In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, one truth stands out with urgency: the world needs more—and better-prepared—project managers. According to the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) latest Global Project Management Talent Gap report, the demand for skilled project professionals is set to increase by a staggering 64% between 2025 and 2035. That equates to nearly 30 million new project management roles globally. For current and aspiring project professionals, this is not just a forecast—it’s a call to action.

Why the surge in demand? The short answer is transformation. Organizations across sectors—from construction and IT to manufacturing and healthcare—are undergoing accelerated change driven by capital investment, technological advancement, and shifting global priorities. These changes are particularly pronounced in rapidly developing regions like South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and China, where large-scale infrastructure projects and digital adoption are occurring at breakneck speed.

But here’s the challenge: while the need for project professionals is rising, the supply of qualified talent is not keeping pace. In mature economies such as North America and Europe, an aging workforce and evolving labor expectations are shrinking the pipeline of experienced project managers. This leaves a critical gap—one that can only be addressed through proactive investment in upskilling.

As future project leaders, students in project management programs must recognize the competitive edge that comes from continuous learning and adaptation. Project management is no longer just about delivering a product on time and within budget. It now requires a broader set of competencies, including digital literacy, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead through uncertainty.

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 reinforces this point, ranking project management among the top 15 fastest-growing job roles globally. It’s clear that organizations are searching for professionals who can lead cross-functional teams, implement digital solutions, and drive sustainable change. That means our graduates must do more than meet traditional standards—they must exceed them by mastering the skills of tomorrow.

So, what does upskilling look like in practice?

For starters, it involves embracing new tools and methodologies, especially in technology-driven environments. Familiarity with agile frameworks, AI-powered project management software, and data analytics can significantly enhance a project manager’s ability to deliver results. Additionally, developing leadership competencies—such as the ability to foster trust, communicate across cultures, and link project goals to organizational strategy—is essential for long-term success.

Organizations have a critical role to play in this upskilling effort, but project professionals must take ownership of their development. As PMI’s Karla Eidem emphasizes, “By embracing a strategic mindset, building trust, and connecting their work to meaningful outcomes, [project professionals] can elevate the profession and demonstrate the critical role project leadership plays in driving real impact.”

As a professor, I encourage all students to think of their time in this program as the beginning of a career-long journey. The most successful project managers are those who remain curious, adaptable, and committed to growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, now is the time to invest in yourself. The future of work is project-driven—and those with the skills to lead it will shape the world.

So, take this as your challenge: Read widely. Practice often. Learn continuously. The world isn’t short on change—it’s short on people ready to lead it. Will you be one of them?

Simon Cleveland, Ph.D., Ed.D., PMP, CSM, CSPO, ITIL, SSBB
Professor, Project Management
Course Lead, GM591-GM594
School of Business & Information Technology