Software Project Management is the process in which teams and individuals adhere to assigned tasks and deadlines with the goal of producing software, as directed by a Project Manager. The process is designed to manage software development and address business concerns such as efficiency, release management, and other aspects aimed at getting software to market.
It’s important to learn how to manage software projects so that development teams and stakeholders can stay up-to-date on a project’s progress, monitor changes in the process, and mitigate risks that could affect the project.
A quick internet search shows practically unanimous results that Software Project Management is a good career choice, with good pay, job prospects, and opportunity for growth. The average median salary of Software Project Managers in the U.S. is $84,518 per year, with some opportunities offering more than $123,000 per year.
Software Project Managers can easily leverage their skills and experience to transfer to other roles. According to Zippia, the top ten most common jobs for former Project Managers include Senior Project Manager, Program Manager, Consultant, Information Technology Project Manager, Operations Manager, Owner, Manager, Construction Manager, Business Analyst, and Product Manager.
Through Coursera, courses that cover Software Project Management equip learners with knowledge in agile software development processes and methodologies; tools that enable collaboration and communication within a team; practical management experience in a safe, simulated software production setting; and more.
Lessons on Software Project Management are taught by instructors from major tech names and universities, including University of Alberta, Coursera Project Network, University of Minnesota, and other organizations. Learners can enjoy exploring Software Project Management with instructors specializing in Science and Engineering, Computing Science, and other disciplines. Course content on Software Project Management is delivered via video lectures, hands-on projects, readings, quizzes, and other types of assignments.
Software project managers need to have a balance of technical software skills, the ability to manage projects, and leadership and teamwork skills to effectively manage people. People who can direct others, delegate responsibilities, solve problems, and boost morale are well suited for roles in software project management. They also possess good organizational skills and have a habit of getting things done on time. People best suited for these roles pay attention to detail so that projects run smoothly and costly mistakes aren't made. They're able to multitask as well and have the ability to prioritize tasks.
Someone in software project management might begin their career in any entry-level software position, such as a software engineer, software sales trainee, or internship with a project manager. To advance to a software project manager position, however, you'll need to earn a bachelor's degree, usually in a field like information technology, computer science, software engineering, or software development management. A graduate degree in the software or management fields increases your job prospects but is not necessarily required. Once you've established yourself as a software project manager, common career paths include moving on to a chief operating officer, senior software project manager, or another senior management role within an organization.
People with a background in software project management are hired by IT companies as well as almost any company in any industry. They often have the option to work remotely but can work on-site as well. Examples of places that hire software project managers include health care insurance companies, software development companies, data security organizations, banks, employment agencies, and e-commerce sites.
It would be very useful to study how to gain team building and communication skills if you're striving to be an effective software project manager. These soft skills are an integral part of software project management roles. Other topics related to the profession are the developmental lifecycle and processes of software, diversity in the workplace, leadership principles, product development, and Agile project management.