9.3 Career Focus: Opportunities in Information Systems Project Management

Project Management in Health Care

Health care is a growing industry worth billions of dollars. There are hundreds of jobs for individuals who study health care, but there are also many jobs for those who have degrees in other areas like project management (Figure 9.17). Here are a few interesting positions that combine health-care management and project management in the health-care industry:

• Health-care project manager: This is a general project management role focused on overseeing and managing projects within health-care organizations. Health-care project managers may work on initiatives related to process improvement, technology implementation, facility expansion, or quality improvement. These project managers may have some background in health care or health-care systems.
• Information technology project manager: Health-care organizations rely heavily on technology for various purposes, such as electronic medical records, telehealth systems, and data analytics. Information technology project managers in health care are responsible for managing technology-related projects, including system implementations, software upgrades, infrastructure enhancements, and cybersecurity initiatives. Positions in IT project management usually have higher salaries than other project management positions in health care.
• Clinical project manager: Clinical project managers oversee projects related to clinical research, trials, or the development and implementation of new medical procedures or protocols. They work closely with clinical researchers, physicians, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance, manage timelines, and monitor progress. These positions usually require a health-care background or degree. Many nurses advance to positions like these with the proper project management training.
• Health-care informatics project manager: With the growing importance of health information systems and data analytics in health care, informatics project managers are responsible for projects related to data integration, data warehousing, data analysis, and health information exchange between doctors, hospitals, and other providers. They collaborate with many teams throughout the organization to ensure efficient and secure management of health-care data. Any position in informatics usually requires a background in informatics or health care.
• Quality improvement project manager: Quality improvement is a critical aspect of health care, and project managers in this role focus on projects aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and overall quality. Individuals in these positions are usually highly trained in health-care operations. They work on initiatives such as implementing evidence-based practices, developing quality metrics, and leading process improvement efforts. A lot of nurse leaders find themselves in positions like this after obtaining their master’s degree in leadership.
• Compliance project manager: Compliance with regulations and standards is essential in health care. Compliance project managers ensure that health-care organizations meet regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and industry-specific requirements. Because compliance project managers develop compliance programs, conduct audits, and implement measures to mitigate issues, these positions usually require experience in compliance.

Figure 9.17 The health-care industry supports a wide range of project management positions. (credit: modification of work “NMCP Holds Nursing Skill Fair 211021-N-MY642-1009” by Navy Medicine/Flickr, Public Domain)

These are just a few of the positions you can hold in the health-care industry as a project manager with a medical or health-care background. It’s important to read the job responsibilities for positions like these to determine the specific requirements and expectations.

Project Management in Finance

The financial industry also employs many different graduates from all types of background and degree programs. The financial industry is vast and ranges from small-town banks to large global investment firms. Depending on your expertise, experience, and the specific needs of the organization, you will find that project managers are paid very well in this industry. Following are some of the project manager positions in the financial industry:

• Banking project manager: Like a health-care project manager in health care, this is a general project management position responsible for overseeing and managing projects across different areas of the bank. This may include projects related to process improvement, system implementations, regulatory compliance, customer experience enhancements, or product/service launches. Any project that requires scheduling, budgeting, quality, and risk oversight would be a job for a project manager.
• Information technology project manager: Just as in health care, banks heavily rely on technology to provide secure services. Security and privacy are the most important responsibilities when dealing with people’s money. Information technology project managers in the financial industry manage many high-tech projects, such as banking system upgrades, software development, cybersecurity initiatives, digital transformation projects, AI, data analytics, and infrastructure enhancements.
• Risk management project manager: Risk management is an important aspect of banking operations. Project managers are well equipped to handle risks and evaluate probability and impacts. In general, risk management project managers focus on projects related to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks. They work on projects such as implementing risk management frameworks, regulatory compliance projects, operational risk mitigation initiatives, disaster management, or business continuity planning. Individuals in this position usually have a strong background in IT or security.
• Digital banking project manager: With the rise of digital banking services, project managers in this role focus on projects related to digital transformation, online banking platforms, mobile banking applications, and digital payment solutions. They oversee projects that aim to enhance customer experience, increase self-service capabilities, and drive digital innovation within the bank. Digital project managers are becoming more popular in all industries but especially in banking.
• Regulatory compliance project manager: Banks operate within a highly regulated environment. Regulatory compliance project managers ensure that the bank adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards. They manage projects related to compliance with financial regulations, anti–money laundering initiatives, and data privacy regulations. In these positions, a project manager would need to have a background in regulatory matters and compliance in the financial industry.
• Product development project manager: Banks continuously develop and launch new products and services to meet customer demands. Product development project managers lead development initiatives of new products and could oversee a portfolio of projects in the development area. Usually these project managers collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product delivery. This is a great position for a project manager who is very creative and likes to be on the cutting edge of product development.
• Merger and acquisition project manager: In the financial industry, mergers, acquisitions, and integrations are common. Usually there is a separate merger and acquisition department that handles the merger and acquisition of companies interested in buying or investing in other companies. Usually, these positions are found in large investment brokerage companies that solely manage mergers and acquisitions. Project managers specializing in this area perform due diligence, integration planning, systems consolidation, and cultural alignment tasks. This is a very interesting career for someone who likes to work across various industries.

The financial industry can be a very exciting and lucrative career for anyone who studies business and project management. Even if you don’t enjoy math or accounting, a project manager can still be successfully employed in the financial industry.

Project Management in Manufacturing

You may find yourself in a manufacturing industry where administrative and technical jobs are the focus, but where project managers play a significant role (Figure 9.18). Just as in other industries, project managers can hold various positions depending on the specific needs and projects within the organization. Having an engineering or technical degree or background can support a smooth transition to a project manager position in manufacturing.

Figure 9.18 Many engineers study project management as part of their degree program. (credit: “Tesla Autobots” by Steve Jurvetson/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

These positions are common for engineers in manufacturing:

• Manufacturing project manager: A general project management role within the manufacturing sector, these project managers oversee and coordinate projects related to process improvement, product development, facility expansion, equipment installation, and production optimization. They ensure projects are executed efficiently, are within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Lean Six Sigma project manager: Lean Six Sigma is a methodology widely used in manufacturing to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. Lean Six Sigma certified project managers lead projects focused on process improvement, waste reduction, and quality enhancement. They can make a comfortable living by having a project manager certification and a Lean Six Sigma certification. They work closely with cross-functional teams to implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies and achieve operational excellence.
• New product development project manager: Manufacturing companies often engage in developing and launching new products. New product development project managers oversee projects related to introducing new products to the market. They manage the entire product development life cycle, from concept design to prototyping, testing, and final production. With the manufacturing of any new product, systems are needed to develop the product that takes a long time to produce. This may be a good fit for those who like to be creative and have an engineering or manufacturing background.
• Supply chain project manager: Supply chain project managers focus on optimizing the supply chain processes within manufacturing organizations. Many business majors with a specialization in supply chain work make great project managers in this industry. They work on projects related to supply chain network design, supplier management, logistics optimization, demand planning, and inventory management. They collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and cost-effective supply chain management. As the world becomes more integrated, supply chain management is expected to be a growing area. Supply chain management can be a very exciting and lucrative career that can take you all over the world. Project managers in this field can experience the same global career potential. Individuals in supply chain management come from many backgrounds and degree programs, like business, engineering, management, IT, and IS.
• Quality assurance/quality control project manager: Companies can’t manufacture or supply products without quality control. Quality project managers oversee projects related to quality assurance and quality control. They establish and implement quality standards, develop quality management systems, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. This role is a good match for those who want to be leaders and have good attention to detail.

Project Management in Engineering

Engineers can be employed in many different types of industries, so it may not be surprising that project managers with an engineering background are highly sought after (Figure 9.19). If you decide to study engineering, you may also want to have project management experience to boost your position and value to the organization. Having the expertise to manage scope, schedule, costs, risks, and quality are skills that every engineer must learn.

Figure 9.19 Project management and engineering usually go together as engineers will be asked to lead projects as part of the job. (credit: “Flickr - Official U.S. Navy Imagery - A Navy engineering technician and the project manager for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard review installation plans for a 20,000-square-foot rooftop photovoltaic system” by Marshall Fukuki, U.S. Navy/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

Here are some positions that project managers can have in the engineering industry:

• Engineering project manager: This is a general project management role within the engineering industry. Engineering project managers oversee and manage projects related to infrastructure development, construction, product design and development, research and development, and engineering consulting. They are responsible for project planning, coordination, resource allocation, risk management, and ensuring successful project delivery.
• Construction project manager: Construction project managers specialize in managing projects within the construction industry. They oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects, including building construction, infrastructure development, and renovation projects. Construction project managers coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, are within budget, and meet quality standards.
• Product development project manager: Product development project managers focus on projects involving the design, development, and launch of new products. They work closely with engineering teams, product designers, and marketing teams to define project scope, develop project plans, allocate resources, and manage the product development life cycle from concept to market launch.
• Research and development (R&D) project manager: R&D project managers lead projects focused on research, innovation, and development of new technologies, products, or processes. They collaborate with engineers, scientists, and researchers to define project goals, allocate resources, manage timelines, and ensure the successful execution of R&D initiatives.
• Systems engineering project manager: Systems engineering project managers oversee projects that involve complex systems integration, such as developing and implementing large-scale engineering systems or infrastructure. They coordinate activities across multiple engineering disciplines, manage project scope, ensure effective communication among stakeholders, and drive the integration and successful delivery of complex engineering systems.

Project Management in Business

Business majors are always in high demand to lead and manage some of the most influential companies in the world. Before you become a leader in business, you first must demonstrate your ability to manage and lead projects. A solid foundation in project management enhances any career choice, but in business, this is even more important (Figure 9.20).

Figure 9.20 Business employs a vast number of individuals with various jobs, skills, and experience. Project management is just another skill set that can easily be part of any job or career for any business in the world. (credit: modification of work “wocintech-microsoft” by WOCInTech/nappy, Public Domain)

Here are some common positions that project managers may have in the business sector:

• Business project manager: This is a general project management role within the business field. Business project managers oversee and manage projects across various business functions, including marketing, operations, finance, human resources, and strategic planning. They ensure project goals are achieved, coordinate resources, manage project schedules, and monitor project budgets.
• Information technology project manager: Information technology project managers specialize in managing projects related to IT or IS technology infrastructure upgrades, integrations, network installations, cybersecurity initiatives, and other IT-related projects. They collaborate with cross-functional and matrixed teams, stakeholders, and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Marketing project manager: Marketing project managers focus on projects related to marketing campaigns, product launches, brand development, and market research. They coordinate the planning, execution, and monitoring of marketing initiatives, including advertising campaigns, digital marketing projects, social media campaigns, and market research studies. They often are knowledgeable in topics like search optimization and website analytics.
• Operations project manager: Operations project managers are responsible for managing projects that improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and optimize supply chain management operations within a company. They oversee projects related to process improvement, inventory management, logistics optimization, and operational cost reduction.
• Strategy project manager: Strategy project managers are involved in projects related to strategic planning, business development, and organizational growth. They work on initiatives such as market analysis, competitive research, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. Strategy project managers facilitate the development and execution of strategic initiatives to drive business success.

Characteristics of Project Managers

Project managers possess a range of characteristics that contribute to their success in leading projects. Here are some characteristics typical of successful project managers:⁵

• Leadership: As a project manager, you need strong leadership skills to guide teams, to inspire, collaborate, and motivate individuals to achieve project goals. You must also be able to provide clear direction, delegate tasks, and foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Communication: Effective communication is necessary for project managers to convey information, set expectations, and facilitate effective collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and clients. Project managers are skilled in active listening and clear verbal and written communication and are able to adapt their communication style to different audiences.
• Organizational skills: Project managers must be highly organized to handle multiple tasks, deadlines, and resources effectively. Project managers develop detailed project plans, establish timelines, allocate resources, and track progress to ensure projects stay on track and within budget.
• Problem-solving skills: Project managers encounter various challenges throughout projects. You should possess strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop effective solutions. You should be proactive in mitigating risks, handling conflicts, and making timely decisions to keep projects on course.
• Adaptability: Projects often require flexibility and adaptability as circumstances change. You can expect that all projects have their challenges, and you need to think fast and adapt to those changes. Project managers can adjust their plans, resources, and strategies to accommodate unforeseen challenges or shifting priorities.
• Collaboration: Even though the project manager has a lot of control and authority, a project manager is part of a team aiming to get projects completed through collaboration. Project managers work with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and external partners. A project manager needs to excel in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and promoting teamwork.
• Time management: Managing your time and your team’s time is a priority for project managers. Project managers are adept at managing time efficiently. They prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and ensure project milestones are achieved on time.

Many of these characteristics are soft skills required of any career. Colleges and universities pay close attention to developing these skills in their students. Characteristics like leadership, collaboration, and time management are all key skills for project managers and are taught in any project manager program.

Developing foundational skills is a good way to achieve success as a project manager. You may discover you are very good at these skills already, and you don’t have to wait to practice them. Try applying budgeting, scheduling, and time management skills into your daily life. Seek out internships to get experience. Sign up to run a project for a student organization or take on a leadership role and focus on managing the organization and projects using best practices and skills you learned in your studies. Always seek out opportunities for teamwork and collaboration no matter where you are in life or where you may find the opportunities.

Education and Certifications to Become a Project Manager

A specific degree is not required but having some courses or training in project management or a related field can be advantageous. Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in fields such as business administration, engineering, computer science, or project management can provide an understanding of the principles and fundamentals of project management. Courses in specialty areas like IS offer opportunities to learn about project management methodologies, tools, and best practices through case studies and group projects.

Project management certifications can enhance your credentials and earning power, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the field. The PMP certification, offered by the PMI, is one of the most recognized and respected certifications in the industry. To earn the PMP certification, you need a combination of education and project management experience, along with passing the PMP certification exam. If you don’t have enough experience to get the PMP certification, which requires three to five years of demonstrated project management work, you may want to consider a CAPM certification, which only requires two years of demonstrated experience in project management. Having demonstrated experience in project management doesn’t mean you have to have held the title of a project manager, only that you have performed various tasks in project manager task areas like initiating, managing, and closing projects. Both PMP and CAPM certifications require an individual to have a fixed number of hours of training before taking the exam, and they also require continuous professional development and ongoing training to maintain both certifications. PRINCE2 certification can also be pursued to showcase your knowledge and skills in project management. It also requires demonstrated experience in project management, an exam, and continuous professional development.

Many project management positions will require some sort of certification. To obtain the best credentials in project management and earn the most in salary for the job, you will likely need a PMP certification or a certification in a specific Agile project management area like Scrum Master or PRINCE2.

Project management is forever evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends, methodologies, and tools is important to maintain your certification and your expertise. As you complete college or training, you should think of learning as a lifelong endeavor. New technologies, new tools, and new best practices are progressing at a faster rate than ever before. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning and professional development is a must for long-term growth and sustainability. Attending industry conferences, workshops, and seminars, as well as engaging in online resources, webinars, and reading project management publications are all methods of continuous learning. Joining professional organizations and networking groups is a great way to connect with experienced project managers and learn from their experiences.