What is the Best Course to Learn Project Management?

Many different project management classes exist. You’ll find short classes that only take a day or two to complete, longer options that take weeks or months, classes designed for beginners, and expert options that require prior experience. You’ll also find a variety of class formats, such as full-time and part-time courses. Finally, class content will also vary widely. For instance, some classes focus on a limited number of project management skills, while others are much more comprehensive. Keep reading for more information about some of the most common class options and how they differ from one another.

What Is Project Management?

A Project Manager plans and executes the tasks that are needed in order to successfully complete a project. This typically includes defining the scope of the project, identifying all of the steps that need to be completed, facilitating communication among all those people involved, managing the risks, and ensuring that all tasks are executed. A Project Manager can work on a one-time project, or they can be involved in a project that is ongoing.

What Can You Do With Project Management?

By gaining project management skills, you’ll have access to a job field that pays well and is predicted to remain relatively stable in the future. According to data published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a federal agency that collects and analyzes U.S. job statistics, over the next ten years, the projected change in employment for Project Management Specialists is 6 percent. This is higher than the average U.S. job growth rate of about 3 percent. BLS finds that project management jobs are likely to increase as a result of organizations trying to improve their productivity. In particular, it says, “Demand for project management specialists is expected to be strong in computer systems design services. More project management specialists will be needed to manage the growing volume and complexity of information technology (IT) projects required to support expanded telework.” Project Managers earn between $88,000 and $117,000 yearly, depending on what type of project management they do.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Course

How Much Experience Do You Have?

When you’re choosing a project management class, it’s important to find one that matches your level of experience. If you don’t know much about this topic then you’ll want a class that is designed for beginners. Many different schools offer beginner classes. In general, a beginner class will start with foundational skills and then move on to more advanced concepts. Beginner courses also come in different lengths. If you’re a beginner, a shorter introductory class can be a good way to get a feel for this field and see whether you’re interested in taking a more comprehensive course. If your goal is to become a professional project manager, then a longer course like a bootcamp or certificate program might be the right option for you. These types of classes take weeks or months to complete and are designed to get you career-ready. If you already have some experience in the field of project management, a beginner class might still be beneficial because it can refresh your skills and help you gain an understanding of new technology. However, on the other hand, a beginner class might be too slow, and an intermediate or advanced course might be a better option.

What Is Your Budget?

When you’re looking at project management classes, budget is also likely to be an important consideration. The cost of project management classes varies significantly. The most expensive way to get an education in this field is to attend college. Depending on the college you choose, a degree can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars a year. Earning it will also take a number of years. Degree programs are popular because they are very comprehensive, however, if you’re looking for a comprehensive project management education you could also opt for a bootcamp or certificate program. These types of courses generally take months rather than years to complete and cost significantly less than a college education. They cover a wide range of project management skills and run in an accelerated format so that you can learn as quickly as possible. Overall, they are designed to get you career-ready in a relatively short amount of time. In addition to college programs, bootcamps, and certificate courses, there are many shorter project management class options. Most of these classes won’t teach you everything you need to know in order to work as a professional project manager, but they can give you some basic skills and get you started in this field. Many shorter classes only cost a few hundred dollars.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Project Management Skills?

When you’re choosing a project management class, you’ll also want to think about how you ultimately plan to use your skills. If you want to work as a professional project manager, then you’ll probably need to take a comprehensive, career-focused course. A comprehensive course will start with the basics, and take you up to an advanced level. It is also likely to include a variety of projects where you can develop practical experience. In addition, many career-focused classes come with career assistance. For instance, you’re likely to get help building your portfolio. Other types of assistance might include tips on building a resume and interviewing for a job, one-on-one mentoring sessions, or access to internships. If you’re not taking a project management class to prepare for a professional career, then a shorter program may be a good option for you. Shorter classes only take a matter of days to finish and cost less than the longer classes. They can be an effective way to start learning without committing a lot of time and money.

What Training Format Works Best For You?

Project management classes come in many different formats, so when you’re comparing classes, you’ll also need to consider which format will be most effective for you. One way to learn is through an in-person class. In-person classes tend to be the most engaging since you are physically present with the instructor and other students. This format can also make it easier to stay focused. In addition, it can be easier for the instructor to see whether or not you need additional help. However, in-person learning is also the least flexible format. You have to commute to a classroom, and you’re limited to courses that take place in your geographic area. If you’re looking for a more flexible option, then you may find that a live online class is a good choice for you. Live online classes take place in real-time, but rather than traveling to a classroom, you attend by simply logging in via computer. With a live online class, you are still able to ask questions and get immediate feedback, however, you can attend from any location that you want. A potential downside to online learning is that you’ll need your own computer equipment and software.

Learn Project Management with Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop is based in New York City and offers a number of different project management classes, with both short courses that can help you quickly master the basics, and longer, more comprehensive programs, where you can develop a strong project management skill set. Its project management classes can be taken in person at its Manhattan facility or in a live online format. Noble Desktop is licensed by the New York State Education Department. All courses include the option of a free retake within one year.

If you’re looking for a short introductory class, Noble offers Project Management Level I, which covers the methods and strategies of modern project management theory. You’ll learn about the process of project management and cover the five phases. After that, you’ll spend more time focusing on the initiation and planning stages. Finally, you’ll learn about what it takes to be a successful project manager, including important strategies and skills. This course includes an overview of project management apps, associations, and certifications. You’ll also receive a slide deck that contains practical knowledge and a variety of exercises. 

Noble Desktop also has a more advanced class called Project Management Level II, which builds off the skills covered in the Level I class. In Level II, you’ll learn about the execution monitoring, and closing phases of project management. Instructors will also cover working with budgets and costs, managing limited resources, and staying within your budget. This course includes an introduction to Agile Project Management and popular Agile frameworks.

If you want a more comprehensive course, Noble also runs a Project Management Bootcamp. This class is designed for students who want to learn more about project management, including the five phases of a project, and who want to begin a project management career. It is a combination of the school’s Level I and Level II classes and is offered at a discount. When you take the Project Management Bootcamp, you’ll learn the five phases of project management and will receive a slide deck that contains a variety of exercises. You’ll also learn about Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile methods of project management, including popular Agile frameworks. You’ll receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class.

Another class option is Microsoft Project Level I, which is focused on this popular project management tool. This class is for PC users only; it cannot be completed with a Mac computer. The class is intended for users who need to manage multiple projects, want to increase efficiencies, and need to better manage resources. You’ll learn about the basic functions and features of Microsoft Project Professional. Covered topics include essential project management concepts, defining projects, entering tasks and examining task relationships, managing resources, optimizing, setting baselines, and sharing project plans. 

Noble also offers Microsoft Project Level II, where you’ll cover more advanced features of this application. You’ll learn how to update a project plan to reflect progress, how to monitor project progress in the project plan, and how to adjust the plan to control constraints. You’ll also learn to create project reports and customize project settings. Students who want to take the Level II course should have first completed Level I.