Project Management

I have BS in Business degree and 10-12 years of field sales exp with a Fortune 100 company. I have been successful and possess a good track record and have keen desire to move to proj mgmt career. I have taken time off from work for 6 months and now planning to take Proj Mgmt Certification course.

Have 2 questions:
1. Is it mandatory to have a technical degree to pursue Proj Mgmt career? Is there any career for non-technical people in proj management?

2. How can I tap into projects for experience after I complete the certification? What are the sites or where to look for a basic level proj mgmt job? I don’t mind taking a cut in salary but want to have hands-on experience.