Business Project & Operations Management

As a graduate with a degree in project or operations management, you are well-equipped for a diverse range of roles in overseeing and coordinating projects within various industries. You can pursue a career as a project manager, where you take on the responsibility of planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they meet objectives within scope, time, and budget constraints. You may also explore opportunities as project coordinators, working to support project managers by handling administrative tasks, monitoring progress, and facilitating communication among team members. Project schedulers specialize in creating and maintaining project schedules, ensuring tasks are properly sequenced and deadlines are met. Additionally, you can become program managers, overseeing multiple projects that contribute to overarching organizational goals.

What Can I Do With My Degree In Project or Operations Management?

With a focus on leadership and strategic planning, as a project or operations management graduate you are well-suited for roles where you can guide teams and ensure successful project delivery. Explore some careers you could pursue below.

Project Coordinator: Entry-level project coordinators assist in planning, scheduling, and monitoring project activities. They support project managers in coordinating tasks, tracking progress, and ensuring that projects are on schedule.

Assistant Project Manager: Assistant project managers work closely with project managers to oversee and execute various project tasks. They may be involved in budgeting, resource allocation, and communication with team members and stakeholders.

Project Analyst: Entry-level project analysts focus on collecting and analyzing project data. They assist in preparing reports, identifying trends, and providing insights to support decision-making within the project team.

Junior Project Administrator: Junior project administrators handle administrative tasks related to project management, such as documentation, scheduling meetings, and maintaining project files. They provide essential support to ensure smooth project operations.

Project Support Specialist: Project support specialists assist in the planning and execution of projects by coordinating resources, managing documentation, and facilitating communication among team members.

Associate Project Manager: Associate project managers work under the guidance of senior project managers to coordinate project activities. They may be involved in task delegation, budget tracking, and monitoring project timelines.

Project Assistant: Project assistants provide administrative support to project teams by managing documentation, organizing meetings, and assisting with communication. They play a crucial role in ensuring project efficiency.

Project Scheduler: Entry-level project schedulers focus on creating and maintaining project schedules. They work closely with project managers to ensure that tasks are properly sequenced and deadlines are met.

Project Coordinator Assistant: Project coordinator assistants support project coordination efforts by assisting in planning, organizing, and executing tasks. They may handle communication with team members and stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned.

Project Management Intern: Interns in project management gain hands-on experience by supporting various project tasks. They work closely with project teams and contribute to the successful execution of projects while learning key project management skills.

Senior Project Manager: Senior project managers lead larger and more complex projects, overseeing the entire project lifecycle. They play a key role in strategic decision-making, stakeholder management, and ensuring successful project delivery.

Program Manager: Mid-career program managers are responsible for overseeing a portfolio of related projects that collectively contribute to organizational objectives. They coordinate and align projects to achieve strategic goals.

Project Management Consultant: Project management consultants provide expert guidance to organizations in improving project management practices. They may lead process improvements, offer training, and assist in the successful execution of projects.

Project Portfolio Manager: Portfolio managers focus on optimizing the overall project portfolio of an organization. They prioritize projects based on strategic goals, resource availability, and alignment with business objectives.

PMO (Project Management Office) Manager: PMO managers lead the Project Management Office, overseeing project governance, standards, and processes within an organization. They ensure consistency and efficiency in project management practices.

Implementation Manager: Mid-career implementation managers focus on the successful implementation of projects, ensuring that the intended changes are effectively integrated into the organization. They may work on technology implementations, process changes, or other initiatives.

Senior Project Control Officer: Senior project control officers focus on financial and risk management aspects of projects. They monitor project budgets, track expenses, and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure projects stay on course.

Change Management Specialist: Change management specialists guide organizations through transitions brought about by projects. They focus on ensuring that changes are well-received and adopted by employees, minimizing resistance.

Senior Scrum Master: Senior Scrum Masters lead and facilitate Agile teams, ensuring adherence to Agile methodologies. They play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, removing impediments, and optimizing the team’s performance.

Director of Project Management: The Director of Project Management oversees the entire project management function within an organization. They provide strategic direction, lead project management teams, and contribute to organizational success through effective project execution.

Chief Project Officer (CPO): The Chief Project Officer is a top executive responsible for the overall leadership and success of an organization’s project management function. They align project activities with business objectives and contribute to organizational strategy.

Director of Program Management: Directors of Program Management oversee large and complex programs consisting of multiple interrelated projects. They provide strategic direction, ensure program alignment with business goals, and manage program managers.

Global Project Director: Senior global project directors lead and coordinate projects on a global scale. They navigate complexities associated with international projects, ensuring consistency and efficiency across different regions.

VP of Project Management: The Vice President of Project Management is a senior leadership role overseeing the entire project management function within an organization. They collaborate with executives to align project activities with overall business strategy.

Senior Project Portfolio Manager: Senior project portfolio managers focus on optimizing the organization’s project portfolio to align with strategic goals. They prioritize and oversee the execution of projects that contribute to overall business success.

Executive Project Consultant: Executive project consultants at the senior level provide high-level advisory services to organizations, offering strategic insights, guiding project portfolios, and optimizing project management practices.

Chief Scrum Master: The Chief Scrum Master is a leadership role in Agile environments, overseeing multiple Scrum teams and ensuring the successful implementation of Agile methodologies across the organization.

Head of Project Office (HPO): The Head of Project Office leads and directs the Project Management Office (PMO), setting standards, overseeing governance, and ensuring that project management practices align with organizational goals.

Senior Change Management Strategist: Senior change management strategists focus on guiding organizations through major transformations. They develop and implement comprehensive change management strategies to drive successful organizational change.

Strategic Project Management Officer (SPMO): The SPMO is a senior executive responsible for aligning project activities with the organization’s strategic goals. They lead the development and implementation of project management strategies that contribute to overall success.

Addition Resources for Emerging Project & Operations Managers

  • Agile 
  • Scrum 
  • Tableau 
  • Lean 
  • Six Sigma 
  • Waterfall 
  • Kanban 

Project Management Institute (PMI): To obtain a certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), candidates typically need to fulfill a combination of educational and professional experience requirements, with the specific criteria varying based on the certification level sought (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP). Additionally, candidates must pass the respective PMI certification exam, demonstrating their knowledge and proficiency in project management practices aligned with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide.

American Academy of Project Management  (AAPM): To obtain a certification from the American Academy of Project Management (AAPM), candidates typically need to meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, which can vary based on the specific certification sought. Additionally, candidates may be required to pass an examination or submit a project management case study for assessment as part of the certification process.

International Project Management Association (IPMA): To obtain an International Project Management Association (IPMA) certification, candidates typically need to demonstrate a combination of education, project management training, and professional experience. The specific requirements may vary depending on the level of certification sought, such as IPMA Level D (Certified Projects Director) or higher, and typically include passing an assessment based on the IPMA Competence Baseline.

International Association of Project Managers (IAPM): To obtain an International Association Project Managers (IAPM) certification, candidates typically need to demonstrate a combination of education, project management training, and professional experience. Holding an IAPM certification can enhance career opportunities and advancement prospects. It may open doors to new job opportunities, promotions, and higher salaries.

Certified Agile Scrum Master (CASM): To obtain a Certified Agile Scrum Master (CASM) certification, candidates typically need to complete an accredited training course on agile and Scrum methodologies. Following the training, candidates must pass the CASM exam to demonstrate their understanding of Scrum practices, principles, and roles within an agile framework. It is recommended that students seeking the CASM certification enroll in QSO435 which covers the framework for the certification. While this course is not an official preparation course, taking it prior to enrolling in an external prep course may simplify your understanding of subsequent prep courses you will take prior to your exam.

Discipline Agile Scrum Master (DASM): To obtain a Discipline Agile Scrum Master (DASM) certification, individuals must undergo training provided by accredited training providers. After completing the training, they need to pass an online exam assessing their understanding of Agile principles, Scrum practices, and Agile team leadership. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score to earn the certification. Upon successful completion, candidates receive their DASM certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

 7  In-Demand Scrum Master Certifications 2022 

AGILE Certified Practitioner – ACP: To obtain an Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certification, candidates typically need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), along with 21 hours of training in agile practices. Additionally, candidates must have at least 12 months of project experience within the last five years, including agile project experience, and pass the ACP exam, which assesses their knowledge and application of agile principles and practices. 

Certified Associate in Project Management – CAPMUndergraduate students can prepare for the CAPM in QSO345.: To obtain a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification, candidates typically need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) along with 23 hours of formal project management education. Additionally, candidates must pass the CAPM exam, which assesses their knowledge of project management principles and processes based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide.

Google Professional Certificate qualifies for over 100 hours of project management education. 

Project Management Professional – PMP: This certification requires a 4 year degree/4,500 hours leading projects (with degree)/ 35 hours of project management education/ training or CAPM Certification – note: can have HS or AS but need 60 months leading projects.  Graduate students can get prepared for the PMP in QSO645.

PMI Professional in Business Analytics – (PMI-PBA): To obtain a PMI Professional in Business Analytics (PMI-PBA) certification, candidates typically need a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent), along with 4,500 hours of work experience in business analysis and project management. Additionally, candidates must complete 35 hours of professional education in business analysis and pass the PMI-PBA exam, which assesses their knowledge and skills in business analysis practices and principles. 

Six Sigma: To obtain a Six Sigma certification in project management, individuals typically need to complete a training program, pass an examination, and demonstrate practical application of Six Sigma methodologies in real-world projects. The specific requirements may vary based on the certification level, such as Green Belt (QSO360), Black Belt (QSO 620), or Master Black Belt (QSO625). Graduate students will need both QSO620 & QSO625 to prep for this certification.

Project Management for Instructional Designers – Audio, written and video information that aligns with the PMBOK, which helps prepare for the PMI Certification 


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