Gaining project management skills without a degree or certification is possible through various avenues that emphasize practical experience, self-study, and professional development.
Here are 6 ways to develop project management skills without formal credentials:
Volunteer for Project Work
Volunteer to work on projects in any capacity possible. This is how I initially started gaining project management knowledge back in the day. I wanted to soak up as much information as possible and learn from those who were already in the field.
You can offer to assist with projects within your current job or volunteer for projects in your community or professional networks. This hands-on experience allows you to learn project management principles while contributing to real-world initiatives.
Seek opportunities to take on responsibilities such as task coordination, timeline management, and stakeholder communication.
Self study using online free or low-cost resources
Invest in yourself through online self-study. Utilize online resources to learn about project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
Websites like ProjectManagement.com or ProjectManager.com provide project management articles, tutorials, and webinars to get your started off right. For more insights, visit SensiblePractice.net for additional resources.
Good starter books for project management beginners
There are several excellent books available for individuals looking to learn about project management. Here are some good starter books:
- The PMBOKĀ® Guide by Project Management Institute (PMI) is like the go-to book for project management. It’s got all the basic ideas, steps, and top tips you need to know in project management.
- “Project Management for Dummies” by Stanley E. Portny is the perfect starter pack for getting into project management. This is an audible book so you can listen while you do other things. It breaks down all the basic concepts, tools, and tricks you need to know to handle projects like a pro.
- If you want to level up your project management skills, try “The Fast Forward MBA in Project Management” by Eric Verzuh. It’s packed with info on principles, strategies, and skills that can benefit both newbies and seasoned pros alike.
- “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time” by Jeff Sutherland is all about diving into the Scrum framework, a cool agile project management method that’s big in software dev and beyond. It gives you the lowdown on Scrum principles, practices, and how to make them work for the best project results.
- “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries is all about the lean startup approach, which isn’t your typical project management stuff. It’s more about quick experiments, building bit by bit, and listening to customers. A great read for anyone into innovation or getting projects done.
These books have you covered with a variety of project management methods, ideas, and tips. They’re perfect for beginners looking to get started and fantastic resources to help you advance your project skills along the way.
Join Professional Associations focused on Project Management
Joining professional associations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the International Project Management Association (IPMA) can provide access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development events.
Many of these associations offer webinars, workshops, and seminars that can enhance your project management knowledge and skills.
Seek mentorship from a Project Management Professional
Find a mentor who is an experienced project manager and is willing to provide guidance, advice, and feedback as you develop your skills.
A mentor can offer valuable insights, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges in your project management journey.
Consider reaching out to colleagues, supervisors, or professionals in your network who have expertise in project management.
Practice and refine your learnings
Actively apply project management principles and techniques in your day-to-day activities, whether at work, in volunteer roles, or on personal projects.
Take note of what works well and what could be improved, and reflect on your experiences to identify areas for growth.
Continuously seek feedback and refine your approach to help you develop and strengthen your project management skills over time.
Conclusion
By actively engaging in the practices I shared above, you can acquire valuable project management skills and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or clients, even without formal degrees or certifications.
So what are you waiting for?! Get to it!
