
Have you ever experienced a shortage of personnel to do a newsroom project because your top videographers are working on a special something for another department? Ever had to find a new vendor to fulfill a social media project hours before the client’s deadline?
Then you know what a project-nightmare feels like, and you NEVER, EVER want to go there again.
Media and communication professionals across journalism, social media, marketing communication, and media relations might want to give strong consideration to enrolling in project management courses to strengthen their effectiveness to plan, to work across the organization, to solve problems, and to increase their value at work.
In other words, this will give you the strategic advantage. Whether you are in a traditional work setting or are an independent contractor working remotely in a home-office, project management training will reap rich rewards.
Essential Hard Skills
- You will learn the importance of project management processes such as initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.
- You will understand the benefits of work breakdown structures –WBS--(i.e., the assignment board in the newsroom or the client’s email detailing the project).
- You will find out why risk management is important.
Must-Have Soft Skills
- You will obtain information to strengthen your communication skills.
- You will develop solid team-building insights.
- You will study negotiation and motivation tips.
How I Received Project Management Training
In February 2013, I earned the Project+ certification from CompTIA, an information technology trade association. The journey started in May 2012 when my Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas caseworker introduced me to project management training to help me with career options as a result of the economic downturn. In fact, the Workforce Investment Act paid for the training at New Horizons Computer Learning Center in Irving, Texas.
After passing the Project+ exam and completing all of the training that I could get at New Horizons, I can honestly say it was worth it. The training gave me a more strategic, growth-oriented mindset. And, it enhanced my problem-solving abilities across corporate and small business settings. Finally, my communication planning and management skills grew.
Do you think project management is important to learn? Share your thoughts in the comments, please.