Is Project Management Consultancy a Good Career? How Do You Become One?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for project management specialists is positive, with a growth expectation at a steady 7% between 2021-2031. The rise in demand for effective project management shows the increasing importance of the project management consultant role. This blog explores the key responsibilities and benefits of this job and the skills and steps involved in pursuing a career in this field. We will also delve into the career outlook for project management consultants, including job descriptions, salary expectations, and potential companies to work with. 

What is a Project Management Consultant?

These consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations to help plan, execute, and successfully deliver projects. They bring extensive experience and knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques to help organizations improve their project management processes, increase efficiency, and deliver projects on time within budget and scope.

ALSO READ: How These Top 10 Project Management Tools Can Help You Streamline Your Workflow

What Does a Project Management Consultant Do?

This consultant advises organizations on project implementation from start to finish. They perform tasks such as defining project scope, setting goals and milestones, developing schedules, managing resources, and ensuring project delivery within budget and on time. They also provide training and support to project teams, implement project management methodologies, and resolve project-related issues. The goal of a project management consultant is to help organizations improve their project management processes and deliver successful projects.

Project Management Consultant Skills

• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and frameworks (e.g. PMP, Agile, Waterfall)
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to understand and analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions
• Well-developed leadership and team management skills
• Capable of handling multiple tasks and prioritizing effectively
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strategic and out-of-the-box thinking 
• Impressive negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)

Pros and Cons of Project Management Consultancy

Pros of Project Management Consultancy

• Improved project performance: They can help organizations improve project performance by providing expert advice and guidance
• Access to best practices: Consultants bring in a wealth of experience and knowledge of best practices that organizations can leverage to improve their processes
• Increased efficiency: A project management consultant can help organizations streamline processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop solutions to improve efficiency
• Reduced costs: By improving project performance and efficiency, a consultant can help organizations reduce costs and increase profitability

Cons of Project Management Consultancy

• Cost: Hiring a project management consultant can be expensive, especially for smaller organizations
• Dependence on external support: Organizations may become dependent on the consultant, which can limit their ability to manage projects independently in the future
• Resistance to change: Organizations may resist change, mainly if they are not used to working with consultants or implementing new processes
• Time constraints: Consultants are typically brought in for short-term projects, which may limit their ability to understand and address complex organizational issues fully

How to Become a Project Management Consultant

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business, management, or engineering
• Gain experience in project management by working in a related role, such as a project manager or project coordinator
• Acquire certifications in project management, such as Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Build a strong network of professional contacts in the industry
• Develop a portfolio of successful projects and case studies to demonstrate your expertise
• Market yourself and your services to potential clients by networking, building a professional website, and showcasing your portfolio
• Continuously stay up-to-date with the latest project management methodologies, tools, and techniques

ALSO READ: 5 Best Software for Project Management That Can Be Used by Anyone

Career Outlook

Job Description

A project management consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and guidance to organizations to help plan, execute, and deliver projects successfully.

Salary

The salary of a project management consultant varies based on several factors, such as location, experience, and industry.

(Note: All salaries are taken from Glassdoor)

Top Companies

Many companies offer project management consultancy services, including large consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain & Company, and Accenture and specialized project management consulting firms such as PM Solutions.

Is Becoming a Project Management Consultant a Good Career Option?

It can be a good career option for individuals with strong project management skills. It offers a competitive salary, flexibility, and the opportunity to work on various projects and industries, continuously developing and expanding one’s skills. Project management is a highly sought-after skill, making project management consultancy a promising career choice. However, staying up-to-date with the latest methodologies and techniques requires dedication and continuous learning.

Build Your Project Management Career with Emeritus

In conclusion, becoming a project management consultant can be a highly rewarding and fulfilling career choice for individuals with a passion for helping organizations succeed. You can also build a strong resume in project management by upskilling yourself through the various online project management courses Emeritus offers in tie-up with the best universities worldwide. 

By Siddhesh Shinde

Write to us at content@emeritus.org