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Project Management Training: Online Project Management Certification Course Programs, Careers, Degrees and Education

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:

  • Automotive

  • Engineering

  • Information Technology

  • Telecommunications

  • Aerospace

  • Business Management and Operations

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Technology Development

  • Financial Services

  • Healthcare

  • Construction

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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