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The best project managers invest in their professional development. Although it may not always be easy to learn, it is one of the best ways to stay on top of trends in program and project management.
This article:
Fast-Fix Training Opportunities for Busy Weeks
Professional development: The challenges of quick fixes
How to make time to train that requires commitment
These types of development pose challenges
How to make time to study for a project management certificateAdvantages of certificate training
Long/certificate training: Challenges
How to find the time for long-term studiesAdvantages of long-term development
The challenges of long-term studies
What is the best length of training?
Your CV can be enhanced by making time for professional development and keeping your skills sharp. You have a wealth of formal and informal training that can help you if you are ever stuck for work.
But I get it. It is hard to find the time to continue learning with work, family, friends, and other obligations.
Here are some ways to make training more manageable in your work week. These include how to collect the Professional Development Units that project managers need to keep their PMI credentials as Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), or Project Management Professional(PMP)(r).
Let’s begin with what to do if you have very little time and need quick access to new information.
For busy weeks, quick professional development opportunities
It is important that you are able to fit in professional development sessions quickly into your work week.
You don’t have to do it every week, but at least one hour per month of learning, training, or development activities. There are many ways to earn PDUs.
These are some examples of quick-fix training opportunities:
Reading magazine articles
Blogs and other websites can be read
Listening to podcasts
Webinars (free, paid, real-time, or recorded to view at your convenience)
Networking breakfasts that include a presentation
Evening seminars are organized by your local project management organization.
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Focused sessions that focus on one topic. This is a way to address a specific challenge you are facing right now for your current project.
It is useful when you have a gap between your records, such as when you need to learn how to get the tricky leadership PDUs.
In 1-hour increments, collect PDUs. Make sure to keep track of them so you can claim them.
You can earn PDUs for PMI credentials, such as CAPM, if you look at how to do it quickly.
Professional development: The challenges of quick fixes
These are the main challenges you face when you approach all aspects of your professional development using a ‘quick fix mentality.
First, you need to decide what you want to learn. Next, find a reliable source.
There is a possibility that you will be asked to attend an online presentation about a topic you are already familiar with in order to claim you have done some development this week.
It can take time to compile a reliable list with ‘go-to’ places.