Want to become a project manager? Before starting your journey, learn more about the project management career path, responsibilities, and challenges.
Top project management resources for beginners and experts
Explore essential project management resources for all levels, including books, podcasts, courses, and tools to boost your skills and success.
No matter where you are in your career, having the right project management resources makes all the difference in your success. You know how to streamline processes, make informed decisions, and navigate complex challenges with ease.
Read on to explore a range of resources designed for both beginners looking to build a strong foundation and experts seeking to sharpen their skills.
Must-read books for project managers
A good book can transform your career, offering a fresh perspective on project management methodologies. Here are some essential reads.
“The Mythical Man-Month” by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.
First published in 1975, this timeless classic delves into why software projects – and complex projects in general – often go off track. Brooks debunks the myth that adding more people to a late project speeds it up, illustrating how communication overhead can cause further delays.
“Critical Chain” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
In this influential book, Goldratt applies his Theory of Constraints to project management, focusing on how resource planning and human behavior affect project flow. Goldratt’s storytelling makes this complex theory accessible.
“The Phoenix Project” by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George Spafford
This novel is a game-changer for IT and DevOps professionals, offering an engaging narrative about an overwhelmed manager trying to rescue a failing IT project. Through the story, the book teaches lessons on prioritization and aligning IT with business strategy.
“Making Things Happen” by Scott Berkun
A practical guide to project management, Berkun’s book shares takeaways from his time as a Microsoft project manager. It’s full of real-world insights on leading teams and making decisions under pressure.
Managing the Unmanageable: Rules, Tools, and Insights for Managing Software People and Teams by Mickey W. Mantle and Ron Lichty
Focusing on the human side of project management, this book offers advice on leading technical teams and creating a productive environment. Although it’s centered on software development, its lessons apply to anyone managing highly skilled teams.
Essential project management blogs and websites
Any project manager must stay current on industry techniques because the field is constantly evolving. These blogs and websites are excellent resources for continuous learning.
ProjectManagement.com
Managed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), ProjectManagement.com offers several resources, including articles, webinars, tools, and templates. It helps professionals stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and methodologies in project management.
A Rebel’s Guide to Project Management
Founded by Elizabeth Harrin, “A Rebel’s Guide to Project Management” provides practical advice for project managers, with a focus on the challenges and perspectives of women in the field. Harrin’s engaging writing style makes complex concepts accessible to project managers of any level.
Top podcasts for staying updated on project management trends
Podcasts offer a convenient way to stay informed, whether you’re commuting or tackling daily tasks. These four podcasts provide valuable insights into the challenges project managers face.
Projectified
“Projectified” is produced by the PMI and covers everything from emerging project management methodologies to career growth strategies. Each episode features interviews with experts across industries, offering insights into trends and practical takeaways.
The People and Projects Podcast
Andy Kaufman hosts “The People and Projects Podcast,” which focuses on the leadership side of project management. Kaufman brings guests from various industries to discuss communication, influence, and team dynamics, positioning it as especially useful for those navigating stakeholder management and team leadership. The podcast’s conversational tone keeps it engaging and informative.
PM Happy Hour
“PM Happy Hour” brings a lighter, more humorous approach to project management. Hosts Kim Essendrup and Kate Anderson discuss real-world project challenges and share experiences, making the podcast feel like a casual yet insightful conversation with professionals.
Agile Uprising Podcast
“Agile Uprising” is a great resource for project managers working in agile environments. The podcast covers agile frameworks, case studies, leadership, and best practices. Its hosts and guests include experienced agile practitioners who explore what works (and what doesn’t) in fast-moving, agile-driven projects.
Videos and webinars for project managers
Videos and webinars offer convenient ways to access knowledge and training from the comfort of your own space. Here are some top platforms that provide high-quality insights and tutorials for project management professionals.
YouTube channels
YouTube is an excellent platform for free educational content on various project management topics. Notable channels include:
PMI: The PMI’s YouTube channel provides lots of insightful content, including best practices and tips, interviews with industry leaders, and in-depth discussions on project management methodologies.
Influential PMO: The Influential PMO channel focuses on practical advice for aspiring and experienced project managers. The content includes software tutorials, expert interviews, and tips on essential soft skills like communication and leadership.
Webinar platforms
Webinars provide an interactive learning experience that allows project managers to explore specific topics. Sites that offer webinars include:
PMI: The PMI offers live and on-demand webinars, covering topics such as agile, risk management, leadership, and project scheduling.
ProjectManagement.com: An extension of PMI, ProjectManagement.com provides free and paid webinars on various topics relevant to project managers.
Scrum Alliance: If you work with agile methodologies, Scrum Alliance hosts free webinars that cover Scrum, agile transformations, and best practices for implementing agile frameworks in projects.
Courses and certifications for project managers
The right course or certification can improve your skill set and keep you current with best practices in project management.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – PMI
One of the most widely recognized certifications in the industry, the PMP comes from the PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It covers everything from project planning to execution, monitoring, and closure. To earn the PMP, you must meet experience requirements – 4,500 hours of leading and directing projects – complete 35 hours of project management education, and pass an exam.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance
The CSM certification focuses on Scrum, a popular agile framework. It equips project managers with the practices and tools needed to guide teams through short, iterative project cycles. To earn the CSM, you must attend a two-day course and take an exam.
Google Project Management Certificate – Coursera
The Google Project Management Certificate is a self-paced program for those new to project management or considering a career switch, offered through Coursera. It introduces fundamental principles, including budgeting, scheduling, and risk management, along with agile and Scrum basics. The course hours count toward the study requirements for the PMP exam, which can be helpful if you plan to pursue that certification later.
Professional organizations for project managers
Professional organizations play a crucial role in skill development, career advancement, and community building within the project management field. These key organizations provide project managers with resources and networking opportunities.
Project Management Institute
The PMI is one of the most globally recognized organizations for project management professionals. It offers certifications like the PMP, and members gain access to a resource library that includes webinars, conferences, and publications.
International Project Management Association (IPMA)
The IPMA is a global organization dedicated to the development of project management. It provides several levels of certification, ranging from entry-level to advanced, and operates in over 70 countries. IMPA also organizes international conferences and networking opportunities.
Association for Project Management (APM)
The APM is a U.K.-based organization that has earned a reputation as one of the leading authorities in project management. It promotes best practices and provides certifications, including the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), which is widely respected in Europe.
Scrum Alliance
Scrum Alliance is a key organization for project managers working in agile environments, offering certifications such as the CSM to help professionals implement the Scrum framework.
Tools and templates for project managers
Many tools help project managers streamline resource planning, manage time, and create project plans. Here are two project management tools that can help you stay organized.
Trello
Trello is visual project management software that tracks progress using Kanban boards, lists, and cards. It’s ideal for teams seeking an intuitive interface that doesn’t require much training. Trello’s drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to move tasks through different stages of completion, and its integrations with tools like Slack and Google Drive enhance collaboration.
Smartsheet
Smartsheet offers a data-driven approach to project management, combining a spreadsheet-like interface with project management features. It enables you to plan and track tasks and collaborate with teams using Gantt charts, calendars, and Kanban boards.
Best practices for project management success
To excel as a project manager, follow these best practices.
Stay current with industry trends
The project management field is always evolving, with new methodologies and best practices emerging regularly. To remain competitive, stay informed. Attend conferences, watch webinars, and follow industry blogs and publications. Participating in online forums can also offer valuable insights from fellow professionals.
Network with industry peers
Networking within professional organizations, such as PMI, IPMA, or APM, provides opportunities for growth. These groups host events and webinars where you can exchange ideas, learn from others’ experiences, and build connections that support your career advancement.
Leverage automation tools
Automation tools streamline repetitive tasks and reduce human error. From automating reports to setting up project deadline reminders, tools free up valuable time for higher-priority tasks.
Transform your project management journey with Tempo
Tempo’s suite of products supports project managers at every stage, from strategy development to execution and results. With powerful project tracking tools, you stay aligned with project goals and ensure progress. Additionally, Tempo’s resource hubs provide templates, guides, and best practices, while its skill-building opportunities offer training and development resources designed to address real-world project challenges.
Book a demo today to transform your project management processes.
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