Professional project management is critical across many industries, including in the building and construction sector.
Project management is vital in any organisation you can think of.
To become a good project manager, you need to be a creative thinker.
A problem-solving guru who can work under pressure.
You need a combination of 'hard skills' like budgeting, planning and report writing, as well as 'soft skills' like team leadership, effective communication and relationship management.
Let's ask a real project manager what it's like.
Meet Ed Doherty
Ed is the Project Manager for the building of the new ECU City in the heart of Perth city.
To say this is a complex project is an understatement. The challenges have been enormous.
Fortunately, Ed's extensive experience covering more than 15 years and leading major health and infrastructure projects ultimately positioned him to head the mind-blowing ECU City project.
So why did he decide to become a Project Manager?
Ed says he wasn't sure which path to take after studying Property and Construction Management at university.
But once he stepped into project management, he quickly realised it was his passion.
He says the work is very challenging but at the same time rewarding.
Working in a fast-paced environment with a dedicated and passionate team to deliver exciting projects is a unique experience.
"Looking back, key factors in my career progression have been hands-on experience, strong mentors, and taking ownership of the project outcomes."
And what makes a good Project Manager we asked.
"Construction is a fast-paced environment and large projects with budgets of $500million+ are even more demanding and complex," says Ed.
"A good project manager in this space needs strong leadership, stakeholder management, technical expertise, the ability to translate complex issues into a clear message, adaptability, and a safety-first mindset."
No pressure!
Impression of the Edith Cowan University campus being built in the centre of Perth in Western Australia.
How can you get started in project management?
University study is the best way to qualify as a project manager.
Courses accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Centre offer a range of benefits to students.
These include access to industry-recognised tools, credentials and programs, as well as networking opportunities.
For example, project management students from Edith Cowan University's School of Business and Law have their PMI membership paid and can access PMI Infinity, the AI-powered coach for project professionals.
ECU's accredited postgraduate courses include everything from Graduate Certificates to Graduate Diplomas, to Masters courses.
What's it like to study project management?
We asked ECU Master of Project Management student Pema Chentsho that question.
"As a Telecommunications Engineer, I knew that project management wasn't just a bonus skill. It was essential for every part of my work," Pema says.
As part of her studies, Pema is completing a 'Work Integrated Learning' placement at ECU City, gaining hands-on experience in project management to strengthen her practical knowledge and industry readiness.
And yes, it's the same project headed by Ed Doherty.
Pema says the placement has been a game-changer.
Applying what I learned in project integration, risk management and procurement in a real workplace environment has shown her how theoretical knowledge translates into industry practices.
"The hands-on experience has strengthened my ability to think critically, solve problems efficiently, and manage multiple priorities under pressure," she says.
Master of Project Management student Pema Chentsho is getting valuable experience as an intern on the ECU City campus project.
Find out more about project management studies at ECU.
