Can project managers switch industries?

The short answer is yes. And it’s probably a lot easier to switch sectors than you think. Careers don’t always follow a linear path, and project management is one of the few disciplines that stands out with its remarkable agility. Your core skills are truly transferable across industries.

As a project professional, you’re defined less by the industry you work in, and more by the outcomes you deliver. Your skills, competences and qualifications are just as valuable whether you’re overseeing a multi-year infrastructure programme, or rolling out a new fintech app.

It’s the core principles of project management, like planning, risk management, and communication, and your ability to lead teams, navigate ambiguity, manage complexity and deliver results, that matters to employers and organisations. What changes between industries is context.

Understanding different industry environments

Whilst project management principles are consistent and transferable, the way they’re applied reflects the unique demands of the sector. Knowing what to expect in different and emerging sectors will help you prepare, adapt and position yourself to effectively move to the one you’re most interested in.

In technology and digital environments for example, speed and adaptability are crucial. Agile and iterative methodologies are normal, with projects often shifting direction quickly in response to user needs, or innovation cycles. As a project professional in this space, you need to be comfortable with fast feedback loops, collaborative product teams and less hierarchical structures.

By contract, construction and infrastructure projects tend to follow long-term plans with more formalised governance. There also tends to be a heavy focus on risk, compliance and safety. Delivery is structured around milestones for longer life cycles, procurement processes and managing multiple contractors, as well as supply chains.

In the energy sector, similar to construction, project management is shaped by longer-term programmes with high degrees of regulatory oversight. These projects often span years and involve international supply chains, changing policies and agility as emerging technologies in carbon capture, hydrogen and smart grids, change the landscape. Adaptability, assurance and sustainability are key competences in this space.

And in healthcare projects and programmes, there’s a unique blend of complexity and sensitivity given the nature of stakeholders. As a project manager, you’ll be working across multidisciplinary teams and navigating strict regulatory frameworks. This means your approach may be more people oriented, whether that’s patients, clinicians or policy makers.

Other industries, such as the financial sector or media, will bring their own unique challenges and expectations. What brings them together is the growing relevance of project management and reliance on project professionals to deliver strategic initiatives that support organisational goals.

The best time to change sectors is now

Project management is one of the most critical disciplines, and according to APM’s Golden Thread report, contributes over £186.8 billion to the UK economy. And it’s not just in traditional sectors like construction or engineering; project management is rapidly growing in newer spaces like IT, healthcare and professional services.

In fact, construction Gross Value Added (GVA), has grown from £27 billion in 2019 to £33 billion in 2024. And the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) roles has increased to nearly 300,000 in construction alone. Even more striking is the growth in non-traditional sectors like technology and IT, which have seen both GVA and FTE roles almost double since 2019.

While some industries are facing touch economic conditions, project professionals remain in high demand. In the Golden Thread research, 52% of businesses said they anticipate growth in project-based activity, and 44% predict project budgets to increase. Coupled with growth in various sectors, this shows us that the project profession isn’t just resilient, it’s increasingly diverse. And if you’re considering moving across sectors, it’s clear; there’s room for you, and demand.

How to switch sectors in project management

Changing sectors as a project manager is entirely possible, but it’s important to acknowledge that you need to prepare. Employers need to trust that you understand the demands of their world, even if you haven’t worked in it directly.

• Start by thinking about what work you enjoy and what interests you. If you prefer working in agile environments, then fast-paced industries like tech might be a better fit for you than traditional infrastructure programmes. If you enjoy navigating different stakeholders and working with long-term programmes, sectors like healthcare or energy might suit you more.    
• Close any knowledge or experience gaps you might have. This might mean gaining sector specific knowledge through reading, research, events and project communities. APM’s Specific Interest Networks are communities of project professionals who focus on various project management aspects, for example, AI and Data, Defence, Risk, and International Space. They organise events and webinars, discussing challenges, solutions and the latest updates within their respective interests.
• Prepare for the sector you want to pursue with targeted upskilling. Investing in well-rounded qualifications like the APM PMQ or PPQ gives you a solid foundation and reputation for project delivery that’s recognised across industries. You should also think about what core skills are listed in job requirements for specific sectors and work towards your professional development with self-study, informal training or any popular certifications.

Make the change today

As industries adapt to change, technological transformations, societal shifts or regulatory reforms, organisations need skilled project professionals who can deliver that change effectively. Employers will be willing to hire from outside their sectors and looking for project professionals who’ll bring fresh perspectives, curiosity and a proven ability to lead.

Changing sectors can be one of the most rewarding moves you make in your career as a project professional. And you don’t need to be an industry expert from day one. What matters is showing that you can manage complexity, support teams, and deliver outcomes in any environment.

Your skills are valued more widely than you may realise, so the real question is, where do you want to go next? Search for project roles by sector and discover where your experience could take you.