Introduction

As an early career professional, getting an internship can be a critical piece of the puzzle to getting hired. Specifically, if you are a student seeking a long term career in project management, a PM internship is probably one of the best opportunities out there. They give you an opportunity to get hands on experience with actually managing projects. Projects are out there forever be it working on your organizational communication or using some industry specific tools, PM internships will allow students to gain real experience of the agile world of project management.

In today’s blog, we will take a closer look into what a PM internship is, how can one find and apply for one, how benefit from the role of a pm intern, and what are the key responsibilities for the role. Even if you have some knowledge about the PM field or working in that field , this post will help you to gain tremendous insights about PM internships and its key components.

How a Project Management Intern Works

Interns in project management are trained to develop various critical abilities that are required for managing a project throughout its life cycle which includes the planning and closing stage. Under supervision, interns help project managers with multiple tasks across a multitude of projects whether that includes monitoring or executing the projects.

Internships offer students or young professionals the perfect setting to develop new set of skills. Let’s take the example of project management, it can seem like a daunting task but if a person is able to work under proper supervision they will develop a better understanding of role they will have as a PM.

Important Tasks of a PM Intern

As a PM Intern your job responsibilities will differ with the industry you are working in and the organization you have joined. That being said, here’s a general overview of key responsibilities of a PM Intern:

Project Scope Definition: Defining the scope and objectives of a project along with creating a project plan and limits can be quite difficult which is where interns can and are often deployed.

Communication with Various Stakeholders: Interns in these roles act as a middle man when it comes to a multitude of projects, communicating various tasks and updates to the stakeholders involved in the role.

Assisting Managers: The interns are responsible for assisting the project managers in multiple trivial tasks such as scheduling deadlines, resource allocation or even writing up reports.

Monitoring Progress: Keeping a project on track through the allocation of timelines and ghosting issues or delays whenever necessary.

Managing Documentation: Order and save all documents relevant to projects which include contracts, projects, proposals, or status reports.

Problem Solving: Helping in the elimination of any arising problems or challenges within the project life cycle.

Skills You Can Develop During a PM Internship

Interning in project management provides the perfect opportunity of attaining critical skills that numerous employers across all industries seek. Some of the key skills you can notice include:

Time Management: Managing to complete allocated multiple tasks while observing deadlines.

Communication Skills: Improving the ability to speak and write to other members of the team while reporting to them or making presentations as updates.

Problem-Solving: Noticing the challenges that come up during a project and finding bright, realistic solutions.

Leadership and Teamwork: Getting to experience distinct leadership approaches whilst being taught how to work in a team.

Technical Skills: Easy usage of software tools meant for project management such as Microsoft Project, Trello, Jira, or Asana.

Risk Management: Knowing how to anticipate damage and find ways of alleviating it hence ensuring the success of the project.

Why Should You Pursue a PM Internship?

There are so many advantages to having an internship or a PM program while growing in a professional field There are several reasons as to why you should do an internship in PM, and these are.

• Life Experience

Internships, or specifically project management internships, can greatly enhance your hands-on reality and remove issues which theory alone cannot resolve. You’ll work on actual projects which will give you an exposure to what you learned in lectures and classrooms.

• Self Analysis

If you are someone that is looking into becoming a project manager, then this is a good opportunity for you, as a PM or project manager intern, you get to see the ins of the field, the good and the bad aspects of the life and see if it’s what you would like to pursue or not.

• Growth of network and Outreach

The most interesting part about these internships is that they allow you to expand and grow your network, During your internship period, you get to meet professionals, mentors and other interns, all of whom can help and guide you or may provide job placement in future.

• Crafting a Resume that will make you Competitive

Having a PM internship will positively improve your resume. It will prove to the employers that you have the necessary skill set of managing people, working in a team and have an understanding of the core principles of project management. Such active learning experience will allow you to edge out many other applicants when going for full-time jobs.

• Broader Range of Job Opportunities

A big chunk of employers in market today are looking for people who already have work history. While getting an internship, this will be helpful to you and may get you the opportunity to get a job when the internship ends. This is because a number of firms allow you to work full-time with their firm after you finish your internship program.

How to Get a Project Management Internship

It is not an easy task to look for a PM internship that is suitable for your needs and skillset, but you can improve the chances of getting such a job by employing various tips and tactics.

• Utilize Employment Portals or Job Platforms

LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed and CareerBuilder are among the best employment portals to search for internship vacancies. You are able to adjust the parameters of the search and choose your location, specific industry, and even the duration of the internship. Businesses also post these positions on the mentioned portals, so it is easy to see them and go for a variety of available options.

• Corporate Websites

There are certain organizations that regard hiring interns an important business strategy. Some of these include Microsoft, Accenture, IBM, and PwC. Most of these companies have dedicated internship programs in project management students and providingthose interested with huge entry opportunities into the field. Ensuring one gets a Pure Knowledge Supervisor or an Intern is as easy as checking the company page directly looking for what qualifications/personal attributes are required to apply for the position.

• Professional Connections

Establishing and maintaining connections with individuals in a related field and participating in related social and professional networks greatly assists in obtaining internship positions. Whenever possible, take part in career-oriented exhibitions, professional conferences, or groups and websites that relate to the industry of your qualification. It opens up new doors for you that you did even realize existed before!

• University Guidance Services

Internship opportunities are regular consultations for students at different colleges and universities. This factor is especially important for students because with the help of career specialists, students receive assistance with building a unique resume, prepare for interviews, and play the role of middlemen linking people and companies with intern vacancies. To add on some schools even offer Internship opportunities with overnment agencies or selected business firms.

• Interns Through Professional Organizations

Usually, such internship offers are posted by professional organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Association for Project Management, which also organizes private career-related evens for its members.

How to Ace a PM Internship

People working with you put their faith in you to perform a role, be it in an organization or in a project management setting. Alongside that faith comes the opportunity to work and hone your skills, and failing to deliver your best will offset that trust forever. Here are some tips for making a lasting impression in a project management internship.

• Take Initiative

As an intern, there is very little that is set in stone when it comes to instructions. Taking the initiative to seek help and get involved in different tasks like schedule maintenance or cabin clean up will showcase that you are willing to help your team. In project assistance always volunteering will convince your team you are a positive asset.

• Stay in Touch With Superiors

Staying in constant communication is imperative for a successful project management enterprise. Like all managers, always ensure your stakeholders, supervisors, and other project managers are up to date with your work, any unforeseen challenges and any changes in strategy. Firmly put schedule regular check ups with your superior to verify you are working towards the correct goals.

• Stay on Top of your To Do’s

Once you are given the feedback to “be on top of things”, most students panic. A plethora of applications and stationary are available to use but simply utilizing them will not put you on top of your game. Make sure to create a tailored metric that works best in your favor and let that become the new norm for you. Keeping up with various responsibilities will be a given if execution is in place.

• Actively Seek Feedback and Apply it

The goal for an intern is to learn, regardless of the task at hand. Reaching out for constructive criticism is an important facet for realization, as it aids in growth and adaptability. Remember, being an intern is not about follow the leader but be able to expand upon opportunities when they arise.

• Relation Management

Internships have a lot of specialties but the single most crucial is the people you interact with. This includes your coworkers, interns, and even your project managers. They can help guide one to success, or they can simply provide future employment opportunities.

• Get Acquainted With the Necessary Equipment

Reach out to resources that can teach you about project management tools that are used in the industry. These tools include Microsoft Project, Trello, Asana, Jira or Monday.com. Knowing how to use these tools will always help you stand out from the crowd.

Conclusion

Undergoing a Project Management (PM) internship can be mutually beneficial for both students and professionals who are new to the industry. This is because they get the opportunity to actually work on real projects while acquiring important hands on skills required for project management. Given how new these professionals are, learning how to manage a team, follow the projects timeline, or even figure out solutions for problems plays a crucial role in a PM internship and sets them up for success in the future.

By engaging in a PM internship, you will enter this wonderful realm with an opportunity to gain work experience and stand out amongst your peers leading to an opportunity in employment. Ensuring continuous communication, diligence, and being a quick learner will ensure your conversation towards landing an internship becomes a reality.

If you are interested for more: “Sensex 7 Powerful Insights: India’s Economic Barometer and Stock Market Guide” “5 Key Ways a PM Internship Adds Value and the Experience Gained – A How-To Guide