01.11.06
Project Management – make the right career moves
Melanie Franklin, managing director, Maven Training Limited
Project Management has gone through a sea change in terms of professional recognition in the last five years. The recognition of the project manager as a professional is evidenced by the growth in those taking professional qualifications, and an increase in membership to professional project management bodies. The most widely recognised qualification is PRINCE2 – in fact there are now over 60,000 registered PRINCE2 Practitioners. In the past year alone the Association of Project Management (APM) has seen a 12% increase in individual membership and a 33% increase in corporate membership.
There is growing recognition of the role of the project manager, and of the idea that successful projects are professionally planned, implemented and controlled. Projects require highly skilled managers who can plan, analyse, report, communicate and motivate across the project team, the organization and suppliers.
Sitting for a professional qualification is seen by many recruiters as essential proof of your ability and skill set. So, alongside your experience, there is a clear need to manage your professional development on an ongoing basis, to ensure you have marketable qualifications, and can demonstrate your investment in your career in terms of learning new skills and keeping your existing skills up to date. There are a number of ways to achieve this, from membership of professional associations and communities of practice, through to attending seminars, training courses and workshops in and around the subject of project management.
If you would like to refresh or build on your knowledge, there are a wide range of events on offer through professional institutes and independent training companies. Such companies offer specialist one-day events and briefings on particular topics such as stakeholder management, benefits management and planning. This is a quick and cost effective way to give you the opportunity to benchmark your skills against other project managers, as well as exchange ideas and experience.
The range and level of assessment-based training courses keeps on growing. While PRINCE2 is the most widely recognised, the Association of Project Management certifications are also a good reflection of both your level of experience and knowledge. If you are already PRINCE2 certified, remember to check if this is current. The PRINCE2 examination board has determined that all PRINCE2 Practitioners should be re-registered between three and five years of their original certification.
If you think it is time to invest in your career as project manager then take action. Review your CV, make sure you have built a portfolio of project experience, join a professional body and continue to brush up on your skills through short courses and qualifications.
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