Not many people plan to be project managers. It happens gradually. You organize an event and then are asked to organize another, and then before you know it, you’re running a project and keeping a team on track. The reason this happens is because project management is a learned skill. A project management certification gives you the recognition and peace of mind to develop this skill.
Explore how project management certification works and how it helps your career, and view sample projects by career counseling students at GIPMC.
What a Certification Actually Shows
Anyone can say they are organized. A project management certification shows you can define project scope, build a time and budget schedule, plan and understand project risk, and ultimately communicate project status to stakeholders.
The estimates by the Project Management Institute (PMI) give us an idea of the global demand for project managers. By 2030 it is predicted we will need an additional 22 million project managers. Projects are the core function of every industry, from IT and healthcare to construction, finance, and marketing.
Why Online Learning Is Best for Working Professionals
An online project management certification gives you the opportunity to develop a new skill while at work. You have the opportunity to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons to reinforce concepts for the next day at work. This immediate practice makes the material stick.
It’s a good beginner-level program, as it doesn’t require decades of experience, and someone with the right basic project management knowledge can apply.
A Real-Life Example
Rohan, a 28-year-old fictional operations executive at a mid-sized logistics company, coordinated warehouse upgrades and vendor schedules but never had a formal project management title or training. He was passed over for a project lead role by a peer who had project management certification.
Rohan didn’t take it personally. He took an online course, studied for an hour each day, and started using the tools and frameworks for project management. He saw improvement in his project reporting and fewer delays. The next time a project lead role opened, Rohan was being considered for the role.
The project management certification gave Rohan a framework and enhanced his credibility.
Where the PMC Certificate Fits
The PMC project management certification is offered by the GIPMC, an online professional certification provider. Individuals interested in learning more about the PMC project management certification should visit the official website to find the latest information on the syllabus, format of the exam, and eligibility requirements since these are subject to change.
Generally speaking, employers expect basic project management skills such as understanding the life cycles of projects, planning and organizing work, and using different tools to track their work. Look for a program with these skills.
From Certification to Career Growth
A certification is typically a stepping stone to something else, but the path can look different for each person. Common elements of the path include:
- Learning the basics through a structured program.
- Employing what you’ve learned at your job, no matter how small the task.
- Taking on a larger responsibility, such as becoming a project or office coordinator.
Advancing into more senior managerial positions, including becoming a Project Management Officer (PMO), where you set standards and guidelines for project management across an organization and help the leadership team with reporting.
Not everyone’s career path goes straight up, and for some people the project management certification is a means to an end to justify a raise or change careers. Either way, certificates should be a catalyst for more growth and not the end goal.
How to Choose the Right Program
- Check the course content to see if they cover the entire life cycle of a project.
- Find flexibility. You should be able to study as you work.
- Ask if the program is valued by employers.
Determine if the program is realistic. A course won’t completely transform you, but consistent training and practice can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a project management certification worth it?
Yes, in most cases it is worth it. You’ll be able to learn skills in a structured way, add it to your resume, and be able to apply for jobs that require more management skills.
2. Can beginners take a project management certification?
Yes. Some programs don’t require formal project management experience. Look into the prerequisites for each program to see what type of experience, if any, is required.
3. How long does it take to get certified online?
The amount of time it takes varies based on the program and how quickly you work. Many part-time learners finish a program within a few months. Check the specific program web page for the estimated time it takes to complete the program.
4. What does a project management officer do?
A project management officer sets standards for how work is done and helps manage consistency across various projects by aligning work reports, processes, and statuses.
5. Do I need an IT background?
Not at all. Project management is tied to all lines of work, like construction, healthcare, marketing, finance, and more.
