Project Management Classes and Subjects to Study

If I had started earlier, I would have been much further along my project management career.
I’m sure you feel the same.
Here’s a guide for someone just starting out in project management. You are likely well past high school age if you are just starting your project management career. You will also find the following information useful.
Josh,
I’m interested in being a project manager. Since I just graduated high school, what subjects are required to start this career?
Kerdel
This is a great question!
Reduce your focus
First, think about the industry you would like to manage projects. Although project management skills can be applied to all industries, it is often a specific skill set for each industry. Construction project management is different from software engineering project manager, events management, and bio-pharma project manager.
While you may not want to be a Project Manager, you might find that this role isn’t what you are looking for. For some great tips, check out this discussion on the PM Career LinkedIn Group. If you haven’t joined the group, do so!
Industry/Domain Specific
This answer may indicate that you should focus your efforts on obtaining a degree in your specific industry or function. You can get a degree in engineering or computer science to help you find a job managing projects in these areas. If you are interested in working in these types of programs, a degree in aerospace might be a good choice.
General Leadership and Management Skills
No matter what industry you choose, there will be managerial and people-focused skills that you’ll need to learn and perfect. Leadership and general management skills are essential. Studying psychology and group dynamics is also very useful. They provide valuable information that will help you make daily decisions and plan the strategies you’ll use as a project manager. My experience in process improvement and organizational change management has been very useful and actionable.
General Project Management Skills
There are many concepts in the project manager’s handbook that can be applied to all industries and functions. It is important to understand the basics of initiating, planning and executing, controlling, monitoring and controlling, as well as closing projects. These activities are common in all projects, regardless of whether you use Lean/Agile or any other approach.
Learning by doing
As always, I recommend that you do your best to find a volunteer, internship, or other position where you can put into practice what you have learned in school or through self-study. This is the best way to improve your skills and expand your career options. The strategies in “Just Say Yes!” can be used. You can create opportunities for yourself.
Leave a comment below to share your advice for Kerdel

(photo?by?JSmith Photo)