Do you need a degree for Project Management in 2025?
How I Became a Project Manager Without a Degree
In the full article, I’ll break down the Two Essential Steps you need to take to transition into this role:
- Gaining the right experience
- Demonstrating your skills to employers
📖 Read the full article with my two pro tips below:
My Journey to Becoming a Project Manager Without a Degree
It was 2017, and I was 26 years old, working an entry-level job for the past three years. Let’s just say the future didn’t look bright for me. I attended university while pursuing my career, starting later and finishing my final year just a year before that moment.
I did not finished my studies so I decided to double down on my career. I began scouring Google for advice. All I found was a basic understanding of the role.
I reached out to my sister (she was already a PM at that point), and she guided me like a career coach every step of the way.
First Move: Transitioning Into a PMO Department
My first career move involved doing the same job but within a PMO department. We identified an opening and I seized it. She helped me prep for that interview.
A year later, in 2018, I aimed for a leadership position within the department, and I achieved it. A PMO role plus leadership experience formed the foundation I needed. I pursued certifications and accomplished objectives outside my current role to ensure I could get the Project Manager position I wanted.
The Waiting Game — Careers Aren’t Linear
All I needed was time.
However, careers aren’t linear. COVID-19 hit just when I was ready for my next steps. I made parallel moves and worked as an interim PM in different roles. Finally, in 2022, I landed my first official PM role.
From my experience, becoming a Project Manager without a degree is more than possible—it’s a matter of timing and strategy. With the demand for Project Managers outpacing the supply, employers are more focused on the skills and experience you bring than on your formal education. That’s why, in this article, we’ll dive into the practical steps you can take to build those skills and demonstrate your value to employers.
So what does that mean for you? Is a Project Manager Degree needed?
The demand is more than the offering, so Employers are willing to forfeit a project Manager Degree, like a Bachelors Degree, in exchange with relevant experience or key skills.
