As one of the core roles in any business, project management is essential for every company. Whether your team’s working on a new software launch or redesigning processes, a solid and organized project manager can make all the difference.
With that being said, not every project manager is created equal; some are more competent than others. To become a better project manager, you need to understand where you can improve and how to do so. If you’re looking for ways to become a better project manager, this post is for you.
Read on for four helpful tips.
Consider Taking an Online Qualification in Project Management
As any project manager knows, effective project management is essential to the success of any project. From developing clear objectives and timelines to tracking progress and managing risks, there are a myriad of factors to consider when managing a project. While some people have a natural aptitude for project management, others may find it helpful to take an online qualification to improve their skills.
One of the benefits of an online qualification is that it can be completed at your own pace. Whether you’re already working in project management and looking to advance your career or starting from scratch, an online qualification can give you the flexibility to study when it suits you.
An online qualification can be completed from anywhere in the world, making it ideal for busy professionals who may not be able to take time out to attend on-campus courses.
If you’re considering taking a graduate diploma in project management online, look for a course accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMI is the world’s largest project management association, and its accreditation is recognized internationally.
Understand What Project Management Skills You Have
Project management skills are a set of abilities that help you get your job done. These skills include communication, planning, problem-solving, and leadership skills that help you get your team organized and moving forward.
Project management skills depend on where you work and who you work with. You may find some of these skills are more important in certain roles than others. You can find out what management skills you already have through self-assessment.
This way, you can identify where you need to improve and which skills you can focus on.
Build Project Management Experience
As you begin to gain experience in project management, you’ll notice some important differences between working in a traditional, “non-management” role.
First, you’ll have a deeper understanding of your expectations. This will help you manage expectations better, and it’ll also make you more likely to advocate for yourself when needed.
Second, you’ll see project management from a different perspective. This insight can help you identify and resolve problems more effectively, and it can also help you see opportunities you might not have been able to see before.
This experience can be gained in various ways. Try working with a mentor — someone who has the experience you can learn from. Or, try volunteering or shadowing in a different role.
Enhance Your Project Manager Resume
Project experience is especially beneficial in a project manager’s resume, as it shows that you’ve managed projects. This is especially important if you’re applying for a project manager role — especially a senior project manager role — that requires certification.
You can add project experience to your resume in two ways:
- Add a project management section to your resume. As you add this section, include a description of each project you were involved with — giving context to your work experience in project management.
- Try adding a project summary to your resume. A project summary can be a great way to demonstrate project management skills and add context to your work experience. A project summary can also showcase your accomplishments and add context to your work experience.
Becoming a better project manager is a journey. You’ll need to identify where you need to improve and make that improvement happen.
Be realistic about your strengths and weaknesses and work hard to improve where you can. Start with these four helpful tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better project manager.
