Digital Project Manager
HOW TO BECOME A DIGITAL PROJECT MANAGER IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS
The exponential development of digital technology and related connected media has prompted the emergence of new trades to meet the needs of the new digital era. The Internet is, by definition, a directory of websites, but the growing use of smartphones and digital tablets potentially means an increase in connections to mobile applications. Therefore, to exist on this interface, it is vital for every company, including those in the sports industry, to have its own application. With so many jobs involved in the creation of apps, coordination is essential and that is the role of digital project managers
What is a digital project manager?
A project manager’s role, regardless of their area of expertise, is to coordinate the various competencies involved in a project and to manage customer relations as the project progresses. Consequently, they are responsible for a given project from start to finish. This role involves a basic knowledge of the professions they work with and perfect mastery of their own field of expertise, in this case website and web application development on mobile operating systems: Android (Google), iOS (Apple inc.), Windows Phone (Microsoft) or BlackBerry OS (RIM). They work on a clockwork schedule, as they must meet deadlines while complying with customer requirements.
What are the duties of a digital project manager?
Prior to team coordination, the project implementation phase is crucial. Depending on the organization that employs them, future budgets are secured in different ways:
- For agencies, this involves responding to call for bids, whereby customers set out pre-defined specifications and competing agencies respond with a mock-up of the project as they visualize it. The prospect then selects the most interesting project.
- Conversely, advertisers will ask their in-house project manager to identify the company’s needs and to organize the entire project before overseeing its development.
Regardless of the type of structure, this development phase requires digital project managers to check the feasibility of the projected website, for example, as well as its technical and commercial relevance with regard to their employer’s strategy. Therefore, prior exchange with the customer or management is what helps define, in the specifications, project criteria and milestones, forecast budget and deadlines. Once this first phase is completed, project implementation begins. Web project managers then coordinate the web designer, developer, copywriter, and editorial secretary teams who will step in at various stages of the development of the smartphone-optimized site or application. They check compliance with the different protocols, while providing regular feedback to the appropriate party on development progress, right up to final delivery.
Key qualities and skills required of a digital project manager
Given the complexity of the digital project management role, a number of technical and personal qualities are required to successfully fill such a position. As experts in various computer languages and software (datamining, Agile and Scrum methodology…), their natural curiosity keeps them abreast of the latest developments in the digital industry. They are also seasoned managers. This expertise is as essential to them in their teamwork as it is for developing excellent customer relations. In addition to these essential skills, one should add:
-
- Limitless adaptability. This will help them understand the challenges and issues that are specific to each of their contacts’
area of expertise.
Unfailing
- diligence. Combined with autonomy and organization, this becomes a major asset when simultaneously managing budget, meeting deadlines and meeting established specifications without missing a single detail
- Strong commercial acumen. Whether it’s to negotiate a budget or to win a tender, they will be called upon to negotiate. To this end, they must know the competition inside out.
- Knowledge of the sports industry to best meet the company’s or the customer’s needs
Salary range and career prospects
Digital project managers demonstrate a wide range of skills in various areas. With this, they can expect a gross monthly salary around €3,000 at entry level. With experience, monthly gross salary for this position can rise to around €4,500. Those who are self-employed professionals, earn a higher gross monthly salary because they must pay their own social security contributions, at least in part.
Demand is very high and there are a lot of job vacancies open to recent graduates. The options are working for a multimedia design company, a web or communication agency specializing in sports, a digital services company, a major sports group or an IT consultancy. Each of the above type of structure works with different industries. This means it’s perfectly possible to find sports-related projects to combine work and passion. Those for whom sports is an area of particular interest can set up their own business once they’ve acquired a certain experience and reputation. A high-profile expertise means attracting prestigious customers and projects.
What qualifications are required to become a digital project manager in the sports industry?
Various course programs are available to study to become a digital project manager. These curricula focus on IT and range from 2-year vocational college degrees to a 5-year college degree. They teach the skills that are fundamental to successful performance in this role. However, studying business as a complement is a relevant option in light of the various expectations in terms of administration, negotiation and management, especially for people wishing to work in a specific field such as sports. In this case, a Bachelor’s degree Sports Careers would be a perfect choice. This course program will provide students with the basics for a well-rounded education, a basic knowledge of economics and finance through the lens of sports. Indeed, a twofold education will be a true asset for quickly acquiring quality field experience.
A project manager’s role, regardless of their area of expertise, is to coordinate the various competencies involved in a project and to manage customer relations as the project progresses. Consequently, they are responsible for a given project from start to finish. This role involves a basic knowledge of the professions they work with and perfect mastery of their own field of expertise, in this case website and web application development on mobile operating systems: Android (Google), iOS (Apple inc.), Windows Phone (Microsoft) or BlackBerry OS (RIM). They work on a clockwork schedule, as they must meet deadlines while complying with customer requirements.
Prior to team coordination, the project implementation phase is crucial. Depending on the organization that employs them, future budgets are secured in different ways:
- For agencies, this involves responding to call for bids, whereby customers set out pre-defined specifications and competing agencies respond with a mock-up of the project as they visualize it. The prospect then selects the most interesting project.
- Conversely, advertisers will ask their in-house project manager to identify the company’s needs and to organize the entire project before overseeing its development.
Regardless of the type of structure, this development phase requires digital project managers to check the feasibility of the projected website, for example, as well as its technical and commercial relevance with regard to their employer’s strategy. Therefore, prior exchange with the customer or management is what helps define, in the specifications, project criteria and milestones, forecast budget and deadlines. Once this first phase is completed, project implementation begins. Web project managers then coordinate the web designer, developer, copywriter, and editorial secretary teams who will step in at various stages of the development of the smartphone-optimized site or application. They check compliance with the different protocols, while providing regular feedback to the appropriate party on development progress, right up to final delivery.
Given the complexity of the digital project management role, a number of technical and personal qualities are required to successfully fill such a position. As experts in various computer languages and software (datamining, Agile and Scrum methodology…), their natural curiosity keeps them abreast of the latest developments in the digital industry. They are also seasoned managers. This expertise is as essential to them in their teamwork as it is for developing excellent customer relations. In addition to these essential skills, one should add:
-
- Limitless adaptability. This will help them understand the challenges and issues that are specific to each of their contacts’
area of expertise.
Unfailing
- diligence. Combined with autonomy and organization, this becomes a major asset when simultaneously managing budget, meeting deadlines and meeting established specifications without missing a single detail
- Strong commercial acumen. Whether it’s to negotiate a budget or to win a tender, they will be called upon to negotiate. To this end, they must know the competition inside out.
- Knowledge of the sports industry to best meet the company’s or the customer’s needs
Digital project managers demonstrate a wide range of skills in various areas. With this, they can expect a gross monthly salary around €3,000 at entry level. With experience, monthly gross salary for this position can rise to around €4,500. Those who are self-employed professionals, earn a higher gross monthly salary because they must pay their own social security contributions, at least in part.
Demand is very high and there are a lot of job vacancies open to recent graduates. The options are working for a multimedia design company, a web or communication agency specializing in sports, a digital services company, a major sports group or an IT consultancy. Each of the above type of structure works with different industries. This means it’s perfectly possible to find sports-related projects to combine work and passion. Those for whom sports is an area of particular interest can set up their own business once they’ve acquired a certain experience and reputation. A high-profile expertise means attracting prestigious customers and projects.
Various course programs are available to study to become a digital project manager. These curricula focus on IT and range from 2-year vocational college degrees to a 5-year college degree. They teach the skills that are fundamental to successful performance in this role. However, studying business as a complement is a relevant option in light of the various expectations in terms of administration, negotiation and management, especially for people wishing to work in a specific field such as sports. In this case, a Bachelor’s degree Sports Careers would be a perfect choice. This course program will provide students with the basics for a well-rounded education, a basic knowledge of economics and finance through the lens of sports. Indeed, a twofold education will be a true asset for quickly acquiring quality field experience.
