A Project Management Institute or Program Offers A Bright Future

Project Managers (health, engineering, computer, new media, advertising, marketing, financial, education, transportation, construction, etc.), Project Leaders, Process Development Analysts, Global Project Managers — these are just some of the exciting positions that graduates of a project management institute or program can obtain upon graduation. These professional leaders are in charge of ensuring that projects, studies, research at companies (especially large ones that hire specialized professionals for all areas of business) are finished on time — and on budget. This is especially important in today’s unstable economy. Hence, it is a great time to enter the project management field.

One college offering a project management institute feel is Centennial College, at which students with previous college education can study in the Graduate Certificate program, Project Management. As such, this program is designed for post-secondary graduates from any discipline who wish to increase their employability by working towards a globally-recognized certification in project management. It is also ideal for experienced project managers seeking to bring a new dimension of leadership to their work environment and for leaders who want to manage innovation in a structured manner. To apply, an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program must be submitted. Among non-academic requirements are interview, transcript and resume review. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines.

This particular Project Management institute-like program is reputable as its curriculum follows the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) standards and provides fundamental, hands-on training to equip specialists with the skills needed to lead a project from start to finish — in a time and cost effective manner. Part of this PMBOK approach includes delivering a curriculum that integrates technology tools such as Microsoft Project and leading-edge industry case studies with a focus on organizational leadership, in a hands-on manner. Within the Project Management Courses offering, students can expect to participate in focused courses such as: Project Leadership, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Risk and Quality Management, Project Estimation and Cost Management, and more.

To round out on-campus training, students gain real-world experience through the 12-week field placement called Experiential Learning Opportunity. During this time, each student is assigned to an external host organization as an internship placement. Each student must take instruction and direction from the employer regarding their tasks while on work. Throughout the work term, a faculty member will monitor students. This course facilitates sharing of experiences during the internship in a safe and encouraging environment and helps the student structure his/her experiences in terms of a portfolio, which is an important summative document for the entire learning acquired during the length of the program.

At the end of this Project Management institute–like program, students can confidently write the PMP certification exam, provided they meet eligibility criteria. They also have the opportunity to work towards the PMI’s Certified Assistant in Project Management (CAPM) designation, a valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners.