Project management is an emerging career field that involves planning projects from start to finish to ensure they are completed on time and on budget. Project managers work in a variety of industries, though many work for large companies. They are responsible for defining project goals, assembling staff, creating budgets and timelines, providing support during project execution, and assessing results. To be successful, project managers must have skills in planning, organizing, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, teamwork, and leadership. These skills can be developed through a graduate certificate program in project management.

1. Bring Your Leadership Skills to Project Management
With the business world constantly evolving and growing, new and exciting careers such as project
management are emerging. With projects needing to be delivered on time and on-budget, the people in
this field hold the responsibility of planning an endeavor and seeing that it is successfully completed.
Companies in both the private and public sectors hire Project Managers. The fields in which projects
manager find work range from health, education and transportation to engineering, new media,
advertising, marketing, financial, construction and more. The majority of this line of work, however, is
done in large companies that have specialized professionals for all aspects of their business. Project
Managers may also work as project leaders, process development analysts and global project managers.
While the titles differ, there are many tasks and skills among Project Manager-related jobs that are
common. When a new project is started, these professionals facilitate the definition of its scope, goals
and deliverables. They then define tasks and resource requirements and develop a full-scale plan. The
next step is to assemble and coordinate the staff that will be needed to properly execute and to manage
the budget by allocating money and resources. Next, the project manager sets a timeline and deadlines
so that people involved are on the same page. While the project is being carried out, the managers
provide direction and support as well as track deliverables using the appropriate tools. At the same
time, they present reports to the executives that outline project progress, problems and solutions. After
the project is completed, Project Managers assess the results.
The tasks performed by a professional in this field can be widespread. However, there are skills that
can be developed during schooling that can help you to be successful. Of course, planning and
organizing are a huge part of the job. Project Managers must use their critical thinking and problem
solving skills to stay on top of every aspect and every employee working on a specific project. This
also involves decision-making and effective communication skills. However, just because Project
Managers lead the team, doesn’t mean they are outside of the team. Combining teamwork and
leadership skills is essential to negotiations, conflict management and the overall morale of the project.
All of these skills can be taught at college level with a three-semester Graduate Certificate program,
such as Project Management Institute's Project Management program. The training at Centennial
follows the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBK) methodology, which proves to be a
solid way of equipping specialists with the skills that are needed to manage projects in a timely and
cost effective manner. Hands-on integration of technology tools, such as Microsoft Project, and case
studies also enhance the PMBK curriculum. Lastly, students engage in a 12-week internship at an
organization where they’ll gain valuable experience. Because of the variety of courses, the Project
Management program is suitable for college or university students who wish to increase their
employability. It is also great for experienced project managers seeking to bring new skills to their
resume. In order to apply for this Centennial College program, students must submit an official
transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or
degree program. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and
relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Non-academic requirements include: interview,
transcript and resume review.
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http://www.centennialcollege.ca/Programs/ProgramOverview.aspx?
Calendar=2010-2011&Program=2528