Is 30 Too Old to Learn Project Management?

The great thing about project management is that you can start learning it at any age. In fact, it's actually very common for people to start learning it in their thirties. Some Project Managers feel like learning at this age is preferable to starting younger, since people in their thirties have had more time to develop many of the soft skills--like communication and leadership--that are critical to succeeding in this field. No matter how old you are when you start learning, project management is a skill that can lead to a good salary and a variety of different job options. Keep reading for more information about how long it takes to learn this skill and some tips about making the learning process easier.

Why Learn Project Management at 30?

Learning project management can give you access to a relatively stable and high-paying career. In a May 2024 Forbes article, the author lists project management as one of three high-income jobs that you can get without a college degree. She says, “In your role as a project manager, you can expect to make between $65,661 to $83,483 on average. As you work up the ladder in management, you could eventually realize earnings of up to $143,000.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor 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.”

In addition, Project Managers are needed in many different industries, which can make this profession more secure than some others. According to a December 27, 2021 article in the Harvard Business Review, “Almost every industry — from tech to retail to publishing — requires people with this skillset. As a project manager, you could be employed by a startup or a big corporation. You could work full-time, freelance, or even be a consultant.” The fact that project management skills are transferable across many industries can increase your job security. As explained in the Forbes article, “This helps you to future-proof your career, as you will always have the ability to be able to bounce regardless of the job market.”

How Long Will It Take to Learn Project Management?

The amount of time it takes to learn project management depends on your experience, your education, and your goals, but in general, you can learn some basic skills within a few months, and get fairly comfortable within about a year. It may take a number of years to really master project management though. In a March 18, 2022 entry on the Adobe Experience Cloud Blog, Adobe explains how your existing knowledge and experience play a significant role in the amount of time it takes to learn project management. It says, “With previous managerial experience, you may be able to become a project manager within a few months.” However, it says, “If you’re just starting out on the road to becoming a project manager, building up your experience and qualifications may take a few years.” If you’re starting as a beginner, some of the things you might expect to learn in the first three months include an understanding of the strategies, methods, and terminology used in this field, a basic understanding of the five stages of project management, and an overview of some popular project management tools. As you keep learning, you’ll delve more deeply into all of these topics.

The way that you learn project management will also impact how much you can learn in three months. Many classes come in both full-time and part-time options. With a full-time class, you can focus all of your attention on learning and complete your training as quickly as possible. However, if you have a busy schedule or other obligations, then a part-time program can be a good alternative because it allows you to learn at the same time as holding a job or meeting other obligations. If you learn part-time though, you can expect to have gained far fewer skills at the three-month mark than with a full-time program. Some people choose not to take a class at all, and instead learn project management on their own. If you choose this option then you can expect the learning process to take a lot longer too.

Ways to Make Learning Project Management Easier and Quicker

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. 

Some project management classes come in both full-time and part-time options. With a full-time class, you can focus all of your attention on learning and complete your training as quickly as possible. However, if you have a busy schedule or other obligations, then a part-time program can be a good alternative because it allows you to learn at the same time as holding a job or meeting other obligations. In addition, with a part-time class, you’ll have more time to absorb all the new information you’re gaining, practice your editing skills, and develop a portfolio of projects. You can also spread out the cost of your education over a longer period of time. Further, when you learn part-time you may also have more time to accrue relevant work experience.

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.