How to Learn Project Management

First, what is project management? Project management is the process of managing a project, which is something that has a specific start and end. Project managers use their skills to ensure that projects are completed on time, on budget, and without changing the scope.

One type of project management is agile project management. What is agile project management? Agile project management is an iterative approach to project management. It focuses on producing a minimum viable project, testing it, and sending it back for changes until it meets the customer's demands.

There are many ways to learn project management, but this guide focuses on coding bootcamps and online courses. You could also earn a bachelor's degree in project management or learn on the job with the help of a mentor.

Coding Bootcamps

Coding bootcamps are specialized training experiences that focus on teaching career-relevant skills in just a few months. There are bootcamps in web design, data science, cybersecurity, software development, and even project management.

Project management bootcamps can be online or in person, part time or full time. In many cases, students have to attend classes at a specific time, even if they are attending online. However, it may be possible to find a bootcamp that offers self-paced programs.

Coding bootcamps may be a great choice for those who want to learn project management because they are often cheaper than a bachelor's degree and take a lot less time to complete. The average bootcamp cost $13,579 in 2020. Most bootcamps take about 3-4 months full time, compared with four years for a bachelor's degree in project management.

Find the Right Project Management Bootcamp For You

Online Courses

You can find online project management courses offered at many different price points and in a variety of learning formats. Most cost between $20 and $200, but some can be more expensive. Some are even free. The course provider usually estimates how much time the course will take to complete. Many courses contain videos, but some are text-based.

Online courses are usually self-paced, so you can decide how much time per week to commit to your education. They are usually much cheaper than bootcamps, so they are a good option for students who cannot afford to attend a bootcamp.

Here are five courses you can take to learn project management:

• Google Project Management: This course by Google can be accessed on Coursera. You can start for free with a seven-day trial. After that, it costs $39 per month to continue. This set of six courses earns you a professional certificate from Google. No prior knowledge of project management is required.
• Lean Project Management: Students learn how to apply the principles of lean design to their projects using the lean project management framework. This course costs $189.99 and includes 2.5 hours of on-demand video and a certificate of completion.
• Introduction to Project Management: This free edX course is self-paced and takes about six weeks to complete at a pace of 2-3 hours per week. Students learn how to identify project milestones and set goals for it. They learn how to plan, schedule, and manage a project while controlling cost and scope.
• Project Management Fundamentals: This course costs $115 and includes six weeks of access. The course takes roughly 24 hours to complete. Students learn the essential skills to plan, begin, and close a project. The curriculum includes a project management overview and instruction on cost management.
• Introduction to Project Management: This free SkillUP course includes two hours of self-paced video lessons and 90 days of access. Students receive a certificate upon completion. The curriculum covers project management, program management, stakeholder management, risk management, and agile project management.

Online Courses vs. Bootcamps

Coding Bootcamps to Learn Project Management

Project Management Jobs

Project Manager

Project managers oversee the completion of projects for a company. Project managers must plan the project, define its goals, and create a schedule. They make sure the project is completed on time and within budget. They also make sure the project's scope does not expand to include things that were not originally planned for.

Average Annual Salary: $75,900 (Payscale, March 2022)

Technical Project Manager

Technical project managers do everything project managers do but for technical projects such as software development. They plan the project, set milestones for its completion, and manage each step of the process to completion. They must be able to anticipate problems and find solutions for them.

Average Annual Salary: $95,040 (Payscale, March 2022)

Project Analyst

Project analysts manage the development of projects through data analysis, research, and data collection. They help enable strategic decision-making. Project analysts use logical frameworks to design new products. They present new ideas for improving processes and assess projects for economic feasibility.

Average Annual Salary: $61,080 (Payscale, March 2022)

What Are the Benefits of a Project Management Certification?

There are many benefits to earning a project management certification such as PMP certification. What is PMP certification? PMP certification is the most well-known project management certification. It is offered by Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI also offers other certifications in areas such as risk management, program management, and more.

Having one of these certifications on your resume can boost your chances, whether you are applying for a new job or trying to move up the career ladder at your current place of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Project Management

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