BBC NewsBorrowing was £17.4bn last month, the second highest October figure since monthly records began in 1993.
Lysan Drabon, Managing Director – The Project Management Institute
We live in a world of constant flux, where technology is rapidly advancing, society is shifting, and the climate is changing around us. Both the private and public sector are moving to adapt and react to these evolving trends, by developing new projects across sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, data, security, and utilities, as well as many more.
Project management provides the tools to bring structure and progress to what can be perceived as chaos and help steer these change-driving projects towards successful outcomes. It is a profession which is dynamic and impactful, giving individuals the opportunity to play a part in facilitating some of the world’s most ambitious changes and shifts. Mastering project management is like gaining a superpower, equipping you with essential skills to navigate complexity, achieve your goals, and shape a better future.
Project management is defined as “the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.” This might sound formal, but it boils down to getting things done – efficiently and effectively. In a world grappling with climate change, social inequalities, and rapid technological advancements, the need for skilled project managers has never been greater. These skills are essential in virtually every industry, from developing life-saving vaccines to launching innovative tech start-ups.
The UK, like many nations, faces a critical skills gap. Businesses struggle to find individuals with the project management expertise needed to drive innovation and productivity. This presents a huge opportunity for young people. Graduates equipped with project management skills are highly sought after, possessing the ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects that are successful. This translates into tangible value for organisations and opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. In a competitive job market, project management skills, even from personal projects or volunteer work, gives you a distinct edge.
And it’s not just about landing a job; it’s about thriving in your career and navigating the evolving world of work. Project management empowers you to take ownership, manage your time effectively, and achieve your professional goals. It builds confidence, develops leadership skills, and prepares you for the demands of the 21st-century workplace. In today’s digital age, with the rise of remote work and the gig economy, project management skills are even more valuable. They are essential for managing online collaboration, multitasking, and adapting to new technologies.
The profession is also changing and adapting to a new world. Project managers are at the forefront of AI use, using it to boost productivity, effectiveness, and creativity. AI-powered platforms like Jira Align and Monday.com offer data-driven insights for better planning and resource allocation, while tools like Asana and Trello, integrated with AI, provide real-time progress monitoring and alerts. Furthermore, AI automates routine tasks, freeing project managers to focus on strategic work, and enhances collaboration through tools like Slack, which are particularly beneficial for international teams. AI is no longer a bonus, but a necessity, for a modern project manager.
It is not only technology which is changing the profession – women are increasingly leading the charge as agents of change within the sector, driving critical initiatives across various sectors, and demonstrating the transformative power of project management. Empowering women in project management is crucial for driving innovation and economic growth. There is ample opportunity for further individuals to make their mark – the Project Management Institute (PMI) projects a need for 25 million new project professionals worldwide by 2030. This presents a significant opportunity for young people, particularly women, to enter a growing field and make a real impact.
For young people in the UK, facing an uncertain economy and a competitive job market, project management offers a pathway to success. It’s not just about career advancement; it’s about equipping yourselves with the skills to navigate a complex world, drive innovation, and make a real impact on the issues important to you. Project management, powered by AI, is your toolkit for shaping a better future. Embrace it and unlock your full potential.
