How to become a project management consultant

Introduction

Project management has become a critical area of focus for organisations. That’s why more organisations are looking for project management consultants to help them find new solutions and drive their projects to success. If you are a seasoned project manager and are looking to expand your career, or if you want to help multiple organisations drive their projects to success, then a career as a project management consultant could be the perfect next step. This guide will give you the essentials on how to become a project management consultant, from the role itself to the jobs and the challenges of this exciting career path.

What is a project management consultant?

A project management consultant is a specialist who advises organisations on project management practices, processes, and methodologies. They will work with the client to help them make their projects more efficient, find solutions to difficult problems, and make their projects more successful.

The responsibilities of a project management consultant include:

• Assessing the current project management processes
• Identifying where the project is weak
• Suggesting new tools, techniques, and methodologies
• Helping to implement changes
• Providing training and guidance to the internal team.

Project management consultants will usually work on a contract basis, which allows them to work with a variety of clients and industries. As such, project management consultants have a broad understanding of the challenges and solutions to project management issues. They can become an invaluable asset to an organisation that wants to improve their project management capabilities.

Project management consultant vs project manager: What’s the difference?

Although both roles are rooted in project management expertise, there are a few differences between the two:

Skills and qualifications for project management consultants

Here are some of the key skills and qualifications required to become a project management consultant:

• Strong foundation in project management methods. You must be familiar with the different project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, PRINCE2) and be able to identify which one is most suitable for the project. You must be able to decide which methodology to use based on the client’s requirements.
• Analytical thinking. This is one of the most important skills for a project management consultant. As a project management consultant, you will have to analyse a situation and provide practical and creative solutions. For this, you will need to analyse a lot of data and come up with the right solution.
• Communication skills. Communication is key in the consulting industry. You must be a good communicator, especially when it comes to explaining concepts to your clients and their team members. You must be able to communicate effectively and concisely. Your communication skills must be adapted based on the different situations and the audience.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills. A project management consultant must be able to guide and influence people. You will need to lead teams and persuade others to adopt a change and believe in the change that you are advocating. Consultants must quickly understand and adapt to new environments and challenges.
• Adaptability. As a project management consultant, you will be working in different industries and for different clients. You must be able to adapt to the new environment and situation and work in a flexible manner.
• Business acumen. As a project management consultant, you must be aware of business concepts and how they can be used to manage projects. You must be able to connect the business strategies with the project and understand the vision of the client.
• Problem-solving. A project management consultant must be able to be creative in solving problems and find new solutions. The key reason for a project management consultant is to solve the issues that the client’s team cannot. This requires problem-solving skills and creativity.
• Time management and organisation. As a project management consultant, you will have to handle several projects and clients simultaneously. It is important that you are organised and can manage time effectively.

How to become a project management consultant

Here are the key steps to becoming a project management consultant:

• Get some experience. Start by gaining 5-10 years of experience in project management in different industries and on different types of projects. You must have this experience to get credibility as a consultant.
• Get certifications. One of the most important ways to get started as a project management consultant is to obtain the following certifications:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
  • Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

These certifications will give you a professional backing and will validate your experience and knowledge in the best practices.

• Build your network. Attend events, join a professional association, and network with other project management professionals. Joining professional associations can help you to learn more about the consulting industry and the consulting world.
• Specialise in specific industries or project management methods. As a project management consultant, you can specialise in a particular industry (such as finance, health care, etc.) or in a specific project management method (for example, in the implementation of an Agile approach).
• Build a portfolio. Document all your achievements and case studies. This will help you in showcasing your experience and knowledge to your clients. You can also add this to your CV and share it with the recruiters.
• Take an MBA or a degree in project management. Taking an MBA or a project management degree can help you further in your career. These programs can also help you build a network and learn more about the business aspect of things.
• Start working as a consultant. Start by taking on small projects or work for a consulting firm. This will help you learn the business and get some practical experience.
• Build your brand. Create a strong online presence through LinkedIn and a personal website. Share your insights through a blog, a newsletter, or articles. Try to create a brand around you and become a thought leader in the project management industry.

5 top platforms for finding project management consultant jobs

Here are some of the top websites to find project management consultant jobs:

1. LinkedIn Jobs

• Why it’s valuable: It’s a combination of a professional network and job search platform.
• What to look for: Use the keywords “project management consultant”.
• Pro tip: Use your professional connections for recommendations.
• Link: LinkedIn Jobs – Project Management Consultant

2. Indeed UK

• Why is it great: It’s an aggregator of job listings.
• What should you look for: Filter by salary, location, and type of job.
• Pro tip: Create job alerts to be notified of new job listings.
• Link: Indeed UK – Project Management Consultant Jobs

3. Reed.co.uk

• Why is it great: One of the most popular job sites in the UK.
• What should you look for: Use the advanced search options to filter your search.
• Pro tip: Check the “Contract” and “Temporary” options for consultant roles.
• Link: Reed.co.uk – Project Management Consultant Jobs

4. Consultancy.uk

• Why is it great: It’s a specialist job site for consulting jobs in the UK.
• What should you look for: Project management roles specific to industries.
• Pro tip: Check the news section for industry insights.
• Link: Consultancy.uk – Project Management Jobs

5. Jobs.ac.uk

• Why is it great: It focuses on academic and research jobs.
• What should you look for: Project management roles in higher education or research organisations.
• Pro tip: Check for roles in university Project Management Offices (PMOs).
• Link: Jobs.ac.uk – Project Management and Consulting

Some additional tips for your job search

• Use keywords such as “project management advisor” or “PMO consultant” in your search.
• Consider working with a specialised recruiting agency for project management jobs.
• Keep your CV and online profiles up to date with your most recent experiences and skills.
• Join project management communities and engage with them online. This will help you learn about unadvertised opportunities.

Pros and cons of project management consultancy

Before taking up a job as a project management consultant, it is important to consider the pros and cons of the role:

Pros

• Varied experiences across different industries. As a project management consultant, you get to work on different types of projects in different industries. This helps you to continuously learn and improve your skills.
• High earning potential. As a project management consultant, you can earn a lot. With experience and with a good reputation, you can make a lot more.
• Ability to choose the projects and clients you want to work with. You can work on the type of projects and clients that you want to work with. You can have a better work-life balance.
• Ability to make a difference in various organisations and projects.

Cons

• Less job security. Compared to permanent jobs, as a project management consultant, you may not have the same level of job security. This can also lead to inconsistent earnings.
• Requires motivation and discipline. As a project management consultant, you are your own boss. Therefore, you need to be disciplined and motivated to run your business.
• You need to manage your business. As a project management consultant, you will have to take care of the business aspect as well. This includes things like bookkeeping, accounting, and marketing.
• Travel and long hours. Some clients may need you to work with them on-site, which can be difficult. In some cases, you may have to work long hours.

FAQs

What is the average salary for a project management consultant in the UK?

The average salary for a project management consultant in the UK is between £50,000 and £100,000 per year. Depending on your experience and your specialisation, the salary can be even higher.

Do I need a specific degree to become a project management consultant?

Although not mandatory, a degree in business, management, or related fields can help you. The most important thing is experience and certification.

How long does it typically take to establish a successful project management consultancy career?

Usually, it takes between 5 and 10 years of experience in project management before you can become a project management consultant. It can take another 2 to 5 years to establish a project management consultancy career.

Can I work as a project management consultant remotely?

Yes, many project management consultants work remotely. This is especially the case after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some clients may require you to be on-site for some projects or key meetings.

What industries hire project management consultants most frequently?

Project management consultants are needed in various industries. Project management consultants are often hired in IT, construction, health care, finance, and manufacturing industries. In fact, the need for project management skills is in every industry.

How can I stay updated with the latest project management trends and best practices?

You can keep up with the latest project management trends and best practices by continuously taking up courses, webinars, and going to industry conferences. You can also keep up with industry trends by being a part of professional associations such as PMI and by reading publications and doing research.