How to Choose Project Management Training Courses for IT Professionals

The first step in the selection of a good training course for Project Managers is to clearly understand the role of the Project Manager as it is understood today. Project Management is essentially concerned with a one time operation as opposed to an ongoing operation. The distinction is seen by many as being insignificant and this misconception leads to not only poor selection of Project Managers, but also for poor selection of training courses. The IT training field is experiencing a period of rapid growth and change. The growing importance of Certification as a major benchmark of IT training and skill has led to the introduction of a myriad of training opportunities and choices. The time when a computer career was a simple thing is long past. The IT field has become complex and training can no longer be general in nature, but most be specific to the need of the trainee and the organisation.

A simple computer course is not going to be enough for the IT professional. There was a time when on the job training was the way most training was received. A potential employee was given a basic introductory course and learned the rest by actually working in a lower level position. An IT tech went through a sort of apprenticeship not unlike an electrician or a plumber. Specialisation is the keyword today, and this applies to Project Managers. The IT professional who will be successful as a PM must be a person who has specialised in understanding the principles of Project Management. Simple IT skills alone will not be enough.

It follows that Project Management Training courses must also have this distinction. The Project Management Institute, for example, can recommend software training specifically structured for Project Management. This might seem to be self evident, but it actually is not. Computer training has become such a growth industry that there are not the equivalent of the generic brands or the cookie cutter types of training courses. This one size fits all approach to training is going to be wasted on the IT professional.

Cost alone can not be a deciding factor either. There are many options available in training including distance training and e-learning options that reduce lost time, fit well with a work or personal schedule, and reduce training courses. These options do not reduce the quality of the training at all. Project Management training, like all specialised IT training, should be conducted by the best qualified and certified training institutions not only to maximise the benefit of it, but to eliminate the waste as well.

Natalie Aranda is a freelance writer. The growing importance of Certification as a major benchmark of IT training and skill has led to the introduction of a myriad of training opportunities and choices. A simple computer course  is not going to be enough for the IT professional. There was a time when on the job training was the way most training was received.