Is Project Management a Hard Class?

Project management can be challenging to learn since there are a lot of concepts and skills to cover, however, it is something that almost anyone can master. If you already have some related experience, then the learning process is likely to be easier, but even a beginner can become a Project Manager. This article discusses some of the challenges you might encounter while you are learning, and ways to make the learning process easier.

What is Hard about Learning Project Management?

One thing that makes project management challenging to learn is that there are a lot of different types of skills to master. You’ll need to gain a mix of hard and soft skills, in addition to technical skills specific to the industry in which you plan to work. In a December 27, 2021 article in the Harvard Business Review, the author details some of the specific skills that project managers need. For hard skills: “You need a good understanding of basic project management concepts, methods, and tools that will help you make a reliable project plan, identify the stakeholders of your project, or manage the project risks.” For soft skills: “You will need to learn to communicate well, to actively listen to your colleagues and stakeholders, and to motivate your team.” In addition to hard and soft skills, the author explains that you’ll also need some technical skills, which will vary depending on the specific field that you’re working in. 

Many people say that the soft skills--things like learning how to manage people and relationships--can actually be one of the hardest aspects to master. Many of these skills are gained through time and practice. As a Project Manager, you’ll have to deal with a variety of different relationships, with people like clients, employees, and vendors, and over time you’ll improve your soft skills as you work through the variety of situations that you’ll have to deal with.

There are a number of other things that Project Managers say can be challenging to learn. One is learning to meet constant deadlines. Project management involves a lot of deadlines, and you’ll need to learn how to plan effectively in order to meet them. It can also be challenging to learn the adaptability that is required of a Project Manager. In this role, you’re likely to find that situations change unexpectedly and rapidly, and you’ll need to learn the flexibility to adjust your planning accordingly.

How Can I Make Learning Project Management Easier?

Some experienced Project Managers advise that one of the most important things when you’re learning project management is simply to recognize that you have a lot to learn and be open to the learning process. In a February 25, 2022 article on the UC Davis website, Tony Oliver, project management instructor at UC Davis, writes. “Project management is both art and science, with every day bringing a different mix to the equation. It’s OK not to know some things, or not to be aware of tools and techniques. Focus on being cognizant of what you don’t know and endeavor to learn it.”

In fact, if you plan to work in project management, you’ll discover that the learning process never stops. The field of project management changes often, and theories and tools have the potential to become outdated. In addition, you may work on many different types of projects throughout your career. In a January 2024 LinkedIn article, Project Manager Matt Wilkie explains that for these reasons, Project Managers need to stay open to learning throughout their careers. He says, “Continuous learning is a key component of a successful career in project management. By embracing a learning mindset, keeping up with industry trends, investing in professional development, learning from each project, and sharing knowledge, you can stay ahead in this dynamic field.”

As you navigate the project management learning process, you can utilize a number of free resources. For example, there are lots of short, free instructional videos on YouTube and other websites, where you can learn a wide range of project management skills. You’ll also find that there are many experts willing to share their expertise online through various chat forums. You can visit these forums and look for relevant information, or you can even post a specific question. Schools that teach project management are another place to find free resources. Some schools, like Noble Desktop, provide free project management resources so that students can get a better understanding of this field before they commit to a class. Certain on-demand schools offer certain project management classes for free. These are generally not as comprehensive as paid classes, but they can be a good way to learn a limited number of skills. 

You can also find resources through professional networks and publications. In an article titled “What Are the Best Ways to Keep Up with Project Management Trends”, LinkedIn suggests joining professional networks to learn more about project management. It explains, “One of the best ways to learn from your peers and experts is to join professional networks and communities related to project management. You can find online forums, groups, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and events that cover various topics and domains of project management. You can also participate in discussions, ask questions, share insights, and get feedback from other project managers.” LinkedIn also suggests reading industry publications and reports as a way to keep up-to-date on trends and technologies. It says, “You can subscribe to newsletters, magazines, journals, blogs, and podcasts that provide relevant and reliable information and analysis on project management. You can also follow influential thought leaders, experts, and practitioners on social media and learn from their perspectives and experiences.”

Best Ways to Learn Project Management Without Difficulty

Most people who are serious about learning project management choose to take a live class. One of the biggest benefits of a live project management class is that it will give you access to real-time instruction and feedback from an expert. Most project management instructors have years of experience both in teaching and in the field of project management. They can guide you through a structured program, and they can answer your questions and provide feedback on your progress. With a class, you can also be confident that you’re gaining an understanding of all of the principles and tools that professional project managers use. In addition, your instructor can share tips and tricks that could take you years to figure out by yourself. 

Another benefit of taking a live class is that you’ll learn as part of a group. This can be beneficial in a number of ways. One is that it enhances the learning process because you’ll be exposed to a range of different perspectives and ways of working; many students say that they gain a deeper understanding of project management concepts when they discuss them and work through exercises as a group. In some cases, you might ask peers for help or you might be the one offering help, both of which can enhance the learning process further. Finally, being part of a group of people with similar professional goals can give you access to networking relationships that can be valuable throughout your professional career. 

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.