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How have AGS courses & AIPM certifications helped AGS/Alan Schwartz past candidates?
What is project management  
Why project management is a good career?
What is a Project Manager?
How do you become a Project Manager or Program Manager?
What is the difference between a subject matter expert and project manager?

Why should I pursue a career in project management?
Are project managers in demand?
How old do I need to be to become a project manager?
What are some key traits of a Project Manager?
How can project managers influence outcomes?
What soft skills do project managers need?

How do project managers use AI?
What is an accidental project manager?
What do project managers in Australia earn?

What to look for in a good project management course?    
What can I do if my organisation undervalues me?
What are the latest trends in project management?
What is Project Management in the 21st century?
What is Agile project management?
What benefits does project management offer?
What is the difference between Project success and project management success?

What is AIPM RegPM certification?

What is program management?
What is a program manager?
Why program management is a good career?


How have AGS courses & AIPM certifications helped AGS/Alan Schwartz past candidates?
- appointment to new jobs
- promotions
- recognition
- pay rise
- post nominals (CPPM, CPSPM, CPPD, CPPE) & enhanced resumes
- appreciation of prior knowledge % skills
- confidence
- increased job satisfaction
- work - life balance
- better project outcomes

What is project management?
Project management is the art and science of guiding a team to achieve specific goals within a defined timeframe, budget, and scope. It involves the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to define and meet agreed objectives.

Why project management is a good career?
Project management is a good career due to high demand across industries, good salaries, diverse opportunities for professional growth, and impactful work that helps organizations achieve their goals. Project managers develop a broad range of valuable skills, enjoy continuous learning, and can find flexible work arrangements.

What is a Project Manager?
The person assigned by the performing organization to lead the team that is responsible for achieving the project objectives.

How do you become a Project Manager or Program Manager?
There are a range of pathways into project management and program management** including:
• Transitioning from a specialist or subject matter expert to a project coordinator role
• On-the-job learning and development including coaching
• Tertiary courses such as BSB40920 - Certificate IV in Project Management Practice &
   BSB50820 - Diploma of Project Management, BSB60720 - Advanced Diploma of Program Management
• Australian Institute of Project Management certification starting with
   Certified Practising Project Practitioner (CPPP) and
   Certified Practising Project Manager (CPPM)
   Certified Practising Project Director (CPPD)
• Joining professional associations like AIPM, IPMA, PMI
• Networking with project managers or program managers
• Bachelor of Project Management
** Typically a program manager role is preceded by a project manager role.

What is the difference between a subject matter expert and project manager?
A project manager typically manages a project team of subject matter experts. The project manager reports to a project director, program manager or sponsor. In contrast, a subject matter expert provides input as a project team member (reporting to a project manager) or staff member in a section or department (reporting to a line manager). 

Why should I pursue a career in project management?
You should pursue a career in project management for high demand and job security across many industries, a lucrative salary potential, and significant career growth opportunities through skill development in leadership, communication, and problem-solving. The role is versatile, allowing you to see the direct impact of your work on organizational success, and offers a dynamic, engaging work environment with continuous learning opportunities across various sectors.

Are project managers in demand?
Becoming a project manager can be a rewarding career path due to high demand, diverse industry applications, and opportunities for leadership and problem-solving. Project managers are needed across various sectors, and the role offers continuous learning and the satisfaction of seeing projects through to completion.

How old do I need to be to become a project manager?
There is no specific minimum age to become a project manager. While there is no upper age limit, the average age for project managers is around 40. Ultimately, the key factors are having the necessary skills, experience, attitude and qualifications, not age.

What are some key traits of a Project Manager?
- identifying and focusing on, what's important
- building consensus and leading
- ensuring team members reach their full potential
- adapting to change
- influencing key stakeholders

How can project managers influence outcomes?
Project managers can significantly influence project outcomes through effective leadership, communication, and stakeholder management. By actively managing expectations, fostering collaboration, and focusing on delivering value, project managers can ensure projects are completed successfully and align with organizational goals.

What soft skills do project managers need?
Project management soft skills are crucial for effective leadership, team management, and overall project success.  Key soft skills include communication, leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

How do project managers use AI?
AI can assist project managers in various areas to improve efficiency and effectiveness. AI-powered tools can automate repetitive tasks, analyze data for insights, and provide predictive analytics for better decision-making. This can lead to improved project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and overall project success.

What is an accidental project manager?
An "accidental project manager" is someone who takes on project management responsibilities without formal training or experience in the field

What do project managers in Australia earn?
Project managers in Australia can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 per year, with variations based on experience, qualifications, certifications, industry, and location.

What to look for in a good project management course?
When choosing a project management course, focus on practical application, alignment with your career goals, the company, course's and trainer's reputation and delivery style. Look for a course that covers both theoretical concepts and practical activities, includes real-world examples, and offers opportunities for feedback and interaction.

What can I do if my organisation undervalues me?
If your organization undervalues you, first reflect on the situation and your expectations. Then, openly communicate with your manager, expressing your concerns and seeking feedback. If the situation doesn't improve, consider exploring new opportunities.

What are the latest trends in project management?
Several trends are currently shaping project management, including the increased use of artificial intelligence and data analytics, the growing adoption of hybrid methodologies, and a greater emphasis on soft skills like emotional intelligence. Additionally, remote and hybrid work models remain prominent, and there's a rising focus on sustainability and cybersecurity within project management.

What is Project Management in the 21st century?
Project management in the 21st century is characterized by increased complexity, uncertainty, ambiguity, technological advancements, risk and a focus on agility and collaboration. Traditional project management approaches are evolving to meet these demands, with a greater emphasis on adaptability, stakeholder engagement, and the use of data-driven insights.

What is Agile project management? 
Agile project management is a flexible, iterative approach to managing projects, particularly well-suited for situations with evolving requirements or where customer feedback is crucial

What benefits does project management offer?
Without project management, teams can lose direction, deadlines might slip, and resources may get misused. A competent project manager keeps the project and team aligned and moving forward - like the conductor of an orchestra. Ultimately efficient and effective projects deliver great outcomes including benefits.

What is AIPM RegPM certification?
The AIPM certification refers to the RegPM™ program offered by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) - Australia’s leading body for project professionals. It’s a nationally recognized framework that validates your skills, experience, and capability in project management.

What is the difference between Project success and project management success?
Project success focuses on the project's outcome and value, assessing if it delivered its intended benefits, met stakeholder needs, and achieved strategic alignment. Project management success, by contrast, is measured by the efficiency of the project execution, such as meeting budget, schedule, and scope constraints, and adhering to quality standards. While good project management is necessary to achieve project success, it is possible for a project to meet management metrics but still fail to provide value, and vice-versa.

What is program management?
Program management is the process of managing multiple related projects simultaneously to achieve strategic business objectives. It involves coordinating and aligning these projects with the overall organizational goals and ensuring they deliver the intended benefits. Unlike project management, which focuses on specific tasks and deliverables, program management takes a broader, more strategic view, overseeing the larger program and its impact on the organization.

What is a program manager?
A program manager leads multiple related projects to achieve strategic organizational goals. They manage project managers to ensure projects are aligned with program and organisational objectives.

Why program management is a good career?
Program management is a good career due to its high demand, universal applicability across diverse industries, competitive salaries, and opportunities for significant impact and growth by leading complex initiatives and achieving strategic organizational goals. The role offers a dynamic work environment with varied responsibilities, fosters continuous skill development, and provides broad networking opportunities as managers coordinate various teams and stakeholders to deliver successful programs from concept to completion.


Sources: AIPM, PMI, PMBoK, Google, Monday.com, Alan Schwartz, AGS Consulting & Training.

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