May 10, 2012. Paul Hixon
credit: colinloganHave you considered a project management diploma as a key way of advancing your career? If so, then you will realize that you have three principal ways of gaining your certification. These are principally by going to college, doing a Project Management Institute program or by availing of online learning/diplomas.
The college choice is often the preferred solution. It provides you with a good grounding in project management skills. Many of the larger universities provide business management degree programs in a number of subjects. You really benefit from being of the study alongside other students. The cost of attending college full-time however can be prohibitive. Consider doing part-time college courses to which may allow you to work around your studies.
Your second option is to look into attending one of the programs from the Projects Management Institute. Their courses do not lead onto any type of business management degree but are completely specialized for project managers. The training provided does not have on any one single industry so your certification can actually be applied in a number of different business sectors. These courses are provided by certified training centers throughout the country. The one possible drawback may be that there may not be a training center close to where you live. Note also that smaller facilities may only provide full-time courses.
Finally, don’t forget to consider the possibility of doing an online project management diploma. There is something of a stigma around doing any online courses especially at this level. So long as you pick a college or training facility which is going to be well renowned or well-recognized then you really have nothing to fear. Just make sure to research the college first before actually committing to the course. Project management is actually perfectly suited to being studied via webinars and online so this is an ideal training option.
Updated May 10, 2012. Published May 23, 2011. Paul Hixon
