What is the career path for a program manager?

The career path for a program manager involves jobs as a technical lead, program manager, and director of programs. The career path for a program manager is generally straightforward, although there are some opportunities for variance.

Most employers expect program managers to have at least a bachelor's degree. Many aspiring program managers also seek to gain advanced degrees to help advance more quickly.

Here are the appropriate degree programs for the field:

• Engineering

• Business

• Computer Science

• Master of Business Administration

Certain program managers have worked their way up the career ladder without a formal education although this is pretty uncommon.

Program managers often deal with project management, so getting roles in this field is also a way to start your career as a program manager. Those seeking to become program managers should seek certifications in:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

two certifications are helpful to show expertise, experience, and skills in program management:

• Program Management Professional (PgMP)

• MSP Practitioner

Being a program manager is a complex role that requires multiple skill sets, including:

• Leadership

• Strategic planning

• Project management

• Risk management

• Customer focus

• Technical expertise

A path often taken to become a program manager involves working first as a project manager to build experience and skills working within project management structures.

Many employers prefer to hire candidates for program management positions that have at least three to five years of experience in project management roles. To be in the running for significant programs, you need to have experience managing large-scale projects with cross-functional teams.

Here is the general career path for a program manager beginning with entry-level roles:

• Junior project manager

• Project manager

• Technical lead

• Program Manager

• Director of programs