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Project management is an essential element of operations in
today's advancing, team-based business industries, and project
management training allows professionals to plan, execute, and
coordinate a variety of projects. Project management training
programs give students fundamental skills in using methodology
and processes to reach goals and complete tasks. The basis of
most project management education programs is based on a
scientific and step-by-step process; students who complete a
formal degree are well-equipped with essential skills to apply
these principles in a variety of industries. From assessing
risks to implementing a new process, project managers work hard
to ensure projects are coordinated and executed with efficiency.
What Is Project
Management?
Project management is the use of specific skills and methodology to accomplish a
goal. The basic skills can be applied to a variety of industries including
industries and businesses in the following fields:
Many people assume that project managers are only used in the information
technology sector or in the construction industry. However, the core principles
learned a project management course can be applied to a variety of disciplines,
offering flexibility in job options and ability to grow and learn a variety of
attractive project management careers.
Project
Management Careers and Job Responsibilities
Project
management careers are generally pursued at the management level, and most
project managers earn at least a bachelor's degree in their respective field.
Every industry that requires planning, execution, control or supervision of team
members, and closing of the project is overseen by an assigned project manager.
Each industry offers a number of opportunities for project managers, with
special skills and experience needed for upper-level positions. A few common
project management career options and positions include:
- Project
Engineer
-
Construction Project Manager
- Web
Development Team Manager
- Financial
Director
- Automotive
Services Manager
- Internet or
Tech Project Manager
Job
responsibilities vary by industry, but are concentrated on the five major
processes learned in project management training. Along with critical thinking,
data collection, timeline forecasting, and results analysis, a project manager
is involved with initiating a project, planning a timeline, executing tasks,
controlling work teams or processes, and closing the project. More and more
organizations are looking for highly skilled professionals in this area,
especially those with excellent communication skills and the ability to lead
large groups of teams. Project management training allows students to explore
innovative ways to overcome problems in business and beyond, implementing
effective processes and procedures and documenting their results.
Project
Management Training Programs
A
project management education provides the fundamental skills and simulations
needed t become proficient in a variety of disciplines, and project management
training programs offer various courses for support and in-depth knowledge of
the processes involved. Project management training programs focus on the nine
critical knowledge areas including:
- Integration
- Scope
- Quality
- Cost
- Time
- Human
Resources
- Procurement
- Risk
Management
-
Communications
These are all essential elements of every efficiently-run organization, and can
be used to build and lead teams, execute new projects, and reach an
organization's goals accurately and effectively. Project management course
programs are designed to all of these critical areas in-depth. A successful
project management career requires at least an undergraduate project management
degree, and this can be accompanied with a specialization in a particular field
for even more skills.
Students who complete a project management program through a business or
management school can still apply their project management education in
different fields. Undergraduate project management degree programs allow
students to learn essential communications, analysis, public speaking, and
critical thinking skills. The project management course program may also include
extensive computer training and a focus on science and mathematics.
Graduate and MBA project management training allows students to apply the skills
and lessons they've learned into real-life situations and take part in
simulations. They may be assigned semester-long projects to make use of specific
tools and procedures, and will often work in groups or teams to provide
solutions to an assigned problem. An online project management training program
at this level is especially attractive for students who wish to pursue advancing
studies beyond the bachelor's degree level.
Project Management Certification is another option for students interested in
becoming professionally certified in their field and specialization, and is
often extended to those already working toward advanced studies in project
management. The certificate can also be used for further training at the Ph.D.
level.
Completing an
Online Project Management Training Program
Completing an
online project management training program is especially valuable to students
pursuing a graduate degree or related coursework while working a full or
part-time job. Online degree programs offer students more flexibility than
in-classroom instruction, and they have the ability to make use of many
web-based resources in the process. Lectures, discussion groups, and web-based
collaboration projects are additional features of online programs, and these can
further enhance the prospective project manager's communication and internet
skills. Project management courses delivered in an online format are often more
in-depth and require students to work on a number of research projects
independently.
Certification and
Educational Requirements with a Project Management Degree
The national authority for project management certification is the Project
Management Institute (PMI), and professionals pursuing certification must pass
an examination. They must also adhere to a professional code of conduct, and
continue their education in order to maintain certification throughout their
project management career. The Certified Associate in project Management (CAPM)
is also offered by the PMI, and is a focused training program that allows
individuals with any degree to obtain certification and fundamental knowledge
needed to succeed in their field. For students who only have an Associate's
degree in a related field, the CAPM can be a very valuable addition to their
resume. Regardless of certification, professional experience is an essential
component of a successful project management career.
Earning Potential
and Employment Prospects in a Project Management Career
Employment prospects look promising for project managers, especially those that
specialize within the fields of business, information technology, engineering,
and knowledge management. These fields require professionals to lead and direct
teams and coordinate a variety of projects; the role of general manager or
director is most commonly assigned to those with a project management degree,
and salary ranges depend on industry, experience, and overall skill level of the
candidate. The median annual salary of a general manager was $92,010 in 2004,
and positions are expected to increase faster than average through 2012.
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