How to Select the Right Project Management Course for Your Needs?
Many of us do not know how to grow in our chosen careers. After all, career growth seems like a complex puzzle. Making a career switch in today’s job market can be challenging.
If you too are plagued by thoughts of how to make your mark in the world of today, then obtaining a project management certification can help you get out of low paying jobs. A certification course in project management has the potential to increase your earnings significantly.
Research shows that professionals with a project management certification can get a salary increase of up to 23% more than those without one! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also predict a 7% growth or a demand for project managers from 2021 to 2031.
With this in mind, it’s crucial to understand how to pick the right management course. Read on to learn what to keep in mind when selecting one for your needs.
Selecting the Right Project Management Course
“Completing a project management course aligned with recognized certifications not only enhances your knowledge but also boosts your career prospects.” – Shaz Shafiq, Career Coach
It is not surprising that getting a project management certification can open doors to a lot of opportunities. After all, project management expertise is a highly sought skill after in the current job market.
By enrolling in a project management program, you position yourself as a serious player in the career league.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) provides a variety of project management certifications, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for beginners. Additionally, there’s the PfMP designation for portfolio managers and various other certifications for other professionals.
Many online platforms also offer courses for project management certification. Apart from PMI, reputed institutes like Transform Learning Academy offer programs, including a certified Project Management course (PRINCE2 certificate) along with hands on work experience and job placement assistance.
So, make sure, you happen to select the program that fits your needs and offers a flexible schedule if you need one.
Evaluate Your Project Requirements
When considering project management courses, it’s essential to start by evaluating your skills and professional background.
For newcomers focusing on fundamentals and basic principles is a must. In some cases, prior field-specific experience may not be necessary. This is true when you are trying to switch careers or when actively trying to find a job in a different sector.
If you are an experienced professional, it’s better to pursue an advanced project management certification. Begin by reviewing the course curriculum, and study material.
Thereon, if possible, connect with the instructor for a discussion about your career goals. It’s better to have a one-on-one chat or conversation with an instructor to know if obtaining a project management certification would help your career prospects.
Setting Your Goals
Before starting a project management course, it’s important to list out both personal and professional goals.
Take a moment to reflect on why you’ve chosen to enroll for a project management certification program. Some of the reasons worth considering a certification course in project management are as follows:
- Improve communication and collaboration
- Aiming for a salary increase or doubling your income
- To improve your performance and productivity
- To achieve desired outcomes and meet deadlines
Hence, having a roadmap outlining how you plan to reach your goals is essential. For instance, certain project management courses offer a three-month program. Others may offer a flexible schedule such as requiring a commitment of five hours per week.
Some courses can help you switch your career within 90 days. Whether your goal is growth or career advancement, defining your goal before enrollment is a must.
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Understanding the Course Content
Ensure that the curriculum outlines essential principles, techniques and tools necessary for managing day-to-day projects. At the end of the day, a good project management course will prepare you for handling the projects.
Select a program that covers how to handle stakeholder communication, managing project finances and provides you necessary industry exposure
Evaluate the Instructor
The ideal mentor should be a well-known figure in the field of project management. Additionally, he/she should have a proven history of completing real world projects.
To learn more, take a look at their LinkedIn profile. Find out if they have an online presence to understand their background and teaching approach.
Additional Resources
Ensure that the course provides assistance and study material. You must have access to mentors, online discussion forums or supplementary learning materials.
These resources can be incredibly helpful when you face challenges with a section or need clarity on a concept.
Testimonials, Ratings and Reviews
It’s best to read the reviews and find out as much as possible about the project management course you wish to take. Online user forums can be a great place to start.
Feedback from previous students can help you make a decision. Generally, previously enrolled students provide honest feedback about the course content and instructor.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Before enrolling conduct a cost benefit analysis. While cost is important to consider, it’s better to conduct a litmus test. You must question yourself against one yardstick alone. It is at the end of the day what skills you will acquire after enrolling in a paid course.
The answer that must resound with you is whether it will help you advance your career or not.
Note: A paid course with a fee that focuses on sought-after skills could be more beneficial than a free one. Think of it as an investment opportunity!
Networking Opportunities
Aside from focusing on the course material it’s essential to find out if you will get a chance to network. Getting to network can greatly help you secure a position as a project manager.
Global Project Management Consultant Salaries
Now that we have established that getting a PMP certification can be useful for your career growth, let’s take a quick look at the salaries.
Not only can you double your earnings after securing a PMP certificate but also use that certification to access even better opportunities.
However, the income you receive as a project management consultant is influenced by factors like your location, level of experience, and above all, your industry.
Here’s a brief overview of salaries in different regions around the world (sourced from Glassdoor);
United States of America:102,615 USD per year
United Kingdom: 65,354 USD (or £51,098.01) per year
Australia: 83,042 per year
Canada: 60,959 per year
Conclusion
Today the demand for project managers is at an all-time high. Just keep in mind, that you need to stay up to date. Remember there is no perfect project management certification course out there.
Only the one that fits your goals and schedule is the one that is the right project management course. It’s time to get certified to thrive as a project manager!