How do I get into the profession?

A few things you'll need are project experience and an aptitude for leadership. The ability to satisfy the customer/sponsor's business needs (basically keeping them happy) is paramount. The insights needed to do this are typically learned through experience, and the learning process is enhanced by a mentor. Most successful project managers who are responsible for delivering technical projects have served on past projects in other non-leadership capacities. If you really want to jump start amove into project management, you might want to consider taking a position in one of the large consulting organizations that specialize in technology delivery. Personally, I've seen more opportunity for learning project managment in such organizations than in the internal IT group of a large corporation. Generally, however, the lifestyle of a traveling consultant is more demanding than in corporate IT.

Theoretically speaking, this isn't necessary, but it's very likely that you'll require experience in the area that you are managing projects in. If you want to manage programming projects, programming experience is a good thing to have. Stick withwhat you know at first because it makes the jump into PM easier.

That's the technical side. By the time you are a seasoned PM, you should know about the "core" of PM which includes planning, scheduling, estimating, etc. You should also have a general understanding of finance, accounting, business operations, PM tools. You will also have people skills - communication, leading, organizing, etc.

I suggest you join the Project Management Institute (PMI). They are a very strong organization of project managers and can assist with training and what ever else you need to know. Depending on your location, you may be able to join a local PMI chapter where you can talk to PMs in your area - another valuable resource.

Take training in PM. Many colleges and companies offer everything from the basic to the in-depth.

Having said all that, I should note that I "fell into" project management. I was offered the chance when a PM quit and was thrown into the middle of project withoutany training whatsoever. I barely survived, and I certainly don't recommend this method, but it does hammer home those important lessons.

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