News

Become a Project Manager: How and Why

In today’s competitive business environment, project management skills are essential for success. Whether you are a project manager, a team member, or a manager, having strong project management skills can help you make a positive impact in your current role or future career.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

Project managers do not operate in a single domain; their skillsets are invaluable in all types of organizations, large and small, and roles, from the C-suite to company interns. Regardless of the industry in which they operate, effective project managers lead projects from conception through implementation, creating value and driving change.

At its core, a project manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the execution of a project. They work with a team of people to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.

How Project Management Skills Make a Direct, Measurable Impact

Many employees manage projects daily in their current roles, but likely don’t understand the value of a well-managed project and what it means to the bottom line of their employer.

“Project management is the art and science of getting stuff done using a proven set of tools, approaches and controls. Studies continue to show that project managers get tasks done more efficiently, and in today’s world, that translates into lower costs and better results,” says Arthur Thomas, executive director of professional acceleration and microcredentials in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University.

Here are some of the benefits that your project management skills can bring to an organization:

  1. Plan and execute projects more effectively. Project management skills can help you to break down complex projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. They can also help you to identify and manage risks, and to track progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.
  2. Improve communication and collaboration. Project management skills can help you to communicate effectively with project stakeholders, including team members, clients, and managers. They can also help you to build strong relationships with team members and to foster collaboration.
  3. Increase efficiency and productivity. Project management skills can help you to identify and eliminate waste, and to streamline processes. They can also help you to optimize resources and to get the most out of your team’s time.
  4. Make better decisions. Project management skills can help you to gather and analyze data, and to make informed decisions about project scope, budget, and timeline. They can also help you to identify and mitigate risks, and to develop contingency plans.
  5. Meet deadlines and budgets. Project management skills can help you to track progress and to identify potential problems early on. They can also help you to make adjustments as needed to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

 

How to Get Started as a Project Manager

If becoming a project manager is one of your career goals, you’ll need more than a basic understanding of the general approaches of managing projects. You will need to start by building key professional skills and experience.

“The complexity of large-scale projects is growing, and not only does a candidate need to have experience under their belt, but they must know fundamental project management principles to succeed,” Thomas says.

  1. Earn a project management degree or credential. 
    Project management specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although not always required, a certification may also be beneficial. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a specific field, consider adding a more advanced credential in project management.

    Project Management, Bachelor of Professional Studies
    Project Management, Undergraduate Credit Certificate
    Project Management, Certificate of Advanced Studies
    Project Management, Master of Professional Studies
    Google Project Management Certificate at Syracuse University

    All project management degrees and certificates offered through the College of Professional Studies meet the education/training requirement for the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams.
  2. Gain experience. 
    The best way to become a project manager is to gain experience in project management. You can do this by volunteering for projects at work, taking on leadership roles in extracurricular activities or starting your own projects.
  3. Build key soft skills.
    Project managers need to be able to communicate effectively, motivate team members, and resolve conflicts. Some of the most impactful soft skills for project managers include:
    • Communication: Project managers need to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including team members, clients, and managers. They need to be able to clearly articulate project goals, objectives, and timelines. They also need to be able to listen to feedback and to resolve conflicts.
    • Planning: Project managers need to be able to plan and execute projects effectively. This includes breaking down complex projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. It also includes identifying and managing risks, tracking progress and making necessary adjustments along the way.
    • Organization: Project managers need to be organized and efficient. They need to be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to keep track of deadlines, budgets and resources.
    • Problem-solving: Project managers need to be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently. They need to be able to think critically to come up with creative solutions.
    • Leadership: Project managers need to be able to lead and motivate team members. They need to be able to set a clear vision for the project and to inspire team members to achieve their goals.

Career Opportunities in Project Management

“The Project Management Institute has reported in a recent 2022 jobs report that we can anticipate growth of about 2.3 million annual job opportunities in project management through 2030. Now is the time to be a project manager,” says Thomas.

The field of project management is vast, and individuals with project management skills and credentials have opportunities to work in many industries. As organizations seek ways to maintain and improve productivity to stay competitive, the need for skilled project managers is expected to increase. Some notable roles where project management skills are necessary are:

  • Project Manager: Project managers are responsible for the planning, organizing, and execution of projects. They work with a team of people to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
  • Program Manager: Program managers oversee multiple projects that are related to each other. They ensure that the projects are aligned with the organization’s goals and that they are completed in a coordinated and efficient manner.
  • Product Manager: Product managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products. They work with a team of people to define the product requirements, develop the product plan, and launch the product to market.
  • Engineering Manager: Engineering managers oversee a team of engineers. They are responsible for ensuring that the team is meeting the organization’s goals and that the projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
  • Construction Manager: Construction managers oversee the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures. They work with a team of people to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
  • IT Manager: IT managers combine project management, operational management, computer systems, networking, and people skills to successfully design, implement and maintain IT solutions.

Discover more about the College of Professional Studies’ project management credentials: Find out what courses you’ll take, skills you’ll learn and how to request information about the program.

College of Professional Studies Announces New Faculty Member, Austin Zwick, Ph.D.

Austin Zwick portrait

Austin Zwick, Ph.D., joins Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies as an assistant teaching professor and program director of the B.P.S. in Policy Studies program.

Zwick will teach and develop courses on public policy, information management, creative leadership, and other areas of professional studies.

Prior to joining the College of Professional Studies, Zwick was an assistant teaching professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs for five years and taught courses on policy methods, smart cities, and community benchmarking. Zwick continues to do research and teach executive education courses with Maxwell’s Autonomous Systems Policy Institute (ASPI), focusing on how technology is regulated and implemented by local governments.

Zwick earned a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in Urban Planning in 2018, an M.P.A. in Public Finance and Fiscal Policy in 2012, and a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations in 2009 from Cornell University.

Zwick’s research focuses on urban planning and policy challenges arising from emerging industries, with an emphasis on transportation and economic development.

In 2021, he co-edited the book “The Platform Economy and the Smart City: Technology and the Transformation of Urban Policy,” which was published by McGill-Queen’s University Press.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or education experience.

College of Professional Studies Announces Degree Completion Partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College

Syracuse University continues to demonstrate its national leadership role as the best university for veterans and military-connected students with a first-of-its-kind degree completion partnership with the United States Army Warrant Officer Career College.

Under the first-of-its-kind agreement, Syracuse University will award 51 course credits to Warrant Officer candidates and Senior Warrant Officers completing programs of instruction at the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College (USAWOCC). The agreement is designed to assist participating Soldiers in obtaining one or more of the following undergraduate degrees through the College of Professional Studies: Business Management, Creative Leadership, Knowledge Management, and Policy Studies.

“This partnership agreement dramatically expands access to Syracuse University for active duty, guard and reserve Warrant Officers who have or will complete Warrant Officer Career College,” says Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “Our commitment to providing flexible and progressive pathways for military-connected students immediately extends to the approximately 28,000 Warrant Officers serving in the United States Army.”

Syracuse University’s enduring commitment to veteran and military-connected students dates back more than 100 years. As one of the best private schools in the country for military-connected students, Syracuse offers online and residential part-time undergraduate study to active-duty military, guard and reservists earning the distinction of being the Best Place for Veterans™.

Army Warrant Officers, who are admitted to one of the transfer-eligible online bachelors programs, can use their tuition assistance (TA) benefits to cover 100 percent of their tuition. Consistent with its commitment to enhancing affordability, Syracuse University honors the Department of Defense TA rate of $250 per credit hour for US military members who aspire to earn an undergraduate degree.

“Active duty military, guard and reservists are life-long learners – members of the largest population of students enrolled in higher education today. Making Syracuse University more affordable and accessible is both a natural continuation of the University’s history of supporting non-traditional students and an appropriate response to the changing needs and expectations of those who could most benefit from a Syracuse University education,” says Frasciello.

Active military, guard and reserve members interested in more information about enrollment opportunities at Syracuse University may contact the College of Professional Studies admissions team at 315.443.9378 or parttime@syr.edu. Veterans and military-connected students can learn more about tuition benefits at https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/info-for/veterans-military/military-tuition-assistance-ta/.

Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship Enters First Partnership with Syracuse University College of Professional Studies

Golisano Graduates Eligible to Earn a Syracuse Degree in Two Years

Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is partnering with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies to offer its two-year certificate program graduates the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a reduced per credit rate equivalent to the total cost of a Golisano education.

The first partnership of its kind for both institutions is creating a path from a professional certificate program into transfer credits that will directly apply up to 48 credits toward a choice of four Syracuse bachelor’s programs: creative leadership, business management, knowledge management and liberal studies.

Founded and fully funded by Tom Golisano, Golisano Institute provides a tailored two-year certificate program aimed at making a premier business education accessible for all. The Institute will open this fall to welcome its first class of students.

“We are proud to partner with Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies to ensure that Golisano Institute graduates have the option to transfer credits earned here toward a Syracuse bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Ian Mortimer, president of Golisano Institute. “Our shared mission to deliver a high-quality educational experience for tomorrow’s business leaders and entrepreneurs while providing access to learners of all walks of life makes this the ideal partnership.”

“Our partnership with the Golisano Institute reaffirms our commitment to providing access to Syracuse University for non-traditional students who want to transform their lives and their communities through education,” said Dr. Michael Frasciello, dean of the College of Professional Studies. “The content and quality of the Institute’s program aligns perfectly with the market-sensitivity and rigor of our online undergraduate degrees. The entrepreneurial and progressive missions of our institutions make this partnership immediately impactful and relevant.”

Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship offers a distinctive business-focused curriculum, integrated with local, regional and national employers and accessible for individuals of all ages seeking to pursue a career in business or start a new venture. Tuition for the two-year certificate program is $8,900 per year, payable in two installments of $4,450. Need-based financial assistance is also available to eligible students. Syracuse is reducing its per credit hour rate to $450 for Golisano graduates to ensure the program is affordable and accessible for all.

The College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University supports all individuals seeking to start or finish a college degree, pursue an opportunity for professional acceleration or to simply take classes of interest taught by world-class faculty.

For more information, please visit Golisanoinstitute.org or professionalstudies.syracuse.edu.  

About Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship 

Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship offers a timely and affordable alternative path to a business education for high school graduates and young working professionals. Our two-year certificate program provides an intensive immersion in business-related coursework and an experiential learning environment. Our purpose is to efficiently turn out highly trained entrepreneurs in the greater Rochester region.

About Syracuse University College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to a diverse population of students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate or educational experience from anywhere in the world.

College of Professional Studies Announces Online Project Management Bachelor’s Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies announces two new project management programs, a bachelor’s degree and a certificate of advanced study (C.A.S.), both launching in Fall 2023. 

The 120-credit undergraduate degree and the 15-credit graduate-level C.A.S. are fully online and offer students an immersive online classroom experience. Much of the coursework is designed to be completed outside of the weekly class meetings. The virtual, weekly 90-minute class meetings provide students with the time and space to engage in active discussions, receive immediate feedback, and make connections with fellow classmates and instructors.

Successful completion of either program satisfies the project management education/training requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exams.

Bachelor’s Degree

The project management bachelor’s degree expands upon the suite of online undergraduate degrees at Syracuse University. The structure of the bachelor’s of professional studies degree allows online part-time learners with busy schedules to focus on professional competency and practical skills. The College of Professional Studies offers rolling admissions, offering six start sessions each year in any of the online undergraduate degrees.

Certificate of Advanced Study

The C.A.S. is a part-time graduate-level certificate. To be eligible for admission, interested students must have earned a bachelor’s degree and provide official transcripts for all college credits earned at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. No GRE or GMAT is required for admission into the Certificate of Advanced Study. Interested students can apply to start in the C.A.S. in the fall, spring or summer semesters.

Start Now Grant

Both programs are eligible for the College of Professional Studies Start Now Grant.

  • Online Bachelor’s Degree or Undergraduate Credit Certificates
    Apply and get admitted to any online bachelor of professional studies degrees or credit certificates through the College of Professional Studies in 2023 to be eligible to receive the Start Now Grant, which gives you $200 off your first 15 credits in an online undergraduate degree or certificate, an opportunity to save up to $3,000.
  • Project Management C.A.S. and Master’s Degree
    Apply and get admitted to the Project Management, C.A.S. or Project Management master’s degree program for the Fall 2023 semester to be eligible to receive the Start Now Grant, allowing you to pay only $1,000 per credit hour.

Learn more about the College of Professional Studies project management programs and all online degree and certificate options.

About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.