Do you want to become an IT Project Manager but you don’t know where to start? It Project Manager Tasks can seem daunting at first, but with the right information, it can be easy to understand. IT Project Managers are essential to any organization as they make sure that critical projects (both hardware and software) are implemented and completed on time. They oversee the entire project life cycle, from setting goals to ensuring successful completion. In this article, we will provide an introduction to IT Project Manager Tasks, including key responsibilities and the skillsets needed for success. Additionally, we will provide some suggestions on how to become an IT Project Manager in the IT industry. With this information, you will be able to gain a better understanding of the IT Project Manager Tasks and be well on your way to a successful career managing projects.
1. What a Project Manager Does
A project manager typically performs a mix of duties in order to ensure projects are finished on time and within budget. Managing projects, guiding teams, and liaising with clients or stakeholders are common tasks associated with this role. Here are some of the things a project manager generally does:
- Defining project goals, timelines and scope.
- Developing and implementing project plans.
- Managing costs and resources.
- Monitoring team performance.
- Handling paperwork, such as contracts.
- Providing leadership, support and guidance to teams.
- Communicating progress with stakeholders and clients.
- Identifying and minimizing risks.
Project managers must also remain flexible. They often collaborate with multiple teams for countless projects at once. Additionally, they might have to make decisions quickly and troubleshoot issues that arise during the course of a project. Project managers must also possess exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills in order to be successful.
2. Essential Tasks of a Project Manager
Moving a project from start to finish requires a lot of foresight and careful planning. Project managers are the superstars that keep each step on track and ensure that the projects are successful. The can be broken down into the following two categories:
Resource Management
Project managers are responsible for making sure the human resources are available and that any supplies or technology needed are available when needed. This means they need to use prior experience and project data to make sure that they have the right staff. If more resources are needed, they need to be able to identify them quickly and get them onboarded.
- Organizing and tracking project activities
- Managing and allocating resources correctly
- Maintaining vendor relationships
- Communicating with stakeholders
Overseeing Project Progress
Project Managers need to keep a close eye on progress to make sure that everything is on track. They need to manage any risks that could prevent project completion and be able to troubleshoot any issues that arise with the project.
- Establishing deadlines
- Creating and updating project plans
- Monitoring progress towards goals
- Ensuring the quality of the end product
3. Making Sure Project Successful & On-Time
Once a project has been launched, it’s important to ensure its success and timely completion. Here are three ways to make sure that a project is completed on-time and with success.
- Monitor Progress: As deadlines approach, it’s key to assess progress on the project and if it is being kept on track. Having a designated “project leader” to regularly check in with key team members can be helpful in assuring everyone is on the same page. If delays or issues arise, they need to addressed quickly.
- Set Mini-Goals: Breaking down a big project into smaller pieces of work can make the entire process more manageable. Setting mini-goals can help each team member easily visualize a successful outcome and stay on task.
- Communication is Key: Open, honest communication is key to any successful project. Establishing a communication plan — a routine, consistent, and well-defined approach for delivering necessary information — will allow for every team member to have expectations that are met.
Implementing these strategies throughout the project will help to ensure success and it’s completion on-time. Doing so can also allow for faster decisions and make it easier to identify team-related problems.
4. How To Become An It Project Manager
Jumpstart Your Career with These Steps
It project management requires extensive technical knowledge, the ability to lead and an aptitude to anticipate potential problems. Many people are interested in becoming IT project managers, however, they don’t know where to start. Here are some steps to get you on the fast track for a successful career in IT project management:
- Build Your Technical Knowledge: Having a strong technical background is important when working in IT project management. It’s recommended to take tech-related courses that will help gain the necessary skills in areas such as coding, programming, system engineering, and data networks.
- Gain IT Experience: After gaining a foundation in technical knowledge, IT project managers must have real experience working in the industry. Consider taking an internship or training period with an IT company to gain first-hand experience.
- Earn A Professional Certification: Professional IT certifications are valuable validations of the skills and knowledge of IT project managers. Earning certifications demonstrates commitment to the profession and gives additional credibility when applying for a job.
Developing Successful Management Skills
IT project managers must also possess excellent management skills; setting goals, coordinating resources and motivating teams are essential tasks of the job. To accomplish these aims, IT project managers must learn how to develop and foster relationships with the technical team as well as understand and align the goals of the company. Here are some steps that can help you become a successful IT project manager:
- Understand The Business Goals: Setting priorities and ensuring delivery of the IT project requires an in-depth understanding of the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Develop A Project Roadmap: IT project managers should develop project milestones, implementation strategies and communicate the project to team members.
- Coordinate Resources: IT project managers utilize their technical knowledge to coordinate resources needed to complete the project.
- Lead The Team: Successful IT project management requires the ability to lead a team and motivate them to achieve key deliverables in the project.
Q&A
Q: What are It Project Manager Tasks?
A: It Project Managers are responsible for managing teams working on IT projects. Their tasks can include planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the activities of the project team. They also coordinate with other departments, create plans, allocate resources, and ensure the progress of the project. By now, you should have a good understanding of the tasks of an IT project manager and the organizational skills, knowledge, and technical expertise and that are needed for them to be successful in their role. From automating user access and cloud identity management to simplifying the onboarding process and management of employee time and attendance, having the right tools can help optimize IT project manager tasks so they can focus on the important stuff. Get started now on the path to better organization and collaboration by creating a free LogMeOnce account with auto-login and SSO today at LogMeOnce.com and get the most of your work as an IT project manager.