You probably thought that project management is one of those disciplines you can learn in the blink of an eye, right? Because who doesn’t know how to design and manage a simple project? Well, let me break it down for you: it’s not even close to your idea that project management shouldn’t be a discipline at all, but a mere skill which you either possess, or you don’t.

Owning a diploma of project management means you know how to effectively initiate, plan, execute, control and properly close a work team and achieve a certain goal with success. And in this era of technological development and easy access to all types of knowledge, getting that diploma is easy and costs relatively little. Just search for online courses that offer a diploma of project management and enrol; I’m sure that you will find the domestic learning environment and time of your choice very appealing, so getting the diploma is actually going to be a piece of cake.

So what exactly is project management?

Project management is an extensive mix of several disciplines: management, behaviourism, leadership and team work. Meaning, you cannot look at this discipline as a unique field of expertise; in order to achieve any type of success in the field, you need to develop leadership skills, ability to work as part of a team, and be able to recognize certain traits in people that may affect your project outcome.

Another thing about project management is that, economists and finance workers are not the only ones that can benefit from it. Projects are made in every profession, therefore, every professional could benefit from learning how to master this skill. If you are doubting my statement, then think about these facts:

1. Project management skills will allow you to deal with new issues and challenges in an organized, systematic and successful way. No matter which industry you are working in, you are always going to face certain issues or challenges that will demand that you make a decision. And doing that without being well informed about all the circumstances, advantages and downsides is just reckless. But when a whole team is working on analysing every possible aspect of the matter and making conclusions, then half of the work is already done.

2. Decision making and problem solving are actual systematic processes and can be learned. Despite the fact that you may consider yourself a great problem solver, when you get in the business world, you will realize how much more to that matter there is that you simply did not know. Being a part of a project management team, or being a team leader will allow you to experience how is decision making and problem solving done.
3. Project management basics are essential for running all kinds of projects afterwards. Think feasibility study is hard? Or maybe a utility study for a machine or an entire capital investment? Once you arm yourself with the project management knowledge and skills, you will see that it actually is not that hard. With the proper knowledge you can do it all.