How to Become a Freelance Project Manager: 5 STEPS

Project management is blowing up – we’re talking a 71% jump in getting insured between 2021 and 2022- also freelance project manager, according to that research from Simply Business. So you might be wondering, how the heck do I become a project manager myself? No sweat, we’ve got you covered with 7 easy steps:

Step 1: Decide if you’re a good fit for the freelance project manager

What does a project manager do?freelance project management

A project manager mainly the manager of the entire project initiation, development and delivery processes.

Project managers work with teams, individuals and also client side. So the project manager isn’t just bossing around the main team – they’re working with all kinds of folks, like the project sponsor, the stakeholders, and the business analysts. Even if some people are just helping out with certain parts, the project manager is keeping an eye on the whole thing from start to finish.

Starting Out as project manager freelance

One of the first big jobs you’ll have is figuring out and managing any risks to the project.

Regular check-in meetings and discussions about specific areas of the project? Yep, that’s crucial. And you’ll probably be using all kinds of project management software and tools, like Gantt charts, to put together the plans and budgets.

Step 2: Select an industry you like: how to become a freelance project manager?

Pretty much any industry or company out there is gonna want project managers to help them reach their goals and get stuff done. We’re talking everything from business and finance to construction, government, IT, retail – you name it.

Now, if you want to be a real specialist project manager, you’re probably gonna need some more in-depth knowledge in your particular field than someone working a more general business role.

Step 3: Figure out what project management qualification you need

You don’t actually need a fancy degree to be a project manager – that’s the good news. But taking some project management courses can give your career a serious boost.

One popular option is the PRINCE2 certification for freelance project manager, which is a big deal in the UK and a great place to start. And the more hands-on experience you can get, the better your chances of landing those juicy project manager roles and working on the good stuff.

Important Certifications for Project Management and project management for freelancers

A lot of folks start out as assistant project managers or project management officers, then work their way up to being full-on project directors. The key skills you need are things like planning, attention to detail, communication, negotiation, budgeting, leadership, and risk management.

Becoming a Project Manager with Online Degrees

In the UK, you can find all kinds of project management qualifications and courses, depending on the field you want to work in. Like, you don’t necessarily need a business degree for general business project management – the courses can teach you what you need to know about requirements and risks.

And if you want to specialize in something specific, like engineering project management, it’s crucial to really understand that industry inside and out. For a freelance project manager, it makes sense to transition from working in engineering to being the project manager in the same field.

PRINCE2 or Agile Courses

A lot of freelance project manager job listings will ask for training in methodologies like PRINCE2 or Agile. You can get those certifications online or in person, whatever works best for you.

PRINCE2 courses vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the qualification level and study time available.

Step 4: Sign up for taxes

If you’re going solo, you gotta register your business with HMRC. Fulfilling those tax obligations is crucial to avoid any penalties down the line.

Now, you’ve got a few different business structure options to consider:

• Operating as a sole trader
• Forming a limited company
• Or working under an umbrella company

If you’re not sure which one is the best fit for you, chat with a financial advisor – they can walk you through the pros and cons of being a sole trader versus setting up a limited company.

And while you’re at it, think about whether registering for VAT makes sense for your particular business needs. Gotta make sure you’re set up for success, you know?

Step 5: Get project manager insurance

The freedom of being your own boss is great, but it also means you’ve got a lot more responsibility on your plate. So if you’re going the self-employed route as a freelance project manager, you’ll definitely want to look into getting some insurance coverage.

Public liability insurance is a common one for contract project managers. It protects you against legal expenses or compensation claims that could come up from things like personal injury or property damage caused by your business.

What is professional indemnity insurance?

Professional indemnity insurance is another essential one. It’s there to cover compensation claims and legal fees if a client suffers financial or professional losses because of your work.

You’ll also want to think about business equipment insurance. That way, if your gear gets damaged or stolen, you can quickly replace it and keep things running smoothly.

And if you’ve got any employees, employers’ liability insurance is actually a legal requirement. Gotta make sure you’ve got that covered.

The bottom line is, being a freelance project manager gives you a lot of freedom, but you’ve also got to be responsible for protecting yourself and your business. Insurance is a smart way to do that.

Step 6: Join a professional group

As a student, you can become a member of the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for project managers. After more than five years on the job, you can advance from student to associate and then to full membership and become a freelance project manager.

As an APM student, you have a valuable opportunity to stay updated on developments within the project management field.

Step 7: Start looking for project management jobs

First things first, get that LinkedIn profile set up and create a business page. Then start actively engaging with project management networks and communities – this networking stuff can lead to some seriously valuable opportunities, like job leads, mentorship, and developing your skills.

Joining project management forums, going to industry events, and connecting with other project managers in your desired field – that’s gonna help you build relationships and open doors to potential jobs. Plus, you’ll get some killer insights into the industry.

Final Tips

The best tip to excel as a project manager is to always be learning and keeping your skills sharp. Take relevant courses, go to workshops, get those certifications in project management. Continuous learning and professional development is key to boosting your credibility and making yourself more marketable in this career field.