The 7 Biggest Myths About Project Management Careers (And What’s Actually True)

Let’s bust some myths, shall we? Because project management has a bit of a reputation, and not all of it is accurate. If you’ve been hesitant to explore this path, one of these myths might be holding you back.

Here are 7 of the biggest ones I hear all the time:

1. You Need a PMP to Get Started
False. The PMP is great, but it’s not a starting point; it’s a milestone. You can get into PM with experience, a good resume, and the right story.

2. It’s Just Bossing People Around
Nope. It’s about influence, not authority. Great PMs lead by earning trust, not by barking orders.

3. It’s All Spreadsheets and Gantt Charts
Sure, there are tools involved. But the real magic? Communication, coordination, and creative problem-solving.

4. You Have to Be Technical
Not true. In tech industries, you need to understand the work; not do the coding. Your role is to connect the dots, not be the developer.

5. You’ll Be in Meetings All Day
Some days, yes. But a lot of the work is strategic thinking, planning, and keeping things moving. Meetings are a tool—not the job.

6. It’s Only for Type-A Perfectionists
You don’t have to be rigid. Great PMs are adaptable, human, and able to read a room. Perfectionism can actually slow you down.

7. You Need to Have it All Figured Out
No one does. The best PMs are constantly learning, evolving, and adjusting.

Project management isn’t a mystery club with a secret handshake. It’s a skillset, and chances are, you already have more of it than you think.

Think it might be time to explore this path seriously?

Start with my free guide: "5 Things to Know About Becoming a Project Manager."