Two years ago, I realized that I needed to scale up and improve my project management skills to advance in my career. I was an entry-level project manager, but I felt that my skills were not up to par with the changing demands of the industry. So, I decided to develop a professional development plan that would enable me to improve my technical and management skills.
Identifying Skills to Improve
The first step in developing my professional development plan was to identify the skills that needed improvement. I conducted a self-assessment and identified areas such as financial management, risk management, and technical skills such as data analysis and software development.
Developing a Plan
Once I had identified the areas that needed improvement, I developed a plan that included both short-term and long-term goals. My short-term goals included attending conferences and taking online courses, while my long-term goals included developing financial management skills and software development skills.
Implementing the Plan
I started implementing my plan by attending conferences and taking online courses related to project management. I attended conferences such as the first Annual Women of Project Management (WOPM) and some virtual conferences sponsored by the Project Management Institute (PMI). These conferences provided me with the opportunity to network with other project managers and learn about the latest trends and best practices in project management.
I also took online courses on platforms such as Udemy and Coursera to improve my technical skills. These courses covered topics such as data analysis, software development, and risk management.
Developing Financial Management Skills
To develop my financial management skills, I enrolled in a course on financial management for project managers. This course helped me to understand financial concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, and cost-benefit analysis. I also started working closely with the finance team to gain practical experience in financial management. As much as I despise Excel, I signed up a for an advanced excel course to assist me in analyzing
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing a professional development plan and implementing it has enabled me to improve my project management skills significantly. By attending conferences, taking online courses, and developing financial management skills, I have become a more effective project manager. I encourage other project managers to develop a professional development plan and invest in their skills. With careful planning and dedication, anyone can improve their skills and advance in their career.