Project Management MBA
Unlike financial managers who deal largely with quantitative facts and figures, project managers may have the most challenging job of all in that they must deal with the most variable aspect of any corporation-its people. Unlike other types of MBA jobs, the project management MBA graduate must have exemplary interpersonal skills in order to succeed.
In essence, project management involves being assigned a task. Then, the manager must direct the resources and personnel assigned to that task in such a way that the project is completed on time and within the designated budget. While it may sound simple, project management is an area that requires a broad range of skills.
Who should pursue it?
Perhaps the most important point is that those considering an MBA in project management should have good people skills. You will be interacting consistently with employees and others who have a stake in the project you have been assigned, so if you like being behind a computer or examining a company's financial statements more than actually communicating with others, this is probably not the specialization for you. The project management MBA is a good choice for highly motivated and energetic students who can successfully complete a task on time, , can respond effectively when things do not go as planned, and can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Project management MBA courses
While pursuing a project management specialization, MBA students will take courses focusing on leadership skills, effective communication, management strategies, human resource management, and effective project execution.
Where can I work?
The beauty of this specialization is that you are not restricted to working in a single sector. Virtually every type of business or industry has projects and tasks that they need to complete, which means the opportunities for project management MBA graduates are practically endless. You might be asked to help implement a new software program for a bank, or you could oversee a research project in the oil and gas industry, among countless other possibilities. Project managers can also work as consultants, which means they will offer their services to various corporations for a fee. Many who pursue a career in project management also get the opportunity to take on a permanent role as a manager within a corporation.