How to Become an Electronics Project Manager

An electronics project manager is responsible for managing projects for electronic devices and systems. This person develops a project plan, sets objectives and determines the amount of time it will take to accomplish the project. In addition, he must decide how the goals will be achieved and what resources are needed. He also oversees all areas of the project, including preparing and organizing, product development, cost management and estimates, team development, timeline development, activity scheduling and performance reporting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Attend college, choosing mechanical engineering, electronics, or a related discipline as your major. Earning a B.A. in a technical field is one of the best ways to become an electronics project manager, since you will need an in-depth understanding of electronic systems in order to excel in this career.
2. Earn an advanced degree to increase your skill set and make yourself more attractive to potential employers. Institutions that offer an M.S. degree in project management include Boston University, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Eastern Michigan University and the University of Maryland. An M.B.A. with coursework in project management will also provide you with a good starting point.
3. Educate yourself on the newest strategies for electronics project management by reading books about the field. Try "Electronics: Project Management and Design" by Joseph Stadtmiller or "Visualizing Project Management: Models and Frameworks for Mastering Complex Systems" by Kevin Forsberg, both available on Amazon (see Resources below).
4. Develop the "soft skills" needed for electronics project management by working as an assistant project manager for several years. In order to become an electronics project manager, you must possess excellent leadership skills along with superior communication skills. You will also need to be organized, detailed and able to form and facilitate groups.
5. Visit the Project Management Institute website to find current job postings in the field of electronics project management (see Resources below). The site also has an extensive array of resources, including career counseling services and a publications library.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you become an electronics project manager, understand that this job can be stressful because you will have to meet deadlines and work under pressure. You will also have a lot of responsibilities in this position, which may require you to work long hours.