Project Management

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Considering a Lean Six Sigma Certification? Are you on the fence as to whether these certifications are worth it? Lean Six Sigma certification holders command salaries of up to £80 000 and are some of the most respected professionals in the industries that they work in. If you're new to the Lean Six Sigma methodology, don't worry, I threw in a video about Ashton Kutcher to help you get a better picture (wink).

Ocean's Eleven (Photo: Warner Bros.)

So you're heading in the direction of programme management and maybe you're not sure where to start when it comes to training. It always seems a daunting task to decide which is the best certification for your career advancement and which certification is the most recognised.

Agile is one of many project management methodologies, with certifications that include Agile Foundation and Agile Practitioner. The Foundation certification is the first step, while the Practitioner certification is the second step towards being Agile certified. Let us start by looking at how Agile relates to project management and some of the more traditional approaches project management contains.

The first logical step in starting a career as a Project Manager is to gain a trusted and accredited project management certification such as PRINCE2. AGILE, MSP or PMP. This will show that you have gained an understanding of how a project is run and will boost your chances at being hired. This may, however, not be enough to prove yourself as a well-rounded Project Manager as there is much to be said about the essential project management skills that may not be taught during your educational training. This is where the difference between knowledge and skill becomes evident.

There are many project management methodologies to choose from when deciding on which certification will best suit your career as a Project Manager. Each methodology has it’s supporters and, of course, it’s detractors but the key lies in finding the methodology that best works for you and the style of project management that your organisation will benefit from the most.

The field of Project Management is a flourishing one and the trend appears likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This makes it a great industry to be a part of but it can also make it one that is not always easy to get in to. Many project management positions advertised require experience and most list qualifications as a mandatory requirement for application. But with the right strategy and a small training investment, you could enjoy a rewarding career laden with prospects and opportunities.

Your CV is the very first impression that you will make when applying for a position as Project Manager. Potential employers will not only be able to scrutinise your skills and certifications, but can learn a lot from your CV’s neatness and layout, so it is vital that it is done correctly.

Time management plays a huge part in effective project management. Not only will you have to make time for the planned project activities, but there will be times when unexpected issues take up more of your time. These need to be planned for and integrated into your time management schedule along with your normal schedule. Below we will discuss time management tips and techniques that can be used to ensure that your projects stay on track and that your time is properly utilised.