As a project coordinator in my current role at ConnectEDU, I have done a lot of investigating about a career path in project management. Luckily, it seems like a great path for me to head down.
Project managers are not restricted to one industry and additionally, the number of PMs has risen significantly as companies have begun to realize the valuable benefits they bring to the business. This is especially true as there is an increase in complex, resources-lacking, and time-limited projects.
"Statistics show there is a higher risk of failure without a project manager, and oftentimes there can be more cost overrun and repeated projects," states Rachel Pace, a senior MIS project manager at Office Depot.
Project management in definition is simple, to compose a plan, by which decisions are based off during the life of the project. The plan defines the scope/quality, timeline, budget, and the roles and responsibilities of team members. However, when we throw a plan into the real world, with internal and external environmental factors, that’s when things can go wrong. Luckily, good project managers will identify and plan for threats/risks and know how to communicate effectively.
To be a great project manager you must:
· Have a knack for organization
· Have superior communications skills. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
· Have the ability to multi-task
· Successfully handle stress! (I’m working on this!)
Whether a career in project management inspires you or not, you may want to learn PM best practices anyway! The Reason? We all use project management in our lives and in other careers. We all plan, organize, and execute (some better than others!) our home and work responsibilities. If you want to be more efficient in both life and your career I suggest the following tactics:
- Initiate. Clarify what are your objectives for doing something.
- Plan. Determine what you need to be successful. What is your budget? What is your timeline? Milestones? Plan for what could go wrong.
- Execute. Team members should act on their responsibilities.
- Monitor. Are you on track to hit the goals laid out in your plan? What can you do to get back on track?
- Close. End the project and congratulate yourself on a job well done (hopefully!)- Remember managing a project takes practice!
We may not be fully aware, but we apply project management skills in everything that we do. We plan, organize, budget, and initiate actions daily. What we just need in order to be successful in this area, especially if we want to be a project manager, is to polish these skills.
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