Backend Developer → IT Project Manager

A realistic transition from Backend Developer to IT Project Manager: transferable skills, the gaps to close, a step-by-step learning plan and alternative routes. Estimated skill overlap 0%. Difficulty: Hard.

Difficulty: Hard6 stepsDuration: 16 to 20 monthsOverlap: 0%

Transition from Backend Developer to IT Project Manager.

Skills to learn

  • Project planning
  • Risk management
  • Budget management
  • Agile & Scrum
  • Stakeholder management
  • IT general knowledge

Step-by-step learning plan

  1. 1. Build on your Backend Developer experience

    2–4 weeks

    Map your current strengths against the IT Project Manager role.

  2. 2. Learn the core of the IT Project Manager role

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Project planning
    • Stakeholder management
    • Risk management
    • Reporting

    Technologies

    JiraConfluenceMS Project

    Cover the biggest gaps first: Project planning, Stakeholder management, Risk management.

  3. 3. Master advanced IT Project Manager skills

    6–10 weeks

    Learn

    • Budget management
    • Agile & Scrum
    • Vendor management
    • IT general knowledge

    Technologies

    ExcelPower BIServiceNow

    Handle the advanced topics: Budget management, Agile & Scrum, Vendor management.

  4. 4. Get productive with the IT Project Manager toolchain

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    JiraConfluenceMS ProjectExcelPower BIServiceNowSlackMiro

    Be hands-on with Jira, Confluence, MS Project and the rest of the target stack.

  5. 5. Practise IT Project Manager work in real conditions

    4–8 weeks

    Ship a portfolio project or take on IT Project Manager tasks at work.

  6. 6. Get certified and position yourself as a IT Project Manager

    4–8 weeks

    Technologies

    PMPPRINCE2 PractitionerPSM I (Scrum Master)

    Update your CV and LinkedIn around IT Project Manager, then apply to target roles.

Alternative routes