Project Management - Is it still the 'In' thing?

Data, thoughts, discussions around economy and job market is one that has been going-on for a while, giving professionals the jitters about their job security and compensations. Extreme measures by countries and industries, with big shifts in strategy, have been taken to deal with the issues. Whatever used to work, doesn’t work anymore. It’s time for Innovation and Action overtime to make-up for the lost time, with passion, and some caution.

Job markets are open with opportunities abound. Companies are bringing the on-shore work to off-shore big time! India is trying hard, and investing big time, to match-up with the Infrastructure needs of the growing Industries – Quality resources are required in good quantity, keeping costs at check. Emphasis is more on specialization, leadership, experience, attitude, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Where does Project Management as a knowledge and credential stand for professionals? Is it still in demand? Should one pursue this as a subject, and practice? This piece of writing might perhaps give a perspective to those contemplating about it.

You would know - we have lived through times when management education was meant for the Managers. Professionals with years of experience, working in the capacity of a manager would go in for formal education or a qualification in Management. And what do we see today? Fresh students, just out of senior school or college are getting into Management schools, before even starting off their career. Why? Because Management has become a basic qualification! Anyone working within a company must understand fundamentals of Business Management. (Btw, I understand the pros and cons of this shift, however would refrain from discussing that in this article)

Now, talking about Project Management – just a decade before Project Management made its entry (talking of India) into the world of professional qualifications. PMP certification was a BIG thing! It gained popularity very fast. Sometime PRINCE2 also came in, and is quite popular too. A certification in Project Management meant a big jump in the salary apart from a better role.  

Today, these are still growing at a decent rate. PMP is still a top-rated credential.

However, companies realise that Project Management knowledge is not just meant for the Project Managers but for any and all participating members. And guess what...? It is becoming a basic qualification too! Colleges and Management schools are introducing Project Management as a subject in their curriculum. Soon fresh workforce coming out of college would be equipped with this knowledge and credentials.

Few data points - according to a survey: 23% of the executives worldwide identify Project Management to be the most important management skill for their company; they attribute 74% of influence on successful project delivery to certified and experienced Project Managers. Demand for Project Managers, in India, estimated to grow more than 40% by 2015.

So, what do we have? Plenty of Project Management jobs! And plenty of Project Managers in the making too! Project Management education is not really exclusive, but a basic qualification now! What would really be valuable is experience and exposure to top-it-up. Project Management is not going ‘out’ anytime soon.

Are you still thinking? What are you waiting for?!! Go get the knowledge, and credentials quick...add some (lots) of experience and exposure to it, and get going before it’s too late.

Good luck folks J