In Demand IT Skills You Must Have - 7. Project management

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Project management

Eighty-seven percent of IT decision-makers say that skills gaps pose a medium to high risk for team objectives. That’s why project planning is more vital than ever.

There are plenty of roadblocks preventing projects from being completed on time and within budget. It’s a project manager’s job to create, communicate and execute a project strategy. Like it or not, IT is judged on the success or failure of projects.

“At a time when uncertainty is rampant, you need project management skills that help teams focus on providing the right value for their employers,” said Sean Braly, senior agile project manager and scrum master at Global Knowledge. “Pursuing excellence in project management by continued education and improvement allows you to deliver that value consistently and with high quality.”

Braly says change management and communication are two of his most valuable project management skills. It’s important how a project manager responds to change, sets expectations, resolves conflicts and communicates to multiple audiences.

IDC believes that by 2022, the financial impact of the IT skills gap will grow to $775 billion worldwide, from $302 billion in 2019, as a result of delayed release of products/service, missed revenue, or increased cost.9 A good project manager keeps the focus on the big picture even as disrupters emerge and cause havoc within a department.

Project Management Professional (PMP®) is one of the most important professional certifications. It’s currently the fifth highest-paying certification in the U.S. ($143,493).3 PMP is also one of the better options for cross-certification. Pairing this project management credential with other popular certifications can have a significant impact on your paycheck.