What does a Project Manager do?
Do you want to find out what it means to work as a Project Manager? Choose Domus Academy’s master courses for comprehensive training!
In the dynamic business world, where projects, in their diverse forms and broadest sense, are the heartbeat of innovation and development, the professional figure of the Project Manager emerges as increasingly crucial for the job market. But why is this profession so vital? And what exact tasks does it entail?
If we were to summarize the duties of this professional in a few words, we could describe their position as pivotal in ensuring that business initiatives translate into tangible and successful outcomes. These skills and responsibilities are, in most cases, compensated with a salary or remuneration appropriate to the prior experience and the size of the company.
Their technical skills, responsibilities, and strategic importance—often unnoticed behind the scenes—are essential for the success of projects. A Project Manager is the professional responsible for the planning, execution, progress, and completion of a project. This role demands efficient resource management, respecting one’s own and others’ time, adept administration of the budget, and understanding the capabilities of those involved in the project. In short, a Project Manager is the catalyst that unites people, resources, and processes to effectively and efficiently achieve project goals.
To become a Project Manager, it’s advisable to start with a basic education in business management or a related field: many candidates pursue degrees in business management or industrial engineering. However, practical experience in individual projects after the educational journey, as well as obtaining recognized certifications in the field such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or PRINCE2, is equally important. Participation in conferences and seminars and cultivating a good network with other industry professionals can also be very beneficial for career progression.
The key skills and requirements to become a Project Manager include a strong inclination for leadership, essential for guiding and motivating the team; excellent budget management skills with a comprehensive understanding of the company’s finances; clear and immediate communication with the team, potential suppliers, and clients; and effective risk and time management. Appreciated qualities also include problem-solving, adaptability to changes, trend analysis, and depending on the sector and companies, good technical knowledge. The Project Manager must be able to manage unforeseen events and organize solutions quickly, changing priorities when necessary. They must also be comfortable with innovative methodologies and the digital environment, as well as being fluent in English.
Project Managers often use dedicated project management software. Some of the most common include Microsoft Project for detailed planning, a variety of software for coordinating activities, data, and the team (like Asana, Hive, or Trello), Microsoft Excel for spreadsheets and tracking tables; tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for team communication are also frequently used.
The Project Manager role is highly demanded in a wide variety of businesses, including IT and technology, construction, healthcare, finance, and marketing. Workplaces may belong to the private sector as well as government organizations, offering diverse professional opportunities.
At Domus Academy, the Project Manager can apply their skills in various sectors, from the most theoretical to the most practical, such as Design and Fashion. Particularly in the Master in Urban Vision & Architectural Design, professionals can develop their competencies. Students will explore a wide range of design-based strategies while deepening sociological, cultural, relational, and commercial aspects. They will also have the opportunity to conduct projects from the initial research phase to the realization proposals, including feasibility and resource studies.
In the field of fashion and business, the Project Manager can expand their skills to include brand management capabilities. In the Master in Luxury Brand Management, students will manage the delicate balance between creativity and business for luxury brands. In the Master in Fashion Management, students will combine fashion studies with management principles, covering aspects related to purchasing, merchandising, communication, marketing, distribution, and production. They will be guided in formulating and executing pertinent research projects, analyzing, evaluating, and making informed decisions to develop creative and commercially viable strategies consistent with the brand identity.