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We live in a society based on certain principles. Capitalism, economics, profit, individual development, and taxation. These elements of life are unavoidable. We can find ways to live productively and happily within these systems. Work is a part of life; most folks can find a job that they enjoy and that brings them fulfillment. Others look for enjoyment and fulfillment with hobbies, interests and their social lives – and their jobs are just a means to an end.
And as your career progresses, you develop specific skills. Some of these are teamwork, collaboration, technological knowledge, emotional intelligence, time management, and autonomy. But some business skills are more invaluable than others. This article will discuss why project management is one of the most beneficial business skills to develop. Read on to learn why.
1. Project Management is in Demand
You may want to consider an online project management diploma course as a qualification. Project management is an in-demand skill set, and by studying it at a diploma level or higher, you’ll learn all the incredibly valuable skills and knowledge that can make you a gun project manager. When you are going for project management jobs, the qualification under your belt could mean the difference between your application and someone else’s without the qualification being shortlisted for an interview.
2. There is a Current Skill Shortage
Project managers are a sought-after role by major companies and smaller players too. Nearly every major industry has projects that need management – from construction (residential, commercial, industrial and civil) to information technology, non-profit organisations, e-commerce giants and smaller businesses. Being able to manage a project effectively is an essential skill that is currently in demand across all industries.
3. You’ll Develop Essential Skills and Experience
Being a project manager requires a diverse skill set and will give you valuable experience that can be carried across to new jobs or even applied in your personal life.
A project manager needs excellent people skills, as managing projects requires consulting with and keeping accountable a diverse range of stakeholders daily. You need to be able to work well with others, resolve disputes, mediate conflict, and influence people so you can do your job. You’ll do lots of talking, meetings, phone calls and written communication, so emotional intelligence is vital to develop as a project manager.
In addition to this, you’ll develop impeccable time management skills. Managing a project means deadlines – often a projected finish date for the project and many soft deadlines between them. You need to be able to work effectively and efficiently and manage your time well.
Furthermore, a project manager needs to complete projects to or under budget. Cost overruns can and do occur but should be avoided at all costs. We’ve all seen the media of massive government infrastructure projects that have blown their budgets. Managing money and outgoing costs is an essential aspect of good project management.
4. These Skills are Transferable
Another reason project management is an invaluable business skill is that all the skills and experience you’ll gain that we just listed are entirely transferable to other roles. A project manager can smoothly move into a business manager role or become a business development manager, a managing director or a CEO. Everything you’ve learned and perfected as a project manager is easily transferable to the next job you take and the one after that.
5. You’ll Learn Constantly
Even after you finish your tertiary project management qualification, you’ll learn much more about the tools. By nature, project management requires communication, collaboration, agility, lean business methods, and managing lots of moving parts. As you work with various stakeholders, including other managers, C-suite roles, and junior staff, you’ll gain valuable insights and learnings from your colleagues. And the learning will change from project to project – depending on the industry and the nature of the project. You’ll never stop learning, and each day will bring a fresh challenge. This will build resilience and adaptability, which are incredibly valuable skills to develop.
A Project Management Summary
This informative article has shared why project management is one of the most invaluable business skills to develop. By studying project management, you’re setting yourself up for a stellar career – and you’ll have your pick of industries to work in. When you’re on the job, you’ll continue developing your professional skill set, bringing fresh learning and insights each day.
