Are you looking for a way to get started in the project management profession? Starting with an internship position is an excellent way to learn the basics of this sought-after profession.
You’ll get to work with experienced professionals and see how projects are managed from start to finish. This can also give you an opportunity to network with other project managers and possibly land a job after graduation.
As industries continue to adapt to technological advancements and changing market demands, the landscape of project management internships is also evolving. Interns today are not only expected to possess foundational skills in communication and organization but also to be adaptable and tech-savvy.
In this article, we’ll provide you with an overview of what project management internships are all about, what you can expect to learn, and how to make the most of your experience. We’ll also give you some tips on where to find good internship opportunities and how to succeed once you’ve landed one.
Let’s get started!
How to get project management experience even if you are new to a community
It’s difficult to break into a new area if you don’t have any connections, especially if you have a quiet personality or are new to the country. This was a scenario I found myself in, not long ago…
I was new to the community and needed to transition my career. I researched various ways to gain experience as a project management intern and volunteer.
This gave me the opportunity to meet and network with experienced professionals in the field. I was able to learn from them and build relationships that would help me in my career transition.
If you’re new to a community and want to get some project management experience, there is an opportunity in volunteering. Try to find projects that are just getting started. Oftentimes, these projects will need someone to help organize and keep track of tasks.
Where can you find these projects? Start by looking for organizations, associations, and committees that need help. They’re all around you—in the neighborhoods, PMI chapters, and non-profits.
Many times, these projects will need someone to help with coordination and communication. You can offer your services as a project manager for free. This is a great way to get some experience and build your portfolio.
No matter what route you take, remember that project management is all about communication, organization, and coordination. If you can show that you have these skills, you’ll be sure to impress any potential employer.
4 Tips To Excel As A Project Management Intern
As a project management intern, you can expect to learn a lot about the inner workings of successful businesses. You will be assigned tasks and projects that will help you gain experience in the field, but it’s up to you to succeed.
To make the most of your experience, there are a few tips that will help you get attention and ultimately gain confidence as a project manager.
1) Be Committed to Learning
As a new project management intern, it is important to be committed to learning. There are a lot of new things to learn and it can be overwhelming at first. However, if you are willing to put in the effort, you will quickly gain the skills you need to be successful.
One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty and jump in on projects. You will learn a lot by actually doing the work, and you will also get a better sense of what project management is all about.
Of course, you can’t do everything on your own. Make sure to ask questions when you need help or clarification. Learning can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure what you’re doing, but with a little bit of planning and commitment, you can make the most of your learning journey.
2) Ask Questions
As an intern, you might be worried about asking too many questions or looking like you don’t know what you’re doing. However, it’s important to ask questions so that you can learn and understand the project management process.
If you’re unsure about something, ask your supervisor or another member of the team. By doing so, you’ll gain a better understanding of the work and be able to contribute more effectively.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with a task. It’s better to ask for assistance and get the job done right than to try to do it on your own and end up making mistakes. Asking for help shows that you’re willing to learn and are eager to do your best work.
So, don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help when needed. It’ll benefit both you and the team in the long run.
| Recommended Books For Project Management Internships | Get a Copy From Amazon |
| Intern Management: Principles for Designing an Exceptional Internship | Learn More |
| How to Intern Successfully: Insights & Actions to Optimize Your Experience | Learn More |
| Total Internship Management – A Guide To Creating The Ultimate Internship Program | Learn More |
3) Connect With Your Project Manager/Boss And Other Employees
When you’re in a project management internship, it’s important to connect with your boss and other employees. You’ll need to learn their communication style, work ethic, and what they expect from you. It can also be to your advantage if you can work on multiple projects.
It is beneficial for you to establish positive relationships with others so that they can help support your professional development. Below are some tips on how to connect with other people:
i) Be proactive in communication.
If you’re not sure how often you should be communicating with your boss or what the best method is, ask them directly. It’s better to over-communicate than under-communicate when you’re first starting out.
ii) Be a good listener.
Many people underestimate the importance of being a good listener. When you’re communicating with your boss or other employees, make sure that you’re really listening to what they’re saying. This will help you understand their needs and how you can best support them.
iii) Be respectful.
It’s important to be respectful of your boss and other employees. This includes not interrupting them when they’re speaking, being polite, and following their instructions.
iv) Be positive.
No one likes to work with a negative person. If you’re having a bad day, try to keep it to yourself. Instead, focus on being positive and upbeat. This will make your boss and other employees want to work with you more.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to develop positive relationships with your boss and other employees. This will help you succeed in your career as a project management intern, and get a better understanding of the company culture and how things operate.
4) Share Your Opinion With Others
When you are in a project management internship, it is important to always try and share your opinion during team discussions. This type of project coordination will show your teammates that you are fully invested in the project and that you are willing to contribute to the success of the team.
Additionally, by sharing your opinion, you may be able to provide valuable insights that can help the team achieve its goals. If you are unsure of what to say, simply ask questions that will help clarify the situation and contribute to the discussion.
By doing this, you will become an invaluable member of the team and will be able to build strong relationships with your colleagues.
Where to Look for Project Management Intern Jobs Online
There are a few places you can look for job openings online. Some of these websites also offer project management internship positions. There are various project management tools. These are some project management tools:
1) Indeed
Indeed is a great source for finding a company working on projects that would appreciate the help of an intern. You can search by location, keyword, or company, and filter your results to find the perfect internship for you.
Plus, Indeed offers a variety of resources to help you prepare for your internship interview and get the most out of your experience. So if you’re looking for an internship in project management, Indeed is a great place to start your search.
2) LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the many places to look for project management internships. LinkedIn can be a great resource for because it allows you to search by location, industry, and keyword. It is great for getting computer science, and computer engineering internships based on technical and business requirements. An undergraduate student can also get a part time internship from here or can find smaller projects to increase skills.
You can also view profiles of potential employers and see what kinds of projects they are working on. If you’re looking for an internship in project management, LinkedIn is a great place to start your search.
3) Glassdoor
Another great resource to check out is Glassdoor. They have a variety of positions listed, from entry-level to experienced professionals. It is great to find an internship after a bachelor’s degree.
There are many internship opportunities available for those interested in project management. Be sure to read the job descriptions carefully and see if you meet the qualifications listed.
4) Workopolis
Workopolis is a great source for finding an internship that meets your needs and interests. The website has a variety of different intern openings available.
You can also search for internships by keyword, location, or job type. You can also set up email alerts so you don’t miss any new postings.
5) Talentegg
Talentegg is a great place to find internship opportunities, especially from big tech and finance industry experts. With its vast database of internships, you’re sure to find one that’s a perfect fit for your skills and interests. You may also work alongside professional engineers.
Plus, the website’s tools and advice may help you make the most of your internship.
Who is a project management intern and what do they do?
A project management intern is someone who helps to oversee and coordinate the various aspects of a project. This can include keeping track of deadlines, ensuring that the project stays on track, and developing team members’ professional growth.
Project management interns are an important part of any team and can help to make sure that a project runs smoothly from start to finish.
If you are interested in becoming a project management intern, then there are a few things that you will need to do. First, you should have excellent communication and organizational skills. You will also need to be able to work well under pressure and be able to handle multiple tasks at once. Additionally, it is helpful if you have some experience with project management software.
If you have the skills and qualifications that are needed to be a project management intern, then you may be wondering how to get started.
One way to find internships is to search online or look in your local newspapers. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about internships that they may have available.
How much can a project management intern make?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including the intern’s qualifications, the company they are working for, and the location of the position.
Generally speaking, project management interns can expect to make between $15 and $25 per hour. However, there are some positions that may pay more or less than this range. For example, an intern working for a small company in a rural area may only make $12 per hour, while an intern working for a large company in a major city may make $30 per hour.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how much a project management intern can make is to research the specific position that you are interested in and find out the pay range of that location.
Wrapping Up on Project Management Internships
Familiarity with project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project is becoming increasingly important. These tools facilitate collaboration and streamline workflows, making it essential for interns to be proficient in their use.
By embracing these technologies, interns can significantly enhance their contributions to their teams and better prepare themselves for future roles in project management.
As the demand for skilled project managers continues to rise, competition for entry-level positions can be fierce. Interns should take proactive steps to distinguish themselves from their peers.
This includes not only excelling in their current internship but also pursuing additional certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Agile certifications. These credentials can enhance an intern’s resume and showcase their commitment to the profession.
Furthermore, maintaining a portfolio of completed projects and lessons learned during the internship can serve as a powerful tool during job interviews, demonstrating practical experience and a proactive approach to learning.
Interning in project management is more than just a stepping stone; it is a foundational experience that can shape your career trajectory. By actively engaging in your internship, seeking mentorship, and continuously developing your skills, you can position yourself for success in this dynamic field.
Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, and remember that every experience is a chance to learn and grow. With dedication and the right strategies, you can turn your internship into a launching pad for a rewarding career in project management.
Overall, interning in project management can be a great way to gain experience in the field. It is essential to have excellent communication and organizational skills, and it is helpful if you have some experience with project management software.
You can search for internships online or look in your local newspapers. Additionally, you can contact companies directly and inquire about internships that they may have available.
Generally speaking, project management interns can expect to make between $15 and $25 per hour. However, there are some positions that may pay more or less than this range.
Ultimately, the best way to determine how much a project management intern can make is to research the specific position that you are interested in.
I hope this post helped you out, and best of luck in your future endeavors from me. Feel free to check out my whole blog on project management.