How to Start an IT Project in 10 Steps

Breaking into IT Project Management means more than getting certified — it’s about mastering the real-world tools that power Agile teams. And in today’s tech-driven workplace, Jira is the go-to platform for managing projects, tracking progress, and keeping teams aligned.

Whether you’re stepping into a Product Owner role or leading as an IT Project Manager, knowing how to set up and launch a project in Jira can make the difference between smooth delivery and costly chaos.

Below is your 10-step blueprint to kicking off an IT project in Jira — plus a free IT PM Jira Kickoff Checklist to keep you organized from day one.

Step 1: Define the Project Vision & Business Case

Every project needs a clear why. Work with stakeholders to define the purpose, expected outcomes, and success criteria. Capture this in a Project Brief or create a high-level Epic in Jira.

Step 2: Identify Stakeholders & Users

Map out your key players:

• Business sponsors

• Development team members

• QA/testers

• End users

• Support staff

Add them to Jira, set proper notifications, and make sure they’re looped in on progress.

Step 3: Define Scope & Create Epics

Clarify what’s in-scope — and what’s not. In Jira:

• Create Epics for major deliverables

• Break them into User Stories

•  Add acceptance criteria to each story

Step 4: Build the Product Backlog

Translate stakeholder needs into actionable User Stories. Prioritize your backlog and use tags to make filtering easier in Jira.

Step 5: Plan Timelines with Agile in Mind

Choose your sprint length (commonly 2 weeks) and assign story point estimates. Use Jira’s Sprint Planning feature to set your first sprint in motion.

Step 6: Estimate Costs & Resources

Even Agile projects need budgets. Plan for:

• Labor hours

• Tools/software

• Infrastructure costs

Track budgets in Confluence or link them to Jira issues for complete visibility.

Step 7: Conduct a Feasibility & Risk Assessment

Identify potential roadblocks early. Use a “Risk” issue type in Jira to log, assign, and monitor risks alongside tasks.

Step 8: Configure Jira for Success

Before you start:

• Choose Scrum or Kanban boards

• Align workflows to your process

• Add custom fields like business value or risk level

• Create stakeholder dashboards for quick updates

Step 9: Assemble Your Agile Team

Your dream team should include:

• Product Owner

• Scrum Master/Agile Coach

• Developers

• QA testers

• Designers

• Business Analysts

Document their roles in a RACI chart to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.

Step 10: Run a Kickoff & Start the First Sprint

Host your kickoff meeting to review the vision, scope, and timeline. Walk the team through Jira, confirm communication channels, and then start sprint #1.

Pro Tips for Ongoing Success

• Use Confluence for linked project documentation

• Automate repetitive Jira updates

• Track progress with burndown charts and dashboards

• Keep backlog grooming consistent

Free Resource: Download Your IT PM Jira Kickoff Checklist
This one-page guide includes every step above so you can start your IT project in Jira without missing a beat.

🚀 Ready to Master Jira and Lead IT Projects Like a Pro?

Our How to Manage IT Projects Using Jira Workshop walks you through these steps live, showing you exactly how to configure Jira, manage Agile teams, and deliver successful projects.

📅 Next Workshop: September 10 – October 9, 2025
💻 Delivery: Live Online via Zoom
🕒 Schedule: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 6:15 PM – 9:30 PM EST

➡ Click here to enroll now and start managing IT projects with confidence.
💬 Have questions? Text us at (571) 520-2587 — we’ll help you choose the right path for your IT PM career.

Learning Jira isn’t just about clicking the right buttons—it’s about building the confidence to lead projects, solve problems, and guide your team to success. Whether you’re stepping into IT Project Management for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, you deserve training that’s practical, clear, and designed for the real world.

I’d love to help you take that next step. Join me in the How to Manage IT Projects Using Jira Workshop, and together, we’ll turn your project management knowledge into hands-on expertise you can use from day one.

Your next project—and your next career milestone—starts here. 💛

MJ Bianchi, PMP, CSM, MBA, AI Executive