Adaptable Project Management training recommendations?

15 Comments

1. ElizabethDecember 27,2023 at 7:26PM UTC

   I'm not personally familiar with it but have seen "agile project management" floating around LinkedIn and job descriptions the last couple of years. This might be another key term that would help your search.

2. Melissa BarrDecember 27,2023 at 7:38PM UTC

   To start, I would create a portfolio of your successful projects through documents: proposals, requirements, project timelines, task/phase progress reporting, process flows, etc. Use your timeline information to create a Gantt chart for both completed and presently ongoing projects. For extra credit, compile all these into a PowerPoint with pop-up caption summaries.

   Do you have projects that require input (be it information, resource access, testing, etc.) from anyone else? I would use that to develop some case studies where you interacted with these individuals to move the project forward. You could also make briefs about why you chose to handle each project how you did, and how that benefits the stakeholders and their goals.

   If you can show proof you've successfully led projects via these documents, a sensible employer would take that into account, *plus* you now have demonstrable proof you can create said documents for future projects.

   Also, if you work with any business analysts or others involved on your projects, get their feedback on how you did/can help them in shared projects. Even negative feedback is something you can use to your advantage if you start working on improving those areas now.

3. Kristie WhiteDecember 27,2023 at 7:49PM UTC

   You are probably further along than you think. I am also a project manager but I have never been formally "trained". In Human Resources, we do projects all the time - but we are not educated or trained in project management. I didn't even know that a formal project management methodology existed until I had been doing projects for about 15 years!

   I learned a lot from the vendors I worked for and with as an internal resource. Obviously, you have picked up a lot of the requirements already too because your projects are successful. In many ways, I think you may have an advantage over someone who is formally trained. I have encountered both - and I find some people who are formally trained are too formal and rigid. They focus too much on the methodology and templates instead of motivating the team and helping team members maintain momentum and performance. After all, projects are almost 100% LABOR. So being able to influence and support team members is more critical than filling out the project charter.

   To improve your presentation and skills, however, I would suggest you grab a book about project management and start reading. As you read through it, compare each of the sections with the work you already do. For example, once you know the definition of a project charter can you think of a project you have done or are doing that would have benefitted? Why? This will help you apply the learning and improve your project management vocabulary and formal understanding. (BTW, your eyes are glazing over because the language in the course is too formal and you sense you already know this stuff - and you're right!)

4. AnonymousDecember 28,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

   Thank you so very much for this response, Kristie! Great points and a lot of hope provided!

5. G C HesseDecember 31,2023 at 1:40PM UTC

   And you aren't even remotely a PM!

6. Sheri BeattieDecember 31,2023 at 1:53PM UTC

   Hi - LinkedIn has several PMP prep courses as does O’Reilly learning. These are computer-based courses with practical exercises to help you retain the information better.

   I don’t remember how much an individual license is for O’Reilly, but if you have access to a local library, you can get a card if you do not already have one. From there, you can access LinkedIn using the card for no cost.

   Ultimately you will still need to pay for the cost of the PMP exam, however these platforms will help prepare you for it.

   Best of luck to you!

7. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 3:03PM UTC

   Why so angry?

8. GirlBossanova934974December 31,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

   The best question to ask is what specifically are these companies asking for as far as "project management skills" are concerned. Do they want a project management (PM) certification and/or do they want a PM certification PLUS time spent in a PM role? There are many companies online offering PM certifications. You can get that. However when it comes to time spent in a PM role, you will have to apply for that role and hope your current skills and PM certification ? can land you that role. The PM role is usually found in mid to large companies with distinct UNIQUE tasks. The role fits in with efforts that require coordination between various departments and managing resources to make sure the project gets done on time and within budget. The PM role has become more popular over the years as companies seek to avoid very costly implementation failures. I have personally seen several large IT projects fail due to lack of PM professionals. Last, PM should not be thought of as just managing a set of GANTT charts and becoming proficient in software like VISIO. These are just tools. If the underlying inputs are unrealistic and RISKS are not ID'ed and managed, VISIO et al is nothing but a creator of fancy useless charts.

9. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 5:00PM UTC

   Question, why the hostility? The OP was quite sincere in asking for help with how they can attain PM training or a certification. Whoo hoo, you already have your training and certification. Would it kill you to be kind and lead someone else in the right direction so they can get theirs? You would be a great resource, wouldn't you think?

   Kindness goes a long way!!!!

10. AnonymousDecember 31,2023 at 5:46PM UTC

    I hope the OP will disregard this woman’s comment, as a good PM will not have such an attitude and talk down to people. People skills are more important than getting your PMP. and being a shitty person.

11. Jennifer YeeDecember 31,2023 at 6:38PM UTC

    I like all these ideas. First figure out for your industry what level of expertise you will need. Some might be more casual and other might be very regimented (like for IT projects). Call out what projects you have managed that involved coordination with bunch of different depts, keeping the project on time, on budget, on scope, with risks analyzed. Also learn the online programs used currently like Asana. I’m not sure if there’s market value in getting a PMP certification anymore. Good luck!

12. AnonymousJanuary 2,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

    I'm not a certified project manager; I was a proposal manager, similar to a PM. Aside from knowing the various processes of managing a proposal process and handling a proposal completion, these skills were of utmost importance. I bet you do have these skills that I have listed, which are more important IMHO:

    Relationship Management: The ability to know how to manage all levels of stakeholders. Different levels of upper management would decide to join the status updates standups. Maintaining relationships with stakeholders and upper execs was an essential part of success.

    Meeting Management: Being able to read the room and be an effective facilitator. You needed to know the roles of the entire team. Who was the influencer; who was the decision maker? Sometimes, it felt like being a referee when my kids would get into arguments. Ensuring meetings start and stop on time; having necessary backup materials ahead of meetings, agendas, and links to essential collaboration space would help to run a smooth session. Of course, zoom meeting management and knowing the technology were important skills, too.

    Writing Skills: Many project updates included communicating with the entire team via email, collaboration space, or instant messaging. Having clear and concise notes and meeting notes were always time savors.

    Communication skills. It was always beneficial if you could speak with authority. Stressing firm deadlines for members to follow, knowing how to ask questions or what questions to ask, not knowing what the project is about, or if you need to be more technically astute about a topic were all essential skills.

13. AnonymousJanuary 2,2024 at 7:26PM UTC

    Coursera has wonderful PM courses for nominal fee. I have a PMP, but I'll admit the Google project management courses were great. Learn at your own rate.

14. LORI-ANN BURLINGAMEJanuary 2,2024 at 10:32PM UTC

    Have you tried any online interactive courses? You may want to reach out to a local college and ask them about accelerated online courses.

15. AnonymousJanuary 4,2024 at 9:49PM UTC

    Try a google certificate course.