What Classes to Take to Become a Project Manager

A Project Manager must have an assortment of skills to earn and succeed in their position because they have to handle a diverse range of responsibilities. As such, they have to learn a variety of skills. This may range from studying specific software, like Microsoft Project. In addition, they will need to learn Agile, a project management philosophy, and Scrum, its corresponding methodology and framework. In addition, they’ll learn risk management and will likely learn foundational skills in related fields such as finance, marketing, written communication, and data analysis. In addition, they’ll learn the art of negotiation as they’ll likely have to discuss project expectations and outcomes. Ultimately, becoming a Project Manager requires wearing different hats and handling different responsibilities, so it is essential to broaden your skillset and feel like you can handle all the things that come your way.

What is a Project Manager?

A Project Manager plays an essential part in any organization that values productivity, optimization, and efficacy. Specifically, they plan, oversee, and aspire to successfully execute projects. They are a connecting force between the different departments that may not work in close contact with one another, but each has a vital job within the project. In addition, they are team leaders who communicate and collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations and provide status updates. They regularly ensure that the project will be met within the preferred timeframe and that they will work within the scope of what the clients deem necessary. Ultimately, they are multitasking, creative thinkers who can rally a team and delegate tasks efficiently.

On an average work week, Project Managers may start a new project by creating detailed plans that discuss resource allocation, projected risks, suggested workload, preferred budget, and necessary timelines. The Project Manager will discuss these plans with the client and stakeholders, but also the teams that work towards the project’s completion. The Project Manager will monitor the success of each department and adjust plans as necessary. In addition, they document their progress and check in with the financial departments to ensure they aren’t going over their allotted funds. They’ll present status reports and conduct meetings, so they are often tasked with presenting information visually and orally.

Project Managers work in virtually every industry, ranging from technology and finance to marketing and healthcare. Plus, they can work in-house for firms, organizations, and companies just as much as they can work remotely. Project Managers can also work full-time or on a project-by-project basis. A career in project management is not only exciting and provides variety, but it is also rather profitable. Ultimately, if you are business-minded, communicative, and highly organized, project management may be the right path for you. 

What Skills Will I Need to Learn to Become a Project Manager?

If you want to explore the field of project management, you may start by exploring more about the position and the different places where Project Managers work. However, most important of all, you’ll likely wonder what kind of education you’ll need. Before you can consider yourself a Project Manager, you will need to acquire a few sets of skills. Project Managers are adept at planning and overseeing a project from start to finish, which includes having a say in every step of the process. This includes learning the relevant software to ensure these projects go smoothly, such as Microsoft Project, Agile methodologies, Scrum frameworks, or Asana. Additional skills in relevant fields like marketing, finance, and data analysis can also increase your ability to perform well as a Project Manager.

Additionally, you should consider how well you can handle resource allocation, time management, and finances. Developing these skills is essential to ensuring a project does not go over budget or run out of resources halfway through completion. In addition, time management plays a huge role as many clients have objectives they’d like to meet by certain dates. If anything goes wrong, the project could be seriously derailed, so Project Managers must also assess risks and adapt as necessary to get back on track. They may also need strong negotiation skills to discuss expectations and metrics with clients, investors, and stakeholders.

Above all else, a Project Manager should have strong leadership skills. This includes being able to communicate effectively with everyone involved in the project, from departments and team members to stakeholders and clients. With this comes the ability to delegate tasks effectively and efficiently. In terms of their mindset, they will likely have a can-do attitude and an encouraging mindset that boosts morale when it gets low. If you can cultivate these qualities, you will likely become a great Project Manager.

What Courses Should I Enroll in to Become a Project Manager?

Project Management Bootcamp

The Project Management Bootcamp from Noble Desktop is the ideal way to learn all about project management. In this class, you’ll learn a Project Manager’s daily tasks and learn how to use the relevant software. For example, the instructor will guide students through the main phases of project management, from the initial stages to closing. Students will learn the relevant terms and explore how to manage resources, define the parameters of the project, and delegate the activities associated with the project’s completion. Plus, students will get an overview of the Agile Project Management frameworks like Scrum, Kansan, and Extreme Programming.

Bootcamps are successful ways to learn career-building skills since the curriculum heavily values professional development. This bootcamp in particular is for people who want to start a career in project management and can benefit from the hands-on activities. Most bootcamps are interactive and provide students with practical skills as opposed to focusing heavily on theory. As a student in this bootcamp, you’ll work on projects rooted in the real world and gain experience that helps you transfer your skills from the classroom to the workplace with ease. This bootcamp’s curriculum has been updated and refined over time so you will learn the most current project management standards to find work in virtually any industry, such as engineering, technology, finance, and healthcare.

Among the many reasons to enroll in a bootcamp are the added benefits. Most training centers offer their students additional resources and benefits to help them succeed, which ties back into bootcamps serving as a means for professional growth. For instance, Noble Desktop gives students in the Project Management Bootcamp free setup assistance and a free retake of the course within a year. In addition to the 12 total hours of instruction, you will also receive class recordings and earn a verified digital certificate of completion that serves as proof of your dedication and skills.

Project Management Level I

If you aren’t ready to dive straight into a bootcamp, you can explore shorter courses that still offer a more scaffolded learning approach. For instance, you can start with the Project Management Level I course. This six-hour course provides thorough, hands-on instruction to students who want to learn more about project management but may not need to go beyond the basics. Students will learn about the entire project management planning process, but will mainly focus on initiating and planning projects. The instructor will teach students how to select different projects and oversee the finances, schedule, and resources of each. This will also include a discussion of task responsibility, sequencing activities, and utilizing resources effectively. In addition, students will learn how to use Slack for their project management tasks and communications.

The only requirement prior to enrolling in this course is to have experience using a computer; otherwise, total beginners are entirely welcome. This course is offered in-person or live online so you can get the most immersive experience possible. Among the many resources and benefits included are a free retake within a year, small class sizes, setup assistance, and a verified digital certificate of completion. This is an ideal way to build a foundation to be built upon in the future or just learn the essentials of project management.

Microsoft Project Level I

The Microsoft Project Level I course is the first step in becoming acquainted with this useful project management software. The instructor in this course will take students through the interface and explore all the resources provided. Students will also learn how to use the basic functions and features that help you track your budget and resources throughout the project. In addition, students will learn how to juggle multiple projects at once and use this Microsoft application to handle them with ease. Overall, this course gives students the skills needed to plan, manage, and complete projects efficiently.

This is a PC-only course, but otherwise, students can come as total beginners. Over six total hours of instruction, students will learn how to use this software for their future projects and handle every part of the process. The tuition includes hands-on training and supplemental materials that help students complete the course. In addition, students will also receive a free retake and a certificate to display their newly acquired skills.

Microsoft Project Level II

Consider the Microsoft Project Level II course if you want to explore the more advanced features of the application. This six-hour course focuses on updating, monitoring, and adjusting the project plan as necessary. Students will learn how to handle multiple projects at once and customize their project settings to ensure the most positive outcomes. They will learn to create and share project reports with others to keep them up-to-date with the project’s progress. Specifically, students will complete projects where they enter task progress, add custom fields, create visual reports, and customize Microsoft Project to their liking. This course is ideal for someone who plans to use Project regularly and will need to acquire advanced-level knowledge using the platform's vast capabilities.

Similar to the Level I course, this is also a PC-only course because Microsoft Project is not suited for Mac computers. Students in this course will either need to complete Level I before enrollment or have equivalent knowledge. The course comes with class resources, a free retake, setup assistance, and a certificate. With Microsoft Project Level I and Level II, you will feel more confident using the software in professional settings and be able to handle every stage of the project process in an optimized, efficient way.

Learn the Skills to Become a Project Manager at Noble Desktop

Students can receive their project management education from the myriad courses at Noble Desktop. There are entry-level courses that a future Project Manager would want to take, such as an introduction to Microsoft Project. In addition, there are varying levels of project management courses where students will learn how to handle the daily tasks of this job position. Taking short courses essentially allows you to customize your education. If you know that you only need to learn project management fundamentals for an upcoming project that you’ll be taking the lead on at work, then you can stop after Level I. However, you may want to expand your knowledge and go beyond the basics. With individual short courses at Noble Desktop, you can go as in-depth as you prefer.

However, there are more advanced learning options offered at Noble Desktop such as bootcamps. They host a project management bootcamp that teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced project management skills in one go instead of spread out across different classes. This is ideal if you are absolutely sure you want to pursue a project management position since you will benefit from the thorough, consistent instruction and the career-based approach to the course. There are extra resources and benefits as well, such as additional mentoring, so you will feel even more supported in your professional learning journey. Plus, some bootcamps help students prepare for future educational endeavors, such as certification exams.

For the most in-depth approach to learning a new subject, you can explore the various certificate courses offered at Noble Desktop. Although there is not yet a project management certificate course, there are courses in relevant fields and subjects that would greatly benefit an aspiring Project Manager. Depending on the type of company and industry you hope to soon work for, you may consider taking a certificate course in digital marketing, video editing, or graphic design. However, other project management experts work in fields more driven by data analytics and web development. The variety of certificate courses offered at Noble Desktop assures students that they can explore as many topics as necessary to help them succeed in their field as a Project Manager. This type of course is especially suggested for aspiring professionals since it can prepare students for future certification exams. Additionally, certificate classes offer ample benefits and additional resources; for example, students in a Noble Desktop certificate course can access additional mentoring, payment plans, and a verified certificate upon completion.