providing roadmaps and periodic recommendations to senior management could also be required. Creating and implementing mitigation and contingency plans are additional aspects of the project management consultant’s job.
Other tasks required of a PM consultant include: facilitating meetings; building positive relationships with clients, vendors and management; tracking documentation and data collection; creating presentations; and conducting follow-up studies on projects.
Project management consultants usually work in offices, and a 40-hour week is standard. Travel to satellite offices, vendor locations or production faculties could be required.
Quality Assurance Manager: Potential Salary
According to national salary data on PayScale.com, as of January 2011, quality assurance managers earned a median total annual income of about $97,595, with those in the 25th to 75th percentile earning between $63,871 and $131,319 in total pay.
Indeed.com, another widely-used salary survey site, based its project management consultant salary report on national job postings across industry classifications. As of January 2011, the average salary reported for this classification was $91,000.
Top salaries generally go to those with experience, certifications and advanced education.
Education and Training Requirements
For certain project management consultant positions, a bachelor’s degree and work experience may be sufficient. Many employers show preference to candidates with certifications and advanced degrees, such as MBAs.
Enrolling in an MBA program with a specialization in Project Management can provide the knowledge and advanced skills top employers seek. Coursework typically includes cases in applied project management, mastering project management, project tools and techniques, and financial management.
Employers can be confident that professionals who have earned an MBA with a specialization in Project Management are able to:
- Apply hands-on skills to project planning.
- Analyze case studies and develop projects that solve difficult business issues.
- Determine proper tools and techniques needed to successfully complete projects.
- Implement a process-based approach to meeting organizational goals.
- Leverage advanced knowledge and skills to succeed as a project management consultant.
Do You Have What it Takes to Succeed as a Project Management Consultant?
Are you a sharp, energetic, curious and a creative problem solver? Are you self-directed and highly motivated, as well? These are just some of the attributes necessary to becoming a successful project management consultant. Top employers want real business knowledge and specialized skills, too. In addition to possessing these personal attributes, pursuing an MBA in Project Management can help you stand out from the competition. Land the best project management consultant job and watch your career reach new heights!
