A career in project management provides you with the opportunity to manage teams of employees, oversee projects from inception to completion and implement a range of strategies within the workplace.
Best of all, project management is versatile, and allows you to work in any number of sectors, from engineering and construction to communications or publishing.
Mike Cummins, 21, is currently studying a combined Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) and Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of New South Wales and is majoring in project management.
As a project management student, Mr Cummins is training in all aspects of the job. “The course involves organisational psychology, which is the behavioural psychology of employees, strategic planning, contingency planning, cost engineering, comparative management systems, research methods in management, negotiation skills, management of workplace training and workplace safety. It's comprehensive.”
Mr Cummins saw benefits in the direct approach the course takes. “I could have started in construction as a tradesman, work up to being a site foreman, then into project management. That would take a long time though. This is quick and prepares me well.”
According to Mr Cummins, project management offers a good opportunity for holistic education. “Project management offers a good mix of both mathematics on the engineering side, and human-relations on the management side. The flexibility of it all is of particular interest to me.”
Obtaining a certified education in project management will give you a competitive edge as a prospective employee, and show businesses that you are equipped to manage and execute all manner of tasks as a project manager.
There are several study pathways into project management and studying as part of an undergraduate degree is just one. Students can also undertake a Masters in Project Management, a Graduate Certificate or a Diploma. Part-time and online courses are also available.
Students at the start of their career may find a Masters or a Graduate Certificate helpful in securing their first job in the industry. Working professionals should look for a qualification as a way of formalising their skills and need a flexible course, which takes into account existing knowledge.
The College of Adult Learning runs a Diploma of Project Management, which is designed for experienced managers who want to increase efficiency in their workplace. The program is delivered by online learning or face-to-face and covers the techniques needed to oversee a successful project in a variety of workplaces. Enquire about enrolling in a Diploma of Project Management.