Project Manager

Project managers oversee the planning, execution, and completion of projects, ensuring they meet goals, timelines, and budgets while managing resources and stakeholders.

What is a typical day in as a Project Manager? 

Defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables.

Developing and maintaining project plans and schedules.

Coordinating team activities and monitoring progress.

Communicating with stakeholders to provide updates and resolve issues.

What else might they be expected to do? 

Manage project risks and implement contingency plans.

Oversee resource allocation and manage project budgets.

Conduct project evaluations and report outcomes to stakeholders.

Utilize project management software to track tasks and milestones.

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? (based on RIASEC/Holland Codes)?

Enterprising (E): Interest in leading teams and making decisions.

Conventional (C): Preference for structured planning and organizing workflows.

Investigative (I): Desire to analyze data and solve complex problems.

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

A degree in Business, Management, Engineering, or a related field is beneficial.

Certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), or PRINCE2 Practitioner enhance career prospects.

Proficiency in project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, or Asana is essential.

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

Organized, decisive, and adaptable individuals thrive in this role.

Big 5 Traits: High conscientiousness, openness to experience, and extraversion.

Myers-Briggs Types: ENTJ (strategic and goal-oriented) or ESTJ (practical and results-driven).

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

Balancing competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Managing conflicts within teams or between stakeholders.

Adapting to changes in project scope or unexpected risks.

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

Kenya and Africa: Entry level roles are rare. Demand is strongest for mid-level PMs who can run projects with minimal supervision across industries such as construction, IT, NGO and development projects.

International: Kenyan professionals with certifications like PMP or PRINCE2 are competitive for regional opportunities in project management especially if they demonstrate delivery + analytics + stakeholder management.

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

Recommend getting a competitive Undergraduate Degree with in-demand skills so as to get work experience as you gain Project Mangagement certifications.

Build a portfolio to show experience in managing budgets, timelines, and resources even on pro-bono basis for family construction projects.

Volunteer in Multi-functional teams if you are employed that will give you project management experience.

Stay updated on project management methodologies and tools.

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

Program Manager

Operations Manager

Business Analyst

Chief Operations Officer (COO)