10 Questions to Help You Decide on a Project Manager Career Path

Thinking about a career in project management, but not sure if it’s the right fit? You’re not alone. Many professionals considering a pivot—or just starting out—ask: Is project management a good career for me?

A project management career offers tremendous opportunities across industries. However, success in this role depends on a combination of personality traits, work style preferences, and long-term goals.

Whether you're curious about entry-level roles or aiming to become a PMP-certified expert, answering these questions will clarify your direction and help you make informed decisions.

If you're ready to take that first step, CBT Nuggets' Introduction to Project Management course is a great place to start.

What Does a Project Manager Actually Do?

A successful project manager is more than a task tracker—they’re a strategic planner, clear communicator, creative problem solver, and motivating leader. They balance priorities, manage teams, and keep projects aligned with business goals, often serving as the glue that holds everything together.

Common project manager tasks include: 

• Plans, executes, and closes projects while managing resources, scope, and timelines.

• Coordinates cross-functional teams, clients, and stakeholders.

• Works across a wide range of industries, including IT, healthcare, marketing, construction, and more.

10 Questions to Help You Decide on a Project Manager Career Path

Before diving into a project management career, it’s important to reflect on your strengths, interests, and work preferences. The questions below are designed to help you assess whether project management is a good fit—and what type of project manager career path might suit you best. 

1. Do You Like Leading Teams and Taking Ownership?

Project managers are leaders, first and foremost, responsible for guiding teams through complex initiatives while ensuring alignment with business objectives. They make critical decisions under pressure, motivate diverse groups of people, and ultimately take responsibility for the success or failure of a project. 

If you're energized by guiding people, solving problems collaboratively, and being accountable for delivering results, a career in project management might be a strong fit.

• Project managers often serve as the point of contact for clients and executives.

• Leadership tasks include resolving conflict, setting expectations, and inspiring productivity.

2. Are You Comfortable with Uncertainty and Problem-Solving?

IT projects rarely go exactly according to plan. Shifting priorities, technical setbacks, and scope changes are common challenges that require quick thinking and a calm demeanor. A great project manager can adapt strategies on the fly, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and make informed decisions even when all the data isn’t available. 

The ability to problem-solve under pressure is one of the most valuable traits in this career path.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I stay composed during uncertainty?

• Can I make decisions with incomplete information?

3. Do You Prefer Structure or Flexibility?

The world of IT project management offers career paths that range from highly structured to extremely flexible, depending on the methodology and industry. Waterfall approaches are built around rigid planning, ideal for those who thrive on process and order. On the other hand, Agile environments embrace adaptability, collaboration, and rapid iteration to respond to changing needs. 

Understanding which style resonates with you will help determine the best fit for your working style and long-term goals.

Project manager processes to consider: 

• Waterfall project management is highly structured, making it ideal for those who value linear processes.

• Agile project management embraces flexibility, collaboration, and rapid iteration.

4. Are You Detail-Oriented and Organized?

One of the most critical skills for IT project managers is the ability to maintain accuracy and control over countless moving parts. From tracking budgets and schedules to managing dependencies across technical teams, every small detail plays a role in overall project success. 

If you naturally notice the details others might miss and can stay organized while balancing multiple priorities, you’ll be well-suited to excel in this field.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I naturally notice small details others might miss?

• Can I juggle multiple priorities without letting things slip?

Related Reading: 5 Primary Functions of a Project Manager

5. Are You Comfortable Communicating Across Teams and Levels?

Strong communication skills allow you to present complex technical updates clearly, build trust across different teams, and keep everyone aligned toward the same goal. If you enjoy being the connector between groups, this role offers plenty of opportunities to leverage that strength.

Important communication skills for project managers:

• Translate technical language for business stakeholders.

• Report progress clearly and confidently.

6. What Type of Projects Do You Want to Manage?

Some project managers thrive in fast-paced development environments delivering new applications, while others prefer large-scale infrastructure or security projects that impact the entire organization. 

Identifying your interests early not only helps you choose the right roles but also guides you in selecting the certifications and methodologies that will best support your professional growth. Depending on your interests and expertise, you might focus on projects such as:

• Software Development & Application Rollouts: Coordinating Agile/Scrum teams to deliver new apps or features.

• Cloud Migrations & Architecture: Moving on-prem environments to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud and optimizing infrastructure.

• Cybersecurity Initiatives: Managing deployments of EDR, SIEM, and compliance frameworks like NIST or ISO 27001.

• Network & Systems Upgrades: Overseeing large-scale implementations like SD-WAN, virtualization, or enterprise Wi-Fi.

Explore industry-specific training options, such as CompTIA Project+ or CAPM.

7. Do You Want to Specialize or Stay General?

Not all PMs are the same. Some become specialists—experts in Agile, software, or infrastructure projects. Others remain generalists, managing a variety of project types across different departments. 

If you like deep diving into a domain, specialization might be the right path. If you enjoy variety and quick learning, generalist roles offer the flexibility you need.

8. What Are Your Long-Term Career Goals?

Project management opens doors to several leadership roles and career trajectories, especially in IT. As you gain experience, you can move from managing individual initiatives to overseeing large-scale programs and portfolios that drive business strategy. Project management offers numerous advancement paths:

• Senior Project Manager

• Program Manager (oversees multiple projects)

• Portfolio Manager (aligns projects with business goals)

• PMO Director (Project Management Office lead)

Mapping your goals helps identify whether to stay hands-on or grow into strategic leadership. Tools like CBT Nuggets’ Agile Project Management course can help you advance in specialized tracks.

9. Do You Want to Work In-Person, Remotely, or Hybrid?

One of the biggest advantages of IT project management is the flexibility in work environments. Some roles require being on-site to coordinate with engineering teams or manage data center upgrades, while others can be done entirely online. Thinking about your ideal work setup early can help you target positions that fit both your career and lifestyle goals. Here’s what that flexibility can look like in practice:

• IT and software PMs may work fully remotely or hybrid.

• Communication tools like Slack, Jira, and Zoom become your daily toolkit.

• Your location preference can help guide which roles and industries suit your lifestyle.

10. Are You Willing to Upskill Continuously?

Project management in IT is never static. New frameworks, tools, and best practices emerge regularly, and staying competitive requires ongoing professional development. Successful IT project managers not only keep up with industry changes but actively seek out new certifications, methodologies, and technologies to strengthen their expertise and value to organizations.

Ask yourself:

• Am I committed to lifelong learning?

• Will I invest time in certifications and skill development?

CBT Nuggets offers beginner-to-advanced project management training to help you stay competitive and confident in your role.

Related Reading: 3 Things All Successful Project Managers Do

Popular Certifications for Project Management Careers

If you decide that project management is a good career fit, earning certifications can help you build credibility, validate your skills, and open doors to higher-level opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for senior roles, the right credential can accelerate your career trajectory and align you with industry standards. Here are a few credentials worth considering, depending on your career stage:

• CompTIA Project+: A solid foundational certification.

• CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): Great for new PMs.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): Widely respected, mid-to-senior level.

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Excellent if you're aiming for Agile or tech-focused roles.

Conclusion

If your answers to these questions reflect a passion for leadership, strong communication, and adaptability, then a project management career could be a rewarding career choice. It’s a path full of possibilities across industries, with room for growth, specialization, and even remote flexibility.

If you’re ready to explore your potential, CBT Nuggets' Introduction to Project Management course is the perfect place to start. Learn foundational skills, explore certifications, and discover what kind of project manager you can become.