SUMMARY

Technical skills are essential for the beginning project manager. On small projects, technical tasks likely will be performed by the project manager. If these projects are performed well, responsibility will grow, and, as it does, the relative importance of technical skills is replaced by growing importance of leadership and administrative skills. Demonstrating skills in all three areas will surely enhance the career of the aspiring project manager. However, there will be a temptation to continue to be the expert in one's primary technical area. This should be avoided, if possible, for two reasons. First, it will not foster confidence and growth on the part of those upon whom you are depending in that area. Second, it will likely lead to spending too much time on those technical problems and failing to perform the broader responsibilities as project manager.

Another career path for aspiring project managers is growing in recognition and importance. As more educational programs are offered in project management, more graduates are taking positions on project teams where they learn sufficient technical knowledge to allow them to be effective project managers. This is increasing the confidence of management of many organizations to consider such people for increasing responsibilities, even though they are not educated in the relevant technologies. The logic of this trend is clearer when one considers the increasing breadth of knowledge and skill that is being brought to bear on modern-day projects. Thus, leadership and administrative skills may be more important than technical skills for the larger projects.