Project management is one of the most sought-after skills a graduate can have. Project managers can have the ability to create change, transforming processes and structures for the better. Put simply, they are the people who take a project from idea to reality.
Most project management degrees around the world are only available to postgraduate students, but Bond University has become the first university in Queensland to offer a Bachelor of Project Management (CRICOS 0101294) available to undergraduate students.
Why project management?
As organisations move to a project management approach – as opposed to traditional, siloed functional departments – project managers are playing an even bigger role in business.
“For decades, as the pace of economic and technological change has quickened, organisations have been directing more and more of their energy into projects rather than routine operations,” explains Craig Langston, Professor of Project Management and Director of Centre for Comparative Construction Research at Bond University.
“Today, senior executives recognise project management as a strategic competence that is indispensable to business success. They know that skilled and credentialed practitioners are among their most valuable resources.”
What attributes does a project manager have?
Project managers are creative thinkers and decision-makers who have a broad range of skills in communication, leadership, team management, change management and process improvement.
“Project managers are organised, passionate and goal-orientated people who understand their strategic role in how organisations succeed, learn and adapt,” says Professor Langston.
“They make things happen by using their skills and expertise to inspire a sense of shared purpose in the teams they lead. They enjoy the adrenaline rush of new challenges and the responsibility of driving business results, often working under pressure in complex and dynamic environments.”
A large part of project management is ‘people skills’. As well as being highly organised and deadline-driven, project managers need to be able to develop trust and communication among project stakeholders. They need to be flexible and able to adapt their management approach to the projects and businesses they’re working within.
The degree
The Bachelor of Project Management provides a direct career path into project management. Students learn how to deliver projects on time, within budget and as specified, with no surprises.
With Bond’s accelerated three-semester-per-year schedule, the degree can be completed in just two years full-time. The first three semesters (year one at Bond) focus on developing a foundation in business acumen, project framework, process analysis and core skill development. In the final three semesters (year two), students focus on applying their skills, using technical, tactical and strategic decision-making. The program also includes two elective choices and finishes with a capstone subject on project integration management.
Where to next?
Project managers are needed in almost every sector of business. Graduates with a Bachelor of Project Management can go on to work in a wide range of organisations across a range of industries including communications, property and construction, events, information technology, higher education, marketing and telecommunications.
Graduates can also articulate into the Master of Project Innovation (CRICOS 078813G) for postgraduate qualifications.
Want to learn more about project management?
Apply for Bond’s Bachelor of Project Management, the first degree of its kind in Queensland.