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What is a project specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Matthew Gilbert,
Brian Starr Ph.D.
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A project specialist oversees the planning, execution, and closing of a project. They coordinate resources and meet the objectives set by stakeholders. Project specialists identify risks and develop mitigation strategies. They also manage the project schedule, budget, and scope to ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and meets quality standards. Project specialists work in construction, IT, healthcare, and finance. They typically have a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

What general advice would you give to a project specialist?

Matthew Gilbert

Lecturer of Marketing, Coastal Carolina University

The unique circumstances caused by COVID-19 have impacted every area of our lives. New graduates will likely find themselves in a more challenging situation than was the case previously. Given this, I encourage graduates who are just beginning their careers to be ACES: adaptive, communicative, effective, and supportive. ACES is a slang term meaning being highly regarded; in the context of the suggested acronym, consider the following explanation.

Adaptive: Remain open to top unexpected opportunities. Venturing into a new normal requires flexibility and openness; this could mean taking a job that wasn't considered, but recognizing it could yield skills, connections, and experience that could be useful in future endeavors.

Communicative: Leverage LinkedIn to network professionally and politely for opportunities, but don't connect with someone and immediately ask for a job. Call your contacts and catch up without a specific agenda; you never know what ideas might emerge. Email individuals, you respect for insights and advice.

Effective: Make use of your time to learn new skills or acquire certifications that demonstrate the value you can add to an organization. Consider volunteering for a cause close to your heart; it makes you feel better, but you could connect personally and/or professionally with new people.

Supportive: Finding a job in a normal year is challenging enough, but in a pandemic, it's an entirely different experience. Keep in contact with your friends and fellow graduates; even a short message asking how they're doing or inviting them to a social distance coffee together could brighten a day you didn't know was dark for someone else.
ScoreProject SpecialistUS Average
Salary
5.2

Avg. Salary $65,993

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.4

Growth rate 10%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.43%

Asian 8.83%

Black or African American 6.36%

Hispanic or Latino 9.39%

Unknown 4.56%

White 70.43%

Gender

female 53.30%

male 46.70%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.7

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a project specialist?

Pros

  • Potential for career advancement

  • Possibility of travel

  • Networking opportunities

  • Competitive salary and benefits

  • Ability to work on high-profile projects

Cons

  • Long work hours, including weekends and holidays

  • Limited control over resources and budget

  • Risk of burnout due to intense workload and high level of responsibility

  • Need for constant adaptation to changing project requirements or circumstances

  • Potential for job instability due to dependence on project funding

Project specialist career paths

Key steps to become a project specialist

  1. Explore project specialist education requirements

    Most common project specialist degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.7 %

    Associate

    14.7 %

    Master's

    12.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific project specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service25.15%
    Project Management16.86%
    Project Proposals10.26%
    Telemarketing6.93%
    PowerPoint3.85%
  3. Research project specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage all phases of SDLC.
    • Manage SDLC so that all controls are followed.
    • Manage tracking and resolution of defects and reporting of UAT execution results.
    • Purchase and manage inventory for aircraft LCD displays across all Rockwell sites.
  4. Prepare your project specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your project specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a project specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable project specialist resume templates

    Build a professional project specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your project specialist resume.
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    Project Specialist Resume
  5. Apply for project specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a project specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first project specialist job

Zippi

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Average project specialist salary

The average project specialist salary in the United States is $65,993 per year or $32 per hour. Project specialist salaries range between $41,000 and $103,000 per year.

Average project specialist salary
$65,993 Yearly
$31.73 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do project specialists rate their job?

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Project specialist reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

I believe being genuine and true to yourself, is an essential combination for people in my field. Skills such as Leadership, Critical thinking, problem solving, communication and presentation skills, managing time and people at the same time, networking, planning and many more, are developed as we attain experience in this field. The usage of clear and concise communication to interact professionally with co-workers, supervisors and to the managers. Working in a team with people from diverse backgrounds with a deep understanding and awareness of differences in both individuals and organizations. I am focused and attentive to details when addressing high-volume tasks to meet the deadlines. I am inspired by making a positive impact to whatever task is assigned. These qualities and skills will help to support your company’s mission and I could become a great asset to your company, while reflecting positively on the professionalism in its employees.

Cons

So, basically I do not if my work is organized or systematic. I would redo my work in that case. I always like it in a systematic way. I also do not like if someone is planning according to the schedule. I always have my work schedule and work according to that.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on May 2020
Pros

Being an important COG into the system. The dynamic work flow ensures that you are always well vested into the multiple projects you will assist in facilitating resources too.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2020
Pros

I love the people I work with, the ability my job give me to think critically, and being challenged to problem solve.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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