What is Project Management?
Project management takes place in any field or industry where large scale projects are found; this often includes sectors such as engineering, construction, oil and gas, information technology, and healthcare. The primary responsibility of a project manager is ensuring that a project is completed on time, as per budget and according to the predetermined goals.
Daily tasks can include planning the project, managing risks and delegating tasks as well as dealing with any setbacks or challenges that may come up. The project manager also needs to communicate important details and direction to his or her team while keeping them motivated to perform at their best.
Pathways to Project Management
Project managers often start out in lower-level roles within their industry before advancing into project management after years of building up their skills, knowledge and experience. Making this big step can be a serious challenge, which is why specialised project management training is vital.
Nowadays there is an array of project management courses available, so it is easy to get trained up at a time and place that suits your schedule. For example, PMP certification courses can be completed in a matter of weeks, with a specialised certificate and diploma qualifications being available in just about every city in Australia. Project management degree programs can be completed in-class or online.
Project Management in Australia
Project managers work in every part of Australia in almost every industry, although the majority of jobs are found in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You can certainly expect a sizeable pay cheque as well because project managers in Australia currently earn an average of $119,422.
Project Management Courses
Regardless of where you are at in your career right now, you’ll find a wide selection of project management courses advertised through TAFE, each of which is designed to help you take your next step with confidence.
Certificate
Certificate level programs provide a fantastic way to get started as they cover all those vital basics, such as risk assessment, scheduling and cost estimation as well as the art of dealing with contracts. These popular programs usually take 12-18 months to complete; include both in-class and online study options, and can lead directly into roles such as project administrator. The key to project management is problem-solving, communication and management, and these crucial elements are often covered in this level of project management courses.
Diploma
If you’re interested in stepping into a dedicated project management position, investing in a Diploma of Project Management is a smart move. While you will often need to complete a Certificate IV level program first, your diploma can lead to roles such as project manager, management consultant or project contract manager. Skills and knowledge you can gain are very effective in developing a successful career in the future, including how to use the latest systems and methods used to follow plans and strategies effectively, as well as how to manage a team and consult with clients and other important bodies.
Graduate Diploma
Those looking to build on their existing skills and knowledge should consider a graduate diploma program, as they focus on applying project management skills and knowledge to specific fields and industries. Whether you have a bachelor degree under your belt or recently completed a graduate certificate in project management, this extra level of education will provide a fantastic boost to your prospects and help you to stand out from the crowd.
The Future of Project Management
If you’re looking for a career that provides long term stable employment, you’ve found it in project management, as a 2015 study by PMI found that 15.7 million new project management jobs are expected to be created worldwide within the next few years. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, skills in large scale project management are expected to become even more important.
Is Project Management Right for You?
Project management is certainly not for the faint of heart, as this is a role that involves high levels of stress, huge responsibilities and tight deadlines. Not only will you need to be a master of multitasking, a strong leader, and have a knack for solving problems, but an in-depth knowledge of the industry you are working in is also essential.
Think you can handle being the one responsible for the success of a massive project? If so, you’ve come to the right place, whether you’re looking for short courses in Melbourne, degree courses in Sydney or an in-depth project management course online, TAFE courses advertises a huge range of high-quality training options.
Some courses are eligible for financial assistance, and many let you start at any time. So, what are you waiting for? Find your course and start today!