There isn't a single path to becoming a project manager. While having various options can be beneficial, it can also make the decision process somewhat confusing. Furthermore, considering future career steps after gaining several years of experience as a project manager can be challenging.

Aspiring project managers might gain experience within an industry before transitioning into this role. From there, they could advance to senior project manager, director, vice president, or other executive positions. Here's a closer look at potential career paths for a project manager:

Work in the Industry: Many project managers begin in non-managerial roles and progress to project management as they take on more responsibilities. For instance, a software development project manager might start as a software developer, while a construction project manager might have a background in civil engineering. Some may also work as consultants to gain business process insights and enhance their management skills. Hands-on experience in the industry provides an advantage, offering a deep understanding of the work, empathy for team members, and a better approach to projects.
Entry-level Project Management: Starting your career in roles like project coordinator, assistant project manager, associate project manager, or junior project manager can be beneficial. These positions help plan and oversee project success and provide valuable experience before moving into project manager roles.
Average salaries in India:
- Project coordinator: ₹4,95,610
- Assistant project manager: ₹8,50,000
- Associate project manager: ₹12,00,000
- Junior project manager: ₹6,02,857
To become a project coordinator or similar role, develop good communication and organizational skills, gain industry experience, and consider certifications like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Google Project Management: Professional Certificate.
Project Manager: Project managers plan and execute projects to help organizations improve processes, develop new products, build structures, or complete other initiatives. They supervise teams, ensuring the schedule, budget, and communications align with project goals. Project managers work in various industries, including construction, healthcare, tech, finance, government, and IT.
Average salaries in India:
- Project manager: ₹16,00,000
- IT project manager: ₹14,00,000
- Technical project manager: ₹19,00,000
- Construction project manager: ₹9,00,723
- Healthcare project manager: ₹1,52,410
To become a project manager, start from non-managerial or junior positions, and consider certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or those in Scrum or Agile.
Senior Project Manager: Senior project managers handle projects with larger scopes, such as scaling processes across teams, developing complex products, or leading long-term projects. They generally have extensive experience.
Average salary in India for senior project managers: ₹26,00,000
To become a senior project manager, gain diverse project management experience, enhance your knowledge through coursework or certifications, and refine managerial skills. Finding a mentor can also help navigate the path to senior positions.
Director of Project Management: Directors oversee the strategy and success of a project management division, ensuring projects align with organizational goals and creating blueprints for achieving these goals. They manage multiple project managers and work cross-functionally with higher-level leaders.
Average salary in India for directors of project management: ₹43,00,000
To become a director, accumulate several years of management experience and develop exceptional leadership qualities, such as communication, problem-solving, and positive influence.
VP of Operations, COO: After years of leadership in project management, one might ascend to high-level positions like vice president of operations or chief operating officer, implementing new strategies across the business.
Average salaries in India:
- Vice President of Operations: ₹36,00,000
- Chief Operating Officer: ₹32,00,000
To reach executive levels, extensive experience in team building and management, strong business acumen, and potentially an MBA for advanced business skills are essential.