How to Become the Best Digital Project Manager

The digital world is changing fast. Businesses need people who can manage digital projects. This is where digital project manager come in.

As a digital project manager, you will plan, execute, and deliver digital projects. This can include things like websites, mobile apps, and social media campaigns.

Digital project management requires many skills. You need technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and good communication skills.

The journey to becoming a digital project manager may seem difficult. But with the right approach, you can have a rewarding career in this field.

If you want to become a digital project manager, this blog post is for you. We will explore the roles and steps to become a successful digital project manager.

Who Is a Digital Project Manager?

A digital project manager is a person who with the help of project management software, manages a team and executes projects online. The duties of project management encompass but are not limited to designing projects, assigning tasks to the team members, and ensuring the successful execution of the project. The project manager works within your budget while ensuring excellent service delivery to the client. Even though the position sounds remote most project managers work onsite while the team members work online.

What does a digital project manager do?

Project managers play a crucial role in driving projects forward, ensuring successful outcomes, and meeting stakeholders’ needs. A project manager’s duties typically include:

1. Project planning:

– Defining project scope, goals, and deliverables

– Developing project schedules, budgets, and resource allocation plans

– Identifying and assessing risks

2. Team management:

– Leading and motivating cross-functional teams

– Assigning tasks and responsibilities

– Conducting performance evaluations and providing feedback

3. Communication:

– Coordinating with stakeholders, team members, and clients

– Ensuring effective communication and information flow

– Managing project expectations and stakeholder needs

4. Task execution:

– Overseeing project tasks and activities

– Ensuring timely completion and quality of work

– Managing changes and issues

5. Monitoring and control:

– Tracking project progress and performance

– Identifying and addressing deviations from plans

– Taking corrective actions when needed

6. Risk management:

– Identifying, analyzing, and mitigating project risks

– Developing contingency plans

7. Budgeting and cost management:

– Managing project budgets and expenses

– Ensuring cost-effectiveness and value for money

8. Quality assurance:

– Ensuring project quality standards are met

– Conducting quality control and assurance activities

9. Closure:

– Formalizing project completion

– Documenting lessons learned and best practices

– Evaluating project success and impact

How do I get into digital project management?

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

Not all bachelor’s degree owners will indeed be good digital project managers but acquiring that is a good start. A degree in project management, digital marketing, or business administration and management will be a big stepping stone for you.

Additionally, you can add technological courses like Agile and Business Analysis. It will help you develop the required skills and knowledge faster.

2. Develop essential skills and competencies and gain experience

Most employers only hire competent digital project managers. They want someone to refrain from training on the role. So list out all the skills to acquire to be competent in this position. Project management skills include data analysis, project management tools like MS Project, and Asana, resource allocation, and leadership skills.

To develop enough competence, you can volunteer to work for a company in need of a project manager. This not only gives you the necessary experience but may also turn into paid employment. If it doesn’t turn out that way you will end up gaining a lifetime experience with it.

3. Obtain a professional certification

Getting a professional certification equips you for the role of a digital project manager. This is because most recruiters list those certifications as part of their requirements. So to start a better chance of landing a role, acquire at least two.

Some recommended project management certifications to acquire include:

1. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Getting this certification requires at least a high-school diploma or equivalent and at least 1,550 hours of project management experience or 22 hours of project management education.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP): To get this particular certification you will pass through a rigorous and thorough test. The good thing is that it covers all aspects of project management.

3. Program Management Professional (PgMP): This certification is geared towards people who wish to become program managers.

4. Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP): A project management certification mainly for experienced project managers.

5. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP): A certification geared towards project management professionals who wish to validate their knowledge of agile project management.

Are digital project managers in demand?

The answer is Yes. The reason is that most businesses are positioning themselves online so many digital project managers will be employed to handle their digital projects.

What is the average salary for a digital project manager?

In the United States, the average total compensation for a Digital Project Manager is around $110,872 per year, with a base salary of $90,048 and an estimated additional pay of $20,824. This additional pay may include bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. The total pay range for this role typically falls between $93,419 and $128,325, with the median being $110,872.

2. Join a community of project managers

There is a saying that if you want to go faster, go alone but if you want to go far, go in groups. Networking with your colleagues in the industry will keep you updated with the trends.

If you can’t find a community to join, follow the industry’s top people on their social media platforms like LinkedIn. Engage in their post. Study their career path and growth. Check out the skills they listed on their profiles and compare them with the ones you already have. Also, check out their educational backgrounds.

Conclusion

A digital project manager is a great job. You can use many skills to lead teams and finish digital projects.

To get this job, you need the right education and certificates. You also need to learn technical and soft skills. Getting experience is important too. Keep learning to be successful.

As a digital project manager, you will work with different teams. You solve problems and make a difference. It is a job that needs flexibility and good communication. But it is very rewarding when you finish a project.

If you want this job, look for education programs and courses. Apply for entry-level roles to get experience. With hard work, you can become a digital project manager.

How to Become the Best Digital Project Manager

Who Is a Digital Project Manager?