Project management encompasses five key process groups: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. If these sound familiar, you've likely explored productivity strategies. The 10 Most Useful Productivity Blogs of 2017 Few productivity blogs offer practical advice. Most tend to focus on self-improvement, feel-good, and motivational pieces. We've picked the best practical productivity blogs online today. Read more. These align closely with how we enhance personal productivity.
Project management is deeply tied to productivity. Project managers maximize team efficiency by organizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, refining processes, communicating effectively, and tracking progress—skills productivity experts swear by.
Love productivity? Project management might be your ideal career. Here's how to transition into it.
Opinions vary on ideal project manager traits, but core skills consistently top lists. As outlined in Top 5 Project Management Tips for Beginners If you're taking on the project manager role for the first time, here are just five tips project management to help you get started. Read More:
These mirror personal productivity skills. Scaling them to team levels defines project management. Not every productivity fan will excel, but prior habits provide a strong foundation.
Ready to dive in? Follow these steps to launch your project management career.
Grasp project management fundamentals first. Definitions vary, but Villanova University describes it as overseeing all project aspects to deliver on time, within budget, and to quality standards.
Project managers guide teams toward goals, supplying resources and direction. For deeper insight, explore these resources:
Talk to practicing project managers—check /r/ProjectManagement for real-world advice. Blogs like The Project Management Hut and Wrike Blog reveal daily challenges.
Certifications validate expertise. Research options; the Project Management Institute (PMI) offers eight. Key choices:
For experienced pros, PMI's PMP is the gold standard.
Most certifications demand training hours. PMI, CompTIA, and others provide affordable online courses. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer PDU-eligible options:
Local providers via PMI's directory or business schools offer accredited training. Courses cover the five phases, plus industry-specific paths like IT or healthcare, prepping you for exams and real-world success.
Entry certifications need training; advanced ones require hands-on hours. Build experience early:
Workplace tenure often counts—projects have defined timelines; frame yours using PM terminology.
Volunteer for PM duties in your role, like leading a team project—it bolsters your resume. See Job Search Without an effective resume to showcase your skills and experience, getting the job of your dreams will be an uphill struggle. We've compiled 11 resources that can get you one step closer to a satisfying career. Read more for resume tips.
Switch to smaller firms open to uncertified talent with strong pitches. Team involvement across phases suffices for some certs.
Meet prereqs, then study with exam-specific books and materials. Visit your certifying body's site for testing details. Solid prep ensures success—congrats, you're certified! Hunt PM roles. Check Jobs on Facebook: Best Job Search Engine in 2017? Jobs on Facebook lets you search openings via your favorite social network. But is it a good way to land a new job? We take a detailed look. Read more.
Maintain certification with continuing education units (CEUs/PDUs), typically every 3-5 years. PMI courses count; check your body's requirements.
Certified and current? You're set. Paths vary, but this roadmap equips you. It demands productivity skills like self-discipline—see Why Self-Discipline Is the Best Productivity Hack You Need What's the secret to deep work? Motivation or discipline? If you can't focus and finish tasks, here are habit tips to get more done. Read more—organization, planning, and grit. Enjoy a fulfilling career playing to your strengths.
Got a PM certification? How did you choose this path? Share in the comments!
