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What is Project Management?
Ohio is perhaps one of the most Midwestern states. Its economy is rooted in both the automotive industry that brought wealth to Detroit and the agricultural industry that keeps the nation fed. Though once considered a rust belt state with a stagnant economy, Ohio now has a growing and diverse economic landscape that is rooted in its core strengths, automotive manufacturing and agribusiness, but which is moving headlong into the 21st century.
Indeed, Ohio's top industrial sector is manufacturing, which generates over $111 billion in annual revenues, earning the #3 spot nationwide. Much of this activity is based in the automotive sector, which is slated to grow by nearly 20% by 2028. Ohio also makes great income from farm products; agribusiness accounts for a whopping 14% of Ohio's jobs.
A project manager is a business professional who focuses on the management of specific, well-defined projects. Where other sorts of managers may oversee projects, they also are overseeing a company or department and its long-term well-being. Project managers often work for consulting firms, where they are tasked with finding staff for specific projects and then seeing the project through to completion, within budgetary constraints.
These managers coordinate with their teams daily to ensure that they are well-equipped for their jobs. If unforeseen issues arise, project managers address them with more staff or other resources. They also keep their client informed of the team's progress.
PMs who work for consulting firms also need to attract new business. They can sell their experience and track record of success to lure clients. In this way, many of these managers must have an entrepreneurial spirit.
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Online Project Management Education in Ohio
Associate Degree in Project Management (AS)
An associate project management degree from an Ohio community college is a great foundation for success. Associate project management degrees can lead to entry-level positions in some of Ohio's top companies. While those with an associate degree may start a bit lower on the ladder than those with a bachelor’s degree, a community college graduate can also start work two years earlier, allowing more time to accrue experience. In two years, an entry-level project management professional can work up into a better, and better-paid role in their organization.
On top of this, Ohio's community colleges charge far less per credit hour than four-year colleges and universities. Students who complete an associate project management degree thus enter the workforce with less debt and the possibility of going just as far as those with a four-year degree. In fact, they can start earning project management certifications that may be more of a benefit than time in a university. However, it’s important to note that some roles or employers may require that you have a higher-level degree. But, if you’re willing to put in the work, then you can always work toward your bachelor’s degree while you earn real-world experience in the field.
National online rankings - top 5 associate PM programsBachelor's Degree in Project Management (BS)
Most employers seek out candidates with abachelor’s project management degree. They appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to finish a four-year program. Further, students in a bachelor’s project management degree program can dive deeper into the subject with special topics courses while also gaining related project management skills and building a well-rounded education.
Project management students can enhance their degrees with courses and minor concentrations in related fields such as accounting, information technology, or construction management, among other options. They are also known to pursue internships where they can work under a professional mentor, as well as their faculty advisor. Internships look great on a resume, and they can result in a job offer.
Furthermore, a bachelor’s project management degree is a great platform on which to add new credentials. Many bachelor’s project management students enroll in a master’s degree program and most earn industry certifications. Some more advanced certifications may require a bachelor’s undergraduate degree, so this level of degree is the most commonly earned.
National online rankings - top bachelors PM programsMaster's Degree in Project Management (MS)
To get ahead inbusiness these days, a master’s degree is nearly a requirement. In particular, companies tend to prefer an MBA for high-level management positions. Project management experts, in particular, are advised to start seeking the best MBA degree program for them as soon as possible. An MBA can give working professionals a foundational edcucation in business concepts - human resource management, business analytics, etc. - and a specialization in managing projects from various industries. Since so many projects management experts work for consulting firms, an MBA, or other master’s project management degree, is highly valued. This is because clients like to hire consultants they feel have the highest possible level of expertise. After all, consultants do charge a premium for their services while working on very sensitive matters.
Since project management requires knowledge of a specific industry, many professionals are looking at dual-MBA programs. These programs pair two master’s level degrees in a very intensive three years. Project managers may then earn a master’s degree that directly addresses their industry, such as information technology or accounting, while earning top business credentials. MBA students should seek out MBA degree programs that offer a project management focus.
National online rankings - top masters PM programsPhD Degree in Project Management (PhD)
While a PhD is rather unusual in the project management field, it’s not unheard of. Since many project managers work for consulting firms, top academic credentials may be more valuable than for those who work for, say, manufacturing concerns. This is because consultants are often expected to have top-level expertise that warrants their fees. A PhD may also be of use for these managers who are interested in starting their own consulting firms.
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Naturally, a PhD in project management is a veritable requirement for those who are looking for a career in academia. Full-time, tenure track positions are nearly the exclusive domain of PhDs. Project management faculty don't even necessarily have to teach to maintain a tenured position. There may be research faculty positions where project management professionals can take on grants from firms who need special insights into how they manage projects. Research faculty thus maintain contact with a university while consulting with firms nationwide.
Become a Project Manager Professional in Ohio
Students who are interested in becoming project managers will find that there are many ways to approach this field. In fact, many end up in project management after a career in their core industry. For example, management consultants may decide to move "into the office" and work as these managers who oversee the consultants. Those who have a desire to work as administrators with an entrepreneurial edge may also consider project management.
Students can start preparing for their project management career as early as high school. Students are urged to take on leadership roles in their favorite student organizations or sports teams. When students have experience setting up a bake sale for their French Club, for example, they are learning how to manage people, places, and things. Meanwhile, they can gain knowledge in the classroom. Though it may not seem directly applicable, students who do well in their math courses are building a foundation for success in project management. The analytical thinking required in mathematics will find a good home in business.
When it comes time for college, students should look for the best bachelor’s project management degree program in Ohio. They should evaluate each program's course offerings to ensure that their desired topics are addressed, but they also need to evaluate each program's credentials. In particular, each program should have full accreditation. At a minimum, each project management degree program should have regional accreditation from a CHEA-approved agency. Departments that can boast program-specific credentials and accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. These accreditation agencies focus only on business and business-related degree programs, including project management degree programs.
During the third year of a bachelor’s degree, project management students should start looking at graduate degree programs. While an MS in project management is a great idea, they should also evaluate MBA programs. An MBA is a great choice because the first year is somewhat of a crash-course in general business concepts, albeit at the graduate level. The second year is then spent in a concentration, such as project or program management. PMs who are aiming to run their own consulting firm, or who are interested in the C-suites of any company, should strongly consider an MBA.
Potential Careers for Project Management Graduates
- General and Operations Managers
Every company needs operations managers to keep the daily work flowing. Operations managers in, say, a manufacturing firm oversee the machines that facilitate the work and the workers who operate them. Operations managers also make sure that employees have the tools or other resources they need to get the job done. - Project Management Specialists
These business professionals focus on contained projects that have defined start and end points. While other managers look to the long-term, a project manager has a fixed budget and timeline to complete a specific task or set of tasks. Project management specialists are mainly found in consulting firms but may work for large corporations, as well. They can earn certifications from the Project Management Institute. - Marketing Manager
A marketing manager oversees marketing campaigns from start to finish. That is, they work with analytical teams to determine what their target markets want the most from their firm. They also work with creative teams to create the advertising and web content that will result in blockbuster sales. Marketing managers typically need an MBA with a concentration in marketing.
- Sales Manager
Sales managers are often salespeople who have decided to take a leadership role in their sales departments. Sales managers know the tricks of the trade and can mentor new salespeople so that they can succeed. Many move into sales management to receive a salary rather than relying on commissions. However, if their sales department meets certain sales goals, they may also receive a bonus check as a thank you. - Fundraising Manager
Firms in the non-profit sector typically rely on revenue from fundraising rather than sales or other revenue streams more common in the for-profit business world. Fundraising managers then work hard to attract donors with gala parties, mass mailing campaigns, and grant-writing projects. Innovative fundraising managers will do well when they can discover innovative methods for raising funds. - Supply Chain Manager
The pandemic taught everyone about the importance of strong supply chains and, by proxy, supply chain managers. These business professionals are responsible for how products are created and shipped throughout the world. Given the global nature of today's business world, supply chain management is an increasingly lucrative career path. - Database Administrators
Every information technology department needs database administrators. These IT professionals are tasked with assigning database permissions to their firm's employees, but they also oversee the database itself. They may evaluate it for security or to ensure that all its search functions are functioning. While they may not need to program a new database, database administrators should have at least a working knowledge of SQL, Python, and perhaps R. - Construction Manager
These business leaders oversee construction projects, keeping them on time and under budget. There are many construction management degree programs, but construction managers should also spend some time working on the various crews that they oversee. With first-hand knowledge of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and steelwork - they’ll have the insights they need to manage crews with maximum effectiveness.
- Public Relations Manager
- Administrative Services Manager
- Facilities Manager
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Financial Manager
- Training and Development Manager
- Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Software Developers
- Art Director
- Digital Marketing Manager/Director