Be aware of the organization’s dynamics but don’t get bogged down by company politics. Observe how decisions are made and who has the power to change and influence your project. Being open with your expectations and needs will enable you to enlist the help of various people within the company.
Learn how to deal with conflict. Manage individual differences without sacrificing the goals of the group. Resolve issues quickly to prevent it from growing or festering and affecting the performance of everyone involved. Being open and honest will create an environment that optimizes teamwork.
Know when to break the mold. Learn the standard procedures and the textbook theories but know how to apply concepts in actual situations. There are guides and recommended ways of doing things but it should not be prioritized over accomplishing the goal. Getting hung-up on a particular practice can limit your ability to make creative and more effective solutions.
Earn certification as a Project Management Professional. This will elevate your knowledge and competencies as a PM. Becoming a certified PMP requires you to complete a few requirements. First, you need to establish at least three years of experience in the field of project management. Second, you have to complete at least thirty-five hours of training with a formal PM curriculum. Third, you need to pass the certification exam for Project Managers. The exam is composed of 200 items about the project management process.
The topics covered in the exam include sections of initiating, planning, controlling, executing and closing a project. It also touches concerns about the professional and social responsibilities of project managers. All of these topics will be covered in your training as you finish your PMP course so you have to choose a company or organization that can competently provide you with all the information you need.
Some PMP courses and trainings are done within the company and some are offered by agencies which have been recognized by the Project Management Institute as a qualified education provider. There are also online options offered over the Internet. Look at the best options in your area and sign up for training so you can start the process towards certification.
Becoming a certified PMP opens up more employment opportunities and also boosts your earning power. Licensed PMPs have higher salaries compared to unlicensed professionals in that area.
