The sky's the limit [Video]

Project management is becoming a popular career choice for women who are looking for challenging and exciting careers.

A recent video produced by the APM Women in Project Management (WiPM) specific interest group features female project managers who discuss the routes they took into the profession and the contributions they make to their organisations.

The volunteer-led group are aiming to attract new talent into the profession while addressing the gender underrepresentation and disparity that exists in project management.

Recent salary research carried out by APM shows there is a clear gap in earnings between male and female project professionals.

The discrepancy in pay is particularly acute in the higher salary bands with the report showing that 29% of female participants earned £30,000-£39,999 per annum, whereas nearly a third of males earned over £60,000.

The video, an idea developed by WiPM SIG chair Teri Okoro, looks to inspire women to join the profession. Four female project professionals from a diverse range of sectors explain the career paths they took into the profession, one of which is APM’s Higher Apprenticeship in Project Management.

Vital contributions

These budding project professionals are already making vital contributions to their organisations which include BAE Systems, RAL Space, Royal Mail and Transport for London.

Drawing on their professional experiences they discuss what their roles entail, the aspects they enjoy most and what they have achieved.

Tamsin Millett from BAE Systems Naval Ships has been working on the Navy’s flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carrier and said: “I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved so far and I’m really proud of the projects that I’ve worked on.

“A lot of the equipment I’ve worked on is out there in service in the Royal Navy, so I feel I’ve also done my bit for the country.”

Gayatri Patel, a project manager for RAL Space, always wanted to work in the space industry and discovered project management gave her plenty of opportunity. She said: “Project management was never in my plans, however, I really enjoy it.

“There’s so much scope for progression and transferring between industries. Everyone needs project managers, so there is so much opportunity.”

• The Women in Project Management National Conference 2015 sponsored by BAE Systems takes place in London on 24th September. Book your place here.