Project management involves managing a group of people to achieve the desired result. Project managers don’t only lead teams of people. Along with people, they keep quality, budget, time, and scope balanced to reach a project’s goal. Managing a project while balancing these elements is an art form! While many people might think they are already “project managers” if they have planned and executed a large event, party, or project, this is a more informal perspective of the field. Formally, project managers are trained professionals who use the right tools to maximize project success. A project is divided into four main phases: initiation, planning, monitoring/execution, and closing. Each of these stages must be completed in the correct sequence to ensure a successful result.
To move up in the industry, project managers can pursue certifications. These certifications are ways employers can ensure project managers have the training necessary to take on specific projects. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is normally the first certification many project managers work toward since it requires less experience. The next option is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, an industry-recognized professional designation offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Project managers are needed across various sectors and can specialize in industries such as construction, healthcare, technology, engineering, software, and marketing.
Project Management Careers in San Diego
As the second-largest city in California, with tourism, research/manufacturing, technology, and startups being some of the largest sectors, San Diego is a city ripe with opportunities for careers in project management. Salaries differ depending on the industry, but overall it’s a lucrative career choice across the board.
Professionals with the title of Project Manager in San Diego make $95,000 a year, which is about 10% higher than the national average. Project Managers are responsible for managing projects from inception to closing. They work across various industries, from construction and information technology to healthcare. Project managers lead and oversee budgeting, planning, risk management, and scheduling throughout the project.
Those with experience in technology can find work as an IT Project Manager in San Diego and typically earn $103,000 annually. IT Project Managers work to achieve an organization's IT goals by planning, organizing, and budgeting resources. IT Project Managers lead projects such as software and application development, hardware installations, network upgrades, cloud computing and virtualization rollouts, and business analytics and data management infrastructure.
Individuals with a background in construction can work as Construction Project Managers and bring home a salary of $90,000. Construction Project Managers oversee every stage of the construction process and are responsible for keeping construction projects on budget and within the scope of the plan. They are also responsible for hiring and managing subcontractors, planning, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with regional laws.
In-Person Project Management Classes in San Diego
One of the best ways to begin your journey toward a career in project management is by taking an in-person class. Face-to-face classes offer hands-on training, opportunities to engage with other students pursuing similar career paths, and the chance to ask questions of an expert instructor while learning.
Sonic Training has a two-day Project Management Fundamentals class that focuses on the essentials of project management. Students will learn foundational concepts of the profession to use any project management software application effectively. Sonic Training also offers an intermediate-level Project Introduction course for individuals with more experience. Those interested in resource consolidation, project customization, resource planning, progress tracking, and reporting can enroll in the Microsoft Project Advanced class.
General Assembly has an Agile and Scrum bootcamp for those looking to get ahead in web development, software development, and business development. This bootcamp covers the principles behind Agile and why Scrum is an effective methodology for certain projects. Through games, hands-on practice, and project simulations, students will gain valuable knowledge of how to use Scrum on a day-to-day basis.
Ledet Training and New Horizons both offer several project management courses for varying levels. Certstaffix Training and ONLC have project management classes ranging from Essentials to a PMP Certification course. All these courses are taught by remote instructors and can be attended at their San Diego computer labs or live online from anywhere.
Virtual Project Management Classes
Individuals who want to learn from home can look into live online project management courses. Virtual classes have all the same benefits as their in-person counterparts: they provide interactive, hands-on training taught by expert instructors. Students will have opportunities to ask questions and connect online with other participants.
Noble Desktop, the creator of this tool, offers a Project Management Level 1 course taught through its affiliate school, NYIM Training. This course is designed for individuals who want an overview or review of project management theories, methodologies, concepts, and approaches. This one-day class covers how to communicate with stakeholders and discern the scope, time, and cost of a project. It also teaches how to master project management language and vocabulary and gets participants familiar with the various duties and qualities of a Project Manager.
Experienced Project Managers who are ready to pursue an official career in project management can enroll in Noble Desktop’s PMP Certification Bootcamp, also taught through NYIM Training. During this 35-hour intensive, students will prepare to pass the PMP exam by reviewing the five stages of project management, the forty-nine processes, the ten knowledge areas for project management, and other features of the PMP exam. NYIM Training also offers more live online project management courses and explore their Project Management Bootcamp. And for even more virtual course options, see live online project management classes from NYC Career Centers.
Corporate & Onsite Project Management Classes
Could your workforce benefit from onsite corporate project management training? If this sounds like something your company could use, please reach out to Noble Desktop. Noble can provide training in-person at your San Diego company headquarters or live online through a teleconferencing platform like Zoom. If gathering as a group doesn’t work, you can purchase discount vouchers to have your team members learn on their own time through courses offered online. Book corporate and onsite project management training today!