A successful Project Management Consultant will have several characteristics that make them competent to complete this mission. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills are needed. The ability to plan, organize, delegate, influence, and lead a team are crucial elements. Instilling a team work philosophy which involves conflict management, stress tolerance, adaptability, and communication skills is necessary. People skills are an important part of the job since a project can involve several people or hundreds of people.
Project Management Consultants should have knowledge in techniques and tools needed, as well as the practical aspects of project management. Proven experience in people management, risk management, and strategic planning are important prerequisites. If you have a project management certification and are proficient in project management software, it will give you an advantage over other candidates.
Of course, it helps to have direct work experience in the field, and many that have worked on project management teams have grown into successful Project Management Consultants. Many professionals are willing to help train and support aspiring Project Managers, so it helps to start in the field as a team member willing to learn the trade. Because the certification programs require a certain number of experience hours, it is a good field to apprentice in.
The certification programs for PMP, (Project Management Professional) or CAP, (Certified Associate Project Manager) help ensure experience levels, and there are courses offered in the specialty fields of project management. Those that earn these certifications have strong demand from different industry segments and have average salaries topping $90,000.
For your PMP certification, you must have 4,500 hours of project management experience to take and pass the 200 question exam, which covers the processes, principles, tools, and techniques of project management, in a four-hour time limit.
For your CAP, you are required to have 1,500 hours of project experience or take a training course for the 150 question examination that you must score 68 percent or better on to pass.
You can also take exams and become certified in individual project management fields, such as the specialty areas of construction, healthcare, IT, or global. These certifications require completion of two courses and two final exams with a passing score of 80 percent.
A successful Project Management Consultant must be a well-rounded personnel manager, a strategic planner, and a good organizer with a familiarity of the tools and resources needed to complete a company's ''big picture'' goals. Those that have a background in human resources, economics, management, and communications often make good Project Management Consultants. There are several ways to become successful and highly desired in this field; certainly certification can make you more valuable.
Resources:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Project-Management-Consulting---How-to-Become-a-Project-Management-Consultant&id=2433252
http://www.bls.gov/oco/