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, or PMI, is known as the main certifying body for project management professionals and clearinghouse for field training programs and information. PMI is also the main source for the standards and techniques of all project management methods, including IT project management.
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.
For people specializing in IT project management, they will need not only the PMBOK but also special training. They will need to have some experience dealing with software and hardware hang-ups and problems that IT professionals need to handle. Project management basics can help anyone no matter what their business, but there are certain areas that are just unique to IT professionals.
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.
The whole process of beginning and executing projects has, fortunately, been greatly simplified by modern project management software that has specialized programs for specialized industries. An experienced and certified project manager is of great benefit in assisting a company in the purchase and utilization of the optimum software to meet specific needs. Since the need for project managers far exceeds their availability, a career in project management can be very profitable for those who wish to change careers or for those just choosing a life goal.
Project management has never been such an active or promising career field before. The Project Management Institute is the main source of project management techniques and standards. IT publishes the PMBOK, the most important reference in project management. Managers in specialized areas, such as IT project management or construction project management, will need additional training and expertise in their fields. Project managers define the time, scope, and goals of any project by identifying its parts and assessing risks. Software has made a project manager’s job much easier recently. The demand for project managers exceeds the supply.