IT Project Management As A Career Choice
Project management is both a skill and a profession. IT is the art and science of selecting correct and effective tools for the project at hand, whether it may be a software project, construction project management, or sending a man to the moon. As a profession, it is interesting, challenging, and the prospects are bright.
The Project Management Institute is the main source concerning standards and techniques in the IT field. IT is also the main certifying body for professionals in project management, and is the clearinghouse for training programs and information in the field.
PMI publishes the ‘bible’ of project management, which is known as PMBOK, and it is the number one most important reference for all project management professionals, and you are likely to find it in the hands of any manager or executive of any company also. This project management ‘bible’ is regularly updated with the latest in methodology, ethics, standards, and technologies of project management.
IT professionals concentrating in project management, should have real world experience with the processes/problems and software/hardware issues peculiar to IT. Besides PMBOK, specialized training may also be required. Software design projects entail many specific differences, but the basics will apply to any enterprise, whether building a shopping mall or opening a new fast food chain.
In its simplest terms, project management defines a project’s goals, scope, and time by identifying the components of each process and assessing risk at each step. Project managers need to make out a budget and a schedule, ensure availability of personnel and resources, write up contracts with external suppliers, manage risks, know the relevant laws and regulations, and take care of any other details required for a project’s successful completion. During the project, the manager must issue periodic progress reports and correct any problems that arise. A final evaluation is made at the project’s end.
Luckily, today’s project management software has made the entire process of beginning and executing projects much easier, even incorporating specialized programs for certain industries. One upside to a certified and qualified project manager is the assistance a company receives in buying and using the optimum management software for specific needs. Project management is a profitable career choice for someone selecting their life’s direction or for those itching for a change. There is a far greater need for project managers than there is a supply of them.
The business skill and profession of project management has never been more important or more interesting to owner and career seekers as well. Project management is the science of getting things done efficiently and correctly and applies to areas such as IT project management, construction project management, sales project management and nearly any other venture you can name. The Project Management Institute is the main source concerning standards and techniques in the IT field. IT is also the main certifying body for professionals in project management, and is the clearinghouse for training programs and information in the field.
Filed under: Management