Project Manager Training
What do project managers do?
Project managers coordinate large-scale initiatives such as product development cycles, new product releases, site launches and the implementation of new business practices. Industries with a strong design or production element--software development and telecommunications, for example--rely heavily on project managers.
Project management encompasses all stages of a business project, from planning to execution, testing and quality control. Managers set objectives, build project requirements, manage budgets and coordinate teams of workers from across the organization to complete tasks on schedule. Formal project management tools help PMs execute the project plan. Common methodologies in high tech, for example, include the traditional waterfall model, the process-driven PRINCE2 and the more agile, iterative models DSDM and Scrum. Most project managers are familiar with Critical Path Method techniques and CPM scheduling software such as Microsoft Project.
What's the job outlook for project managers?
Project managers are in high demand, particularly in the technology and software development sectors. The U.S. Department of Labor forecasts excellent job prospects in the 2008 to 2018 period, with job growth of 17 percent for all computer and information systems managers. In particular, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that technical consulting, biotech development, software publishing and computer systems design are hotspots for technology project managers.
Project management jobs have also shown resilience in the face of economic downturn. According to a survey of PMs conducted by the Project Management Institute, more than half of project managers actually saw their incomes rise between 2007 and 2009, the height of the global recession.
What's the salary for project management careers?
Project managers at all levels earn salaries approaching or surpassing the six-figure mark. According to the PMI Project Management Salary Survey, an authoritative annual survey of 35,000 PM professionals worldwide, the median 2009 base salary for project managers was $100,000 in the U.S., $90,260 worldwide. The top quarter of U.S. project managers earned more than $120,000, the survey reports.
It's important to note, however, that project management salaries vary by experience, educational background, PMP certification and industry. Entry-level project managers, for example earned a median salary of $85,000 while individuals at the director level commanded significantly more--$123,000 in 2009.. Project managers who work as independent consultants can expect generous compensation as well. The PMI survey found the median earnings of this group to be $105,000.
What training or certification is needed to become a project manager?
While a bachelor's degree is the standard minimum qualification for a project management career, the specific education requirements vary by industry and role.. Technology managers will often earn a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems or electrical engineering. Earning a master's degree or MBA is becoming increasingly common, and is something that allows managers to advance in responsibility and salary.
Project managers may also advance their careers through professional certification. The top certification programs promote standard frameworks and best practices for executing business projects. PMs earn prestige, professional advancement and often higher pay with certification. According to research from The Standish Group cited in CIO magazine, "two-thirds of CIOs surveyed regard a PMI certification as valuable," and 31 percent require their project managers to be certified.
- Project Management Professional (PMP). The most broadly recognized credential for project managers, PMP certification requires applicants have three years or 3,500 hours of management experience and 35 hours of formal project management education. PMP credential holders earn an average of $10,000 more per year in the U.S. and other countries, according to the PMI Salary Survey. CompTIA Project+. CompTIA Project+ is designed for managers with one year of experience who manage small or medium-scale projects. CompTIA Project+ certification yields an average salary of $79,850, according to Certification Magazine.
- PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments). Project managers have two options for accreditation in the process-oriented PRINCE2 methodology. PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner programs offer training and certification for both entry-level and advanced practitioners.
- Certified Project Manager (CPM). The International Association of Project & Program Management (IAPMM)'s CPM certification is designed to complement and extend PMP and other project management qualifications. Training covers communications, governance and PMOs (Project Management Offices).
In addition, project managers can pursue formal training in the software used to facilitate projects. Key project management software applications include Microsoft Project and Web-based solutions such as Basecamp.
Project Manager Training Courses
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Additional Project Manager Training Schools & Courses
Advanced Technology Group
Alpharetta, GA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.atg.org
Advanced Technology Group
Atlanta, GA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.atg.org
CompuWorks
Boston, MA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.compuworks.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Albany
Albany, NY- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.newhorizonscourses.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Allentown
Bethlehem, PA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.newhorizons.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Anaheim
Anaheim, CA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.nhsocal.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Atlanta
Atlanta, GA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.newhorizons.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill, NJ- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.nhphilly.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Memphis
Memphis, TN- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.newhorizons.com
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - New Orleans
Metairie, LA- Programs:
- PMI: PMP
www.newhorizons.com
