Careers Spotlight event focuses on Project Management

The Careers Department recently hosted its third Careers Spotlight of the year – a virtual event which focused on careers in Project Management.

The session introduced students to the purpose of project management as well as both graduate and apprentice routes in. Key Labour Market Information (LMI) was fascinating; including the fact that the value contributed to the UK economy by project management exceeds that of the finance industry.

Some 50 students from Fourth Year to the Upper Sixth Form enjoyed the chance to hear from three speakers from different parts of this industry.  Rebecca Bowman represented professional body, the Association for Project Managers, which promotes the value of project management, provides training and has developed rigorous apprenticeship programmes – both at degree and higher levels.

And speaker Beth Revell, founder and partner at Blue Iris Partnership, a construction management consultancy, explained how project management skills are prized highly across an ever-increasing range of sectors.  Starting from construction and IT, project managers now play a key business role in media, cyber security, sports, education, law and healthcare.  There is plenty of scope to work abroad, earn high salaries and influence the world we live in.  Beth gave us a vivid insight into the projects she has worked on around the globe, from a Middle Eastern palace to top class hotels, local health centres and new schools.

Meanwhile, Georgia Shaw, now a project manager at French multinational information technology service and consulting company, Atos, working on the BBC account, described her route into the profession straight from school. She is now on a fully funded degree apprenticeship with the company and explained how enjoyable it was to work alongside experienced managers and learn from them.  Both Georgia and Beth reassured the audience that their jobs were challenging, busy and varied but also lots of fun. Georgia has had the chance to contribute to fundraising for the Princes Trust and was a highly commended nominee for the National Higher Apprentice of the Year 2021.

Students asked their own questions about project management, including what steps they could take at school to put themselves in the best position to apply for roles in future. Top tips were to seize every opportunity to take on responsibilities, such as volunteering or a part time job; to be flexible and curious and to learn to network well.

This event formed one of a series of Spotlight events organised by the Careers Department. Thank you to all those who made it happen.