You're in an ERP career and want to stand out. What's the key skill you need to master?

1 Why project management?

Project management is the art and science of planning, executing, and controlling projects to achieve specific goals and objectives. It involves managing the scope, schedule, budget, quality, risks, and stakeholders of a project. In an ERP career, you'll be involved in various types of projects, such as implementing, upgrading, customizing, or integrating ERP systems for different clients or departments. You'll also need to coordinate with other teams, vendors, and consultants to ensure the success of the project.

2 How to master project management?

To master project management, you need to develop both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are the technical and analytical skills that allow you to perform the tasks and activities of a project. For example, you need to know how to use the ERP software, tools, and methodologies, how to create and follow a project plan, how to monitor and report the progress and performance of the project, and how to troubleshoot and resolve any issues or problems that arise. Soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills that enable you to work effectively with others and manage the expectations and needs of the project stakeholders. For example, you need to know how to communicate clearly and persuasively, how to negotiate and compromise, how to motivate and inspire, and how to handle conflicts and feedback.

3 Where to learn project management?

There are many ways to learn and improve your project management skills. You can take online courses, workshops, or certifications that cover the fundamentals and best practices of project management. You can also read books, blogs, or articles that offer insights and tips from experts and practitioners. You can also join professional associations, networks, or communities that provide opportunities for learning, mentoring, and networking with other project managers. You can also learn from your own experience, by taking on more challenging and diverse projects, by seeking feedback and guidance from your managers, peers, or mentors, and by reflecting on your successes and failures.

5 How to showcase your project management skills?

To stand out in your ERP career, you need to showcase your project management skills to your potential or current clients or employers. You can do this by creating a portfolio or resume that highlights your project management achievements and credentials. You can also use social media, blogs, or podcasts to share your project management insights and stories. You can also participate in events, conferences, or webinars to present your project management case studies or solutions. You can also ask for testimonials, referrals, or endorsements from your previous or current project stakeholders to validate your project management skills and reputation.

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?