What do you do if your software project management education isn't keeping up with industry standards?

1 Assess your current level

The first step is to assess your current level of software project management education and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can use self-assessment tools, online quizzes, feedback from peers and clients, or professional certifications to evaluate your knowledge and skills. You should also compare your education with the industry standards and benchmarks, such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), the Agile Manifesto, or the ISO 21500. This will help you determine where you need to improve and what areas you need to focus on.

2 Plan your learning goals

The next step is to plan your learning goals and objectives based on your assessment. You should set SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals that align with your career aspirations and the needs of your projects. You should also prioritize your goals according to their importance and urgency, and break them down into smaller and manageable steps. For example, if you want to learn more about agile software development, you can set a goal to complete an online course, read a book, or attend a webinar on the topic within a month.

3 Choose your learning resources

The third step is to choose your learning resources and methods that suit your preferences, budget, and availability. There are many options to choose from, such as online courses, books, podcasts, blogs, webinars, workshops, conferences, mentoring, coaching, or networking. You should look for credible, relevant, and updated sources that cover the topics you want to learn and provide practical examples and exercises. You should also diversify your learning resources and methods to avoid boredom and enhance your retention and application.

5 Stay curious and motivated

The final step is to stay curious and motivated about software project management and keep learning continuously. You should always look for new opportunities and challenges to expand your knowledge and skills and improve your performance. You should also follow the latest developments and innovations in the field and keep an open mind to new ideas and approaches. You should also network with other software project managers and join professional communities and groups to exchange experiences and insights.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?