Project management is a strategic career that influences the way organisations manage strategy and deliver value. By 2025, it is listed as one of the most sought-after competencies in any industry, especially in the US, where companies are struggling with a drastic shortage of available talent capable of working on projects. Project Management Institute (PMI) predicts that 25 million project-oriented professionals will be required to meet the global demand by 2030. Back at home, the US has an expected 2.2 million project-driven shortage by the year 2027, as the firms increase efforts in digitalisation, infrastructure-driven projects, and inter-sector innovation.
This is not the only change taking place in classic industries such as building or engineering. Indeed, more than 60 per cent of the total number of projects in organisations today are IT-related and with the majority of industries, including healthcare, finance, energy, education, retail, and government, recruiting project employees at the highest levels ever before. As the Agile practices are gradually gaining traction and more organisations move towards hybrid project models, even startups and non-governmental organisations seek professionals capable of organising the work, planning, communicating, and delivering results.
However, what is most promising, and, perhaps, surprising, is that the profession has been brought to a greater accessibility. The urban legend that one must have a university degree or even a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification to enter project management is too outdated. For entry-level and junior roles, relevant qualifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation, AgilePM, or Certified ScrumMaster are now considered more important than academic knowledge. The PMP itself also requires several years of proven track record in project leadership practice, which may not be suitable for novices. In comparison, however, other certifications such as PRINCE2 Foundation have no experience required and are recognised by many employers in the US.
This shift in employer attitude has created a critical window of opportunity to career-changers. As a teacher who has been running school events, a retail manager who has been building and motivating teams, and meeting store goals, and an administrative assistant who has been managing schedules and organising logistics, you already have most of the soft and organisational skills required in project settings. What employers are seeking are those with effective communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, which you might have acquired already, even though you have yet to have a project manager job.
In favor of this trend are the emergence of professional bootcamps and traineeships schemes such as the Fortray Project Management Job Guarantee Program. These courses are primarily aimed at individuals like you, who are just starting your career or have recently graduated, or those who are non-technical in every sense of the word, seeking a more expedient and pragmatic way into the project arena. Traineeship models are transforming the landscape of career entry by combining industry-certified credentials, practical experience, and job placement facilitation.
If you’re planning to switch careers, 2025 is a good year to leap. The economy of the project is growing, barriers to entry are reduced, and support programs are established to enable you to succeed even without a traditional degree and decades of prior experience. A high wall which appeared so impenetrable before, is here a clear, well-lighted pathway. Nothing is required except that you must decide to begin walking it.
The Growing Demand: A Market Ripe for Entry
The workforce has had its say. It is predicted that within the next decade, the global economy will require 25 million new project experts. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), there will be 2.2 million or more job opportunities in the field of project management in the US alone in 2027. It is not only the retirement of professionals, but also the growth of digital transformation efforts, infrastructure modernisation, and industrial innovation that drives it.
High Demand Across Multiple Sectors
Technology firms are rolling out new products, hospitals are introducing fresh services, banks are digitally reinventing themselves, and NGOs are growing their programmes. Each of these endeavours requires individuals capable of managing scope, budget, and teams. Zoe Talent Solutions notes that financial services top the list of PM demand, with IT, energy, and healthcare not far behind.
No degree required
A common misconception is that becoming a project manager requires a university degree, PMP certification, or both. This is pure fiction, especially across the US. Today, the majority of entry-level positions value hands-on expertise and pertinent certifications higher than formal degrees.
Take the PMP (Project Management Professional) certification as an example; before you can apply, you must have already accumulated 3–5 years of work experience. This credential does not suit novices. Instead, credentials such as PRINCE2 Foundation, AgilePM, and Scrum Master are accessible for beginners and enjoy broad recognition from US employers.
Fortray’s Project Management Job Guarantee Traineeship
Now enters Fortray’s Project Management Job Guarantee Traineeship. Tailored for professionals with no prior experience or formal tech training, the initiative lays the foundation for your entire career.
What is covered within the Program?
Structured Learning: Addresses both traditional and Agile project methodologies.
Certification Preparation: Acquire the PRINCE2 Foundation credential and, optionally, Agile/Scrum certification too.
Live Instructor-led Classes: Participate in real-time lessons with industry professionals, no matter where you are in the world.
Hands-on Projects: Gain real-world experience and build your portfolio through exercises and live tasks.
1:1 Mentorship: Individualised coaching to steer your career journey.
Why It’s the Ideal Program for Beginners
Fortray does not assume that you already have any professional background in project management. In truth, the course has been specifically designed for career changers—people transitioning from roles in retail, teaching, hospitality, or administration. Our emphasis is on cultivating the hands-on competencies that employers truly value—communication, task coordination, stakeholder management, and a broad knowledge of project life cycles.
Strong Salary Prospects
The average US project manager earns around $ 47,500, with entry-level positions starting in the mid-$30,000 range. Within 1-2 years, professionals often transition into roles that pay $ 50,000- $ 55,000, especially in tech and finance. Fortray graduates typically secure roles within six weeks of completing the program, with most landing jobs that pay between $ 30,000 and $ 45,000 initially.
Built-In Job Guarantee
One of the most attractive features of the Fortray program is its job guarantee. You’re not just learning theory, you’re getting hired. If you don’t land a job after successful completion, your tuition is refunded. This gives candidates peace of mind and a safety net as they transition careers.
Fortray’s Recruitment Support
Fortray goes beyond education. Their in-house recruitment services help match candidates with job opportunities across their employer network. This includes:
- Resume & LinkedIn optimization
- Interview coaching
- Application support
- Referrals and placement into entry-level roles like Project Coordinator, PMO Analyst, and Junior Project Manager
Final Word
If you’ve been thinking about a career shift, 2025 offers a window of golden opportunity. Project management is in demand, the barriers to entry are lower than ever, and with Fortray’s Project Management Career Change program, the path is clearly mapped out for you.