Project Management Basics for Career-Motivated Young Professionals

If you are a young professional hungry to achieve greater career success, I urge you to consider developing a transferable Project Management skillset.

That said, managing projects effectively is more than just a skillset; it is a superpower that will distinguish you based on your ability to lead, solve problems, and add real value to today’s employers.

Experts agree that 75-90% of the average project manager’s time is spent communicating with people, and a recent report reveals one-third of project managers surveyed say poor communication causes project failure!

You're probably thinking, "OK I get communication is key, but what is Project Management (PM) exactly, and how would I get started?"

Projects make the world go ‘round and, according to Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is the “profession that makes things happen.” How cool is that?

According to PMI, project management is “the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements.” It is essentially the practice of planning, organizing, and completing tasks to fulfill project outcomes within certain constraints.

The 5 Stages of Project Management include: 1. Initiation, 2. Planning, 3. Execution, 4. Monitoring/Controlling, and 5. Closing.

The 10 Knowledge Areas of Project Management include: 1. Project Integration Management, 2. Project Scope Management, 3. Project Schedule Management, 4. Project Cost Management, 5. Project Quality Management, 6. Project Resource Management, 7. Project Communications Management, 8. Project Risk Management, 9. Project Procurement Management, and 10. Stakeholder Project Management.

There are two major PM methodologies: Waterfall (traditional, linear, predictable) and Agile (flexible, iterative, adaptive). Agile involves distinct Stages and Knowledge Areas. A Hybrid approach to project management that incorporates aspects of both is increasingly popular.

While many people manage projects without formal credentials, you could look into earning your CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) earlier in your career as you build up to earning your Project Management Professional (PMP). Both of these certifications (and many more!) are offered through PMI.

For context, I earned my PMP in 2022, if I can be a resource for you in this area.

Other helpful resources include the 7th edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) and the Agile Practice Guide.

An even easier place to start is asking yourself, “What is the best project for me to manage?” After I ask this of the young professionals I coach, I emphatically assure them, “Your own life is the very best project for you to manage!”

What does it take to have a great life anyway? Turns out the answer to that question is very similar to what it takes to be an effective project manager: vision, communication skills, and determination.

Just like we do in life, project managers need to envision the ideal project outcome and plan for success (while also being open to the unexpected). Then, they need to get into action, make adjustments, and improve for the next go-around.

How does all this sound? If your head is spinning, don’t worry… Come on back to it after a little break, and feel free to get in touch.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Amy