I Got My Start in a Fast Growing Career

"I just graduated and getting a job had been tough. All of the jobs that were available were a dead-end. I didn't want to end up waiting tables! I talked to an advisor at 4pm and she told me how to get a start in project management and gave some great advice.

The advisor told me that project management is a fast-growing profession. The demand is strong and organizations continue to look for well-trained project managers. There are a number of ways you can get into project management and you don't need a technical degree to earn these certifications.

My advisor told me that I should start with one of 4pm's beginner certifications:

• A Project Coordinator Certification is good for people who do not have specific technical skills but want a job assisting project managers in coordinating multiple projects that are underway in their departments or divisions.
• People with a solid technical background might want to get the Project Lead Certification to make their technical skills more attractive. I would learn how to play a role in leading the less experienced project team members and assisting the project managers.
• A Certified Associate Project Manager would require me to complete two courses to learn the basic skills of scheduling, budgeting and tracking projects.  I would be prepared to pass the CAPM exam and earn my first career certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

I also considered Project Manager Certifications in the following areas:

General Business Project Manager Certification

IT Project Manager Certification

Construction Project Manager Certification

Healthcare Project Manager Certification

The additional credential helped me stand out from the pack and get a job with opportunities for advancement.

I got Mentoring From an Expert to Build Skills for my Professional Career

My mentor taught me well-honed tools and techniques to rise to the top of the profession. I did this by:

• Working with an expert project manager
• Getting coaching on every step
• Lectures and reading on the project management lifecycle
• Project case study assignments
• Project management software instruction

I Worked One-to-One, Online with My Personal Mentor

• I told my mentor the schedule I wanted to follow, my experience and learning style
• I could email or talk by phone with my mentor whenever I wanted
• I got written feedback and coaching on all my course assignments
• I had progress discussions whenever I wanted

I am now confident in my ability to succeed in my project management career.

Specialty Certifications

Become a project manager and join the fastest growing profession with excellent career prospects and salaries over $100,000.

IT/Systems Projects

Learn to manage systems development projects so you have satisfied users and finish on time. We teach IT professionals the tools and interpersonal skills they need to successfully work with users and other IT staff.

Construction Projects

Learn the skills to schedule and budget your projects and work with the customer on scope and change requests so you can finish on time and within budget. Learn how to schedule all the pieces and manage subs, budgets and due dates.

Healthcare Projects

Learn to manage projects in the unique world of hospitals and clinics. Master the skills of integrating physician, technical and administrative requirements.

Business Project Manager

Learn to manage business projects across departments with satisfied managers and on time completion. Practice all the techniques to work with different stakeholders to plan, schedule and track a successful project.

PMP Certification

Already PMP Certified?

Add advanced skills in program management and communications skills. Earn 60 PDUs for recertification with one course.