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I’m doing my graduation in Arts and I don’t have a tech background, but I want to become a project manager. I’ve heard basic technical knowledge is important. Can you guide me on what tech skills I should start learning?
I am currently pursuing my graduation in the Arts stream and I don't come from a tech background. However, I want to become a project manager. During my research, I found that having at least basic technical knowledge is important for this role. Since I don't have that knowledge yet, I want to start learning, but I'm not sure what exactly I should study or where to begin. Could you please guide me on what kind of technical skills or knowledge I should learn to get started in project management
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4 answers
Updated
Armando’s Answer
Hi Mahak,
This is totally achievable, and I recommend starting with the following and in that order:
1. Understand the basics of how tech products are built
2. Learn about Agile/Scrum methodologies (Scrum Master and Product Owner roles)
3. Pick a couple of tools (like Trello, Jira) and start using them
4. Try basic coding courses (HTML/CSS or Python)
5. Network with PMs on LinkedIn
Also learn Basic Tech Concepts that will help you "speak the language" in tech environments.
• How the web works (clients, servers, databases, APIs)
• Basics of databases (what SQL is, how data is stored, normalization, tables, procedures, etc.)
• Software development lifecycle (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)
• Version control systems (learn Git basics)
• Cloud basics (e.g. what AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure do)
• Cybersecurity 101 (very high-level concepts like authentication, encryption, etc.)
After that, get familiar with tools that help manage tasks, collaborate with teams, and track progress:
• Project Management: Jira, Trello, Asana
• Documentation: Confluence, Google Docs
• Communication: MS Teams, Slack
• Spreadsheets: Excel or Google Sheets (learn formulas, pivot tables)
Good luck!
This is totally achievable, and I recommend starting with the following and in that order:
1. Understand the basics of how tech products are built
2. Learn about Agile/Scrum methodologies (Scrum Master and Product Owner roles)
3. Pick a couple of tools (like Trello, Jira) and start using them
4. Try basic coding courses (HTML/CSS or Python)
5. Network with PMs on LinkedIn
Also learn Basic Tech Concepts that will help you "speak the language" in tech environments.
• How the web works (clients, servers, databases, APIs)
• Basics of databases (what SQL is, how data is stored, normalization, tables, procedures, etc.)
• Software development lifecycle (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall)
• Version control systems (learn Git basics)
• Cloud basics (e.g. what AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure do)
• Cybersecurity 101 (very high-level concepts like authentication, encryption, etc.)
After that, get familiar with tools that help manage tasks, collaborate with teams, and track progress:
• Project Management: Jira, Trello, Asana
• Documentation: Confluence, Google Docs
• Communication: MS Teams, Slack
• Spreadsheets: Excel or Google Sheets (learn formulas, pivot tables)
Good luck!
I really appreciate your response. It wasn’t just helpful—it actually made me feel more confident and inspired. Your words gave me the push I needed, and I’m truly grateful for that. Thank you for taking the time to encourage me
Mahak
Updated
Shaun’s Answer
Hi Mahak,
I didn't have a technical or a management degree and I have built a long and successful career in project management.
To answer your question, It depends on what projects you want to manage. I was an IT project manager and then a services project manager. What I have found that success in project management is actually an art, not a science. Along with that it would help to understand the fundamentals of project management first - such as pursuing PMP certification. You will discover that being a PM means understand the needs of the client (scope, resources, timeline), how to add value to the client, how to create and nurture a team and how to effectively organize the documentation and deliverables required as well as how to lead the team. It takes great organization and people skills and a certain knack to know when to facilitate a decision and when to let the team set the direction.
Taking classes in Agile project management is very helpful. Try not to get pulled into the tools of project management as much as the people and organisational skills of being a good PM. I majored in Political Science and Economics, but most people thought I was an engineer because I could quickly grasp the technology at a high level (high enough to lead the project and keep people on task) and be able to then explain what we were doing to leadership as well as lead the day to day tasks. When I got lost in the technology, I let the technical people on the team teach me or create their own presentation on what they are working on. A good team with varied skills in important so you can rely on them for your needs as well.
As for technical skills - basic knowledge of computer programing, databases, finance (to manage your projects effectives), Information Technology structures - would all be very helpful. Also knowing how to work with certain project management tools like Microsoft Project or JIRA would also be helpful.
Overall - set the stage by letting the team know that your role as PM is to work the issues & risks, manage the finances, scope and paperwork so that they can do their work most effectively.
Good luck - Shaun
I didn't have a technical or a management degree and I have built a long and successful career in project management.
To answer your question, It depends on what projects you want to manage. I was an IT project manager and then a services project manager. What I have found that success in project management is actually an art, not a science. Along with that it would help to understand the fundamentals of project management first - such as pursuing PMP certification. You will discover that being a PM means understand the needs of the client (scope, resources, timeline), how to add value to the client, how to create and nurture a team and how to effectively organize the documentation and deliverables required as well as how to lead the team. It takes great organization and people skills and a certain knack to know when to facilitate a decision and when to let the team set the direction.
Taking classes in Agile project management is very helpful. Try not to get pulled into the tools of project management as much as the people and organisational skills of being a good PM. I majored in Political Science and Economics, but most people thought I was an engineer because I could quickly grasp the technology at a high level (high enough to lead the project and keep people on task) and be able to then explain what we were doing to leadership as well as lead the day to day tasks. When I got lost in the technology, I let the technical people on the team teach me or create their own presentation on what they are working on. A good team with varied skills in important so you can rely on them for your needs as well.
As for technical skills - basic knowledge of computer programing, databases, finance (to manage your projects effectives), Information Technology structures - would all be very helpful. Also knowing how to work with certain project management tools like Microsoft Project or JIRA would also be helpful.
Overall - set the stage by letting the team know that your role as PM is to work the issues & risks, manage the finances, scope and paperwork so that they can do their work most effectively.
Good luck - Shaun
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Mahak
Thank you so much for your reply! Your words truly gave me a boost of confidence and motivation. I was feeling unsure, but the way you explained things and encouraged me really helped me believe in myself more. I genuinely appreciate your support—it means a lot
Mahak
Updated
Vandana’s Answer
Hi Mahak,
A project manager coordinates the elements of a project, aiming for timely completion within budget and with high standards. So to become one you need to be good at communications, followup and budgeting. Techincal skills will be good to have but not a madatory criteria
I suggest you to start understanding the concept of project management https://www.simplilearn.com/project-manager-job-description-article
Please go with any reputed institute to attain a certification program or similar. They will train you in every supporting tool that will make you a great project manager
Hope you great success ahead.
A project manager coordinates the elements of a project, aiming for timely completion within budget and with high standards. So to become one you need to be good at communications, followup and budgeting. Techincal skills will be good to have but not a madatory criteria
I suggest you to start understanding the concept of project management https://www.simplilearn.com/project-manager-job-description-article
Please go with any reputed institute to attain a certification program or similar. They will train you in every supporting tool that will make you a great project manager
Hope you great success ahead.
I'm truly grateful for your help with my questions. Your support and the time you gave to explain everything really made a difference. Thank you so much
Mahak
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
43
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
You're on the right path by wanting to build technical awareness for a project management role. You don’t need to be a coder, but understanding tools and frameworks is key. Start by learning project management tools like Trello, Asana, Jira, and Microsoft Project—they help with task tracking and timelines. Then, get familiar with frameworks like Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall to understand how teams work. You can find beginner-friendly courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or even YouTube. These basics will help you communicate with teams, plan projects effectively, and build confidence as a future PM.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate your help and guidance. It meant a lot to me
Mahak