Ever wondered what it takes to become a project manager? If you’re good at managing time, enjoy working with different people and like making things happen, this could be the perfect career for you.

As a project manager, you’ll plan, organise and guide projects from start to finish. You’ll ensure things run smoothly, stay on schedule, within budget and meet the project’s overall goals.

You could be helping to deliver billion-dollar infrastructure such as roads or buildings in major cities or coordinating impactful projects in regional or remote communities. It’s an exciting, varied and in-demand role, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow across a range of industries.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore Charles Sturt University’s Graduate Certificate in Project Management, Graduate Diploma in Project Management¹ or Master of Project Management² and find the right fit for you.

Why choose a career in project management?

Are you a natural-born leader who loves keeping things organised and running like clockwork? Maybe you’re the organiser in your friend group – the one who takes the plans from the group chat and makes them happen. You’re the do-er. The person everyone can rely on.

Why not turn that skill into a profession? The Australian Government is committing more than $100 billion to infrastructure over the next decade which means demand for skilled project managers is set to rise. In fact, the Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List shows a significant gap in construction project managers, especially across NSW, Queensland, WA and the Northern Territory.³ So, it’s a future-proof career move, don’t you think?

Reasons to choose project management

• High demand across industries – as mentioned, you won’t be short of work when there’s a strong job outlook across industries such as construction, IT, business and more.
• Strong earning potential – according to Seek.com.au, the average annual salary for a project manager in Australia ranges from $135,000 to $155,000. Show me the money!
• Leadership opportunities – you could start as a project coordinator or manager and then move up to become a project director, senior manager or executive.

Choosing a career in project management means strong job security and the ability to work across various industries. In addition, it opens doors to roles where you can grow your skillset, increase your earning potential and make a positive impact.

What does a project manager do?

Lots! Project managers are the masterminds behind project planning, guiding from start to finish. That involves coordinating teams, managing timelines and budgets and solving problems.

They keep everything on track, communicate with stakeholders every step of the way and ensure the project delivers what it’s meant to. Think of project managers as the glue that holds everything together. Without them, things fall apart.

Project manager responsibilities:

• Planning and defining the project scope
• Managing budgets and resources
• Leading and motivating a team
• Risk management and mitigation
• Communicating with stakeholders
• Ensuring quality standards

5 steps to becoming a project manager

There’s more than one way to become a project manager but if you want to give yourself the best possible start, then educating yourself and gaining the right skills and industry connections is key. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to build on prior experience, Charles Sturt’s courses in project management will set you up for a successful career.

• Understand the role
• Gain relevant experience
• Pursue education
• Consider industry certifications
• Grow your professional network

Read on for more info on each step.

Step 1: Understand the role

The first step before jumping in is to get an understanding of what project managers actually do. Once you know, then you can decide if it’s the right career path for you. Generally, the main responsibilities include planning, coordinating and delivering projects. You’ll be managing timelines, budgets, risks and teams, often across multiple departments or locations depending on the scope of the project. To do well in the role, you’ll need a good mix of hard skills like budgeting and scheduling to deliver a project and also soft skills like strong leadership, good communication skills, problem-solving and staying calm under pressure.

The next thing to think about is workplace culture which can vary depending on the industry and environment you get into. For example, in the construction industry, you might be working predominantly outdoors on a worksite, doing hands-on tasks and team collaboration on-site. Meanwhile, in an IT role, you could be more office-based or remote with team communication online and in a more corporate setting.

Knowing what kind of working environment you prefer, whether it’s fast-paced and physical or more tech-driven, can make it easier to choose the right role.

Step 2: Gain relevant experience

Now, if you want to gain some experience before or during your studies, consider starting in support roles. This will give you a good insight into how projects run.

As a project administrator, your responsibilities might include keeping documents up-to-date, assisting with scheduling meetings and making sure the team meets deadlines. For instance, you might land a role working for a local council and support a team with community projects such as a playground or park upgrade.

As a project coordinator, you would take on more responsibility such as managing part of a project and reporting directly to the project manager. This would involve being across all aspects of the project. You’d assist with administrative duties and ensure day-to-day tasks where completed. For example, you might help manage the roll-out of a new software system for an IT company.

Step 3: Pursue education

To help build your skills, it’s a good idea to consider gaining the right qualifications such as certificates, diplomas or degrees. Charles Sturt offers courses that are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the industry.

Step 4: Consider industry certifications

Industry certifications can really boost your career. For example, some of the most popular include:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Agile Project Manager (CAPM)
• Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)
• Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2)
  
  Having these certifications shows employers you’re committed and you’ve got the skills to handle complex projects. They can also complement your experience and formal education. Plus, many of Charles Sturt’s courses align with these industry standards so you’ll be well prepared.
  

Step 5: Grow your professional network

Lastly, building your network is important. It helps connect you with people who can offer advice or support. It can also open up job opportunities and support your professional growth. It’s a good idea to consider joining industry groups like the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) which offers training opportunities, mentorship and certificate programs. You’ll also connect with other professionals, industry leaders and have access to a wealth of handy resources.

Similarly, being part of the Charles Sturt alumni network will give you access to a community of like-minded professionals who have all been in your shoes. You’ll have access to career resources, exclusive discounts and ongoing support long after you graduate.

Brushing up on your skills by attending industry conferences is another way to help you network. You’ll uncover new trends, insights and potential job opportunities. And you never know who you might meet or what you’ll discover!

Study project management courses at Charles Sturt

So if you’re ready to dive into the world of project management, let’s take a look at the courses and flexible study options available when you study with us.

Graduate Certificate in Project Management

• 6 months (full-time equivalent)
• Ideal for career starters or those wanting to upskill
• Provides the building blocks of project management practice
• Articulates directly into the graduate diploma and master’s

Graduate Diploma of Project Management

• 1 year (full-time equivalent)
• Designed to deepen skills for mid-level project roles
• Pathway to the master’s

Master of Project Management

• 1.5–2 years (full-time equivalent)
• Advanced leadership, strategic thinking, risk and governance
• Aligns with industry standards like PMP
• Positions you for senior and executive project leadership roles
  

The skills and knowledge you’ll build

As a project manager, you’ll develop a mix of skills that will help you lead teams and deliver results. Here’s a look at the key technical and interpersonal skills you’ll build along the way:

Our courses follow the principles laid out in the Project Management Institute’s (PMI)® PMP® certification, ensuring you’ll gain the right industry knowledge and skills.

You’ll have the dedicated support of our lecturers who have extensive project management experience and will help you apply theory into real-world settings.

Plus, you’ll be studying with the most experienced online university⁴ and joining the 91 per cent of postgraduate students who secure full-time employment within four months of graduating.⁵

Get in touch with us to find out more.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a project manager?

It all depends on the qualification you choose. If you start with the graduate certificate, it generally takes around six months of full-time study. The graduate diploma takes around one year full-time and the master’s can take between one to two years full-time. You might be able to finish sooner if you’re eligible for credit based on whether you’ve completed previous study, or have relevant work experience.

Is online study for these courses an option?

Yes! The Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Project Management are all available 100 per cent online – so you can study anywhere, anytime. You can continue working while updating your qualifications. Plus, online study doesn’t mean you’ll be doing it alone – you’ll still have access to our lecturers, support services and campus facilities like the library and quiet study zones.

How much do project managers earn?

Based on data from Seek.com.au, the average annual salary for a project manager in Australia at present ranges from $135,000 to $155,000.

What skills do you need to become a successful project manager?

You don’t necessarily need prior project manager experience to become a successful one. What’s more important is having a combination of hard skills – like project execution, budgeting and scheduling as well as soft skills like clear communication, strong leadership, adaptability and problem-solving. Furthermore, having some project manager education under your belt, such as a university degree, can strengthen your credentials and provide opportunities for more advanced roles.

¹ Course CRICOS 117250K
² Course CRICOS 117249C
³ Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List, 2024
⁴ Department of Education, National Data Collection File, 2023
_⁵ Good Universities Guide 2024/25