Boost your career by completing a project management course. You’ll learn how to develop project plans, compile budgets, and manage lead teams.

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What is project management?

Project management is the process of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing a specific project that a team is responsible for. The project will usually have a set of goals that need to be achieved within a specified time frame.

What does a project manager do?

Below is a high-level overview of what project managers do:

• A project manager is responsible for developing the project – taking the idea and turning it into an actionable plan.
• Assembling a team of professionals that will turn the idea into reality.
• They have to organise various tasks for a team. It’s important for a project manager to ensure that they create straightforward plans for their teams to execute, but more importantly, to manage and steer their teams in the right direction. The project manager should ensure that all work is done to the right standard and that the project is running on schedule. They should also try and eliminate obstacles as they arise, coordinate work done by different team members, deal with changes and adapt to the situation, manage their teams, and keep them motivated.
• Engage with all the parties affected by the project and ensure they understand how the project will affect them, but also make sure they are happy with the project plan, progress, and outcome.
• Manage the budget provided. Each project will cost money (directly or indirectly). The project manager must be able to put together a cost analysis and manage how the money gets spent.
• They should also monitor the progress of the project by setting up the relevant reports.
• Ensure that all parties are satisfied upon completion of the project.

What skills does a project manager need?

• Leadership
• Negotiation
• Critical thinking
• Communication
• Scheduling
• Patience
• Personal organisation
• Time-management
• Active listening
• Research
• Commitment
• Motivation
• Adaptability
• Accountability
• Prioritisation
• Tech savviness
• Ability to handle pressure

Where can a project manager work?

Project managers are required across a diverse range of industries. They can work in-house for companies or as consultants. Project managers are mostly office-bound but travel may be required from time to time.

Industries they can find employment in include, but are not limited to:

• Healthcare
• Construction and engineering
• Information technology
• Financial services
• Law
• Architecture
• Technology
• Entertainment
• Marketing and advertising
• Insurance
• Manufacturing

Photo credit: Iwaria Inc. on Unsplash

Benefits of completing a project management course

1. Achieve your goals

During the course, you’ll learn how to transform ideas into reality by creating a comprehensive plan. Part of the plan includes actionable steps that can help you meet your objectives. You’ll be able to predict potential challenges and develop strategies that can be used to overcome problems as they arise. Budgeting and prioritising are other competencies you’ll develop as part of your training.

2. Get ahead

Completing training in project management sets you apart from your competition. This course demonstrates to prospective employers that you have the skills and knowledge to achieve specific objectives. Not only will training give your career a boost, but it can also increase your earning potential.

3. Meet deadlines

Project management training also teaches you how to balance your responsibilities so that you can meet your deadlines. You’ll advance your organisational capabilities as well as your ability to multi-task. Creating to-do lists and project timelines can help keep you on track.

4. Develop leadership capabilities

You’ll learn how to effectively lead your team to ensure the successful completion of projects. A strong leader knows how to keep their team motivated and how to ensure that each person delivers their best performance.

5. Produce quality work

With the right training, you can improve the quality of your work. You’ll enjoy better job satisfaction and increase your chances of being promoted. Having the capabilities to do a good job will also decrease your stress levels.

6. Manage resources effectively

A project management course will teach you how to develop budgets and stick to them. You’ll be able to manage resources effectively and decrease costs while producing quality work.

7. Increased confidence

With proper training, you’ll benefit from improved confidence in the workplace. You’ll have more confidence when applying for jobs and when you’re completing your duties once you’re hired. When you believe in yourself, other people are more likely to believe in you.

8. Consistency

The skills you learn during the project management course will enable you to deliver consistent results. The reliability of your work will ensure that people trust you within your team. Project stakeholders are also more likely to trust you when you deliver consistent results.

9. Learn new skills

Gaining a fresh perspective can help you improve the quality of your work and overcome challenges on your projects.

Photo credit: Scott Graham on Unsplash

Now that you know the benefits of project management courses, you can enrol for training and take your career to new heights. Looking for project manager positions? Find vacancies on Job Mail today.