COCC Ask the Expert – Managing Projects Like a Pro

Question: In my job, I’m often in charge of several big projects in various stages of completion, all at once and with large teams of people. I’ve heard about a project management certification but I’m skeptical. Is it worth it? Should I really consider a Project Management Professional (PMP) course or certification to help me up my game?  ​

A: Managing multiple projects simultaneously can be challenging, but PMP training can absolutely equip you with the skills and techniques to handle this workload more effectively. Here’s how:

1. 1. 1. Improved Time Management: PMP courses cover various project–scheduling techniques to help you create realistic project timelines, allocate resources efficiently and prioritize tasks effectively across multiple projects, ultimately enhancing your time–management skills. 
   2. 2. Enhanced Prioritization Skills: PMP training emphasizes identifying and prioritizing project objectives, deliverables and stakeholders’ needs. By understanding project prioritization techniques, you can make informed decisions about where to focus your time and resources. 
   3. 3. Streamlined Communication: Effective communication is essential when managing multiple projects. PMP courses cover communication planning, stakeholder analysis and conflict-resolution strategies, enabling you to establish clear communication channels, disseminate information efficiently and address issues proactively across all projects. 
   4. 4. Risk Management: Managing multiple projects increases the likelihood of encountering risks and uncertainties. PMP training includes in-depth coverage of risk-management processes, such as risk identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring.  
   5. 5. Resource Optimization: With limited resources available across multiple projects, resource optimization becomes critical. By learning how to balance resource demands and constraints effectively, you can maximize resource utilization and avoid bottlenecks. 

The Center for Business, Industry, and Professional Development (CBIPD) at COCC can help. Led by experienced, PMP–certified facilitator Lynn Jesus, a series of project management in-person classes kick off with a free informative meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Visit cocc.edu or email cbipd@cocc.edu to learn more.