Project Management Classes: Which Ones Should You Take? (And Thoughts on PM Degrees)

UPDATE: The Masterclass has been closed. But you will find all of the same material in the "Creating Project Plans People Actually Follow" course.
Check out my training and templates, here: bit.ly/363mib1
When you're looking for that first Project Manager job, you might wonder what classes to take, or whether or not a degree is worth it.
In this video, you'll learn:
- The classes I think are worth taking
- What I think about degrees (You might be surprised by what I have to say)
- My biggest regret
And for those of you who stick with me to the end I have a special offer for you.

[@TyChanelJ]

I have never heard of the CAPM and i just looked it up and I am super excited that i watched this video because no one else told me about this.

[@uncommonman6210]

Me toooooo

[@gent2205]

This may have been posted 3 years ago but it's still extremely encouraging. I'm in a similar boat. I work full time in IT and am trying to get my degree in IT as well. I work such long hours to try and support my family and myself (my brother lost his job and my mom is going through a divorce so I take care of both of them along with my niece, brothers girlfriend, and my girlfriend) and sometimes I'm just at my limit when I have to start studying or doing homework. This year when my health took a turn for the worse I found out that I had a hold on my account that's keeping me from enrolling in any more classes. I'm trying my very hardest, but I'm only one person and this is beyond my limit. I'm trying to appeal to the college to let me come back, but I'm afraid that they will turn me away. I already work in IT and am what my peers would consider successful, but from my perspective I'm just barely keeping my nose above the water. It's nice to hear that there's still hope if it doesn't turn out the way I planed. Thanks for the video!

[@milktealatte6706]

This video was a lovely and simple introduction to being a pm. I am a highschool senior, and I love that you don't scare the audience yet still have them reflect to see if this is right for them!!

[@carriep7812]

These videos are great, thank you! Also, for my 2 cents, a degree ALWAYS helps - and this is coming from someone who just graduated with a Bachelor's at the age of 40! It made a HUGE difference in my career. Again, that's with 20 years of working experience.

[@carriep7812]

I just got approved to take my exam! I'm so excited! I'll likely be watching a lot more of your videos. Thanks again

[@Casey5194]

please keep making videos ! You're so helpful !

[@susanpevensie8254]

Jason, please continue providing your videos. They are extremely helpful and encouraging. Looking forward to the next Project Success Masterclass!

[@abundance6560]

Jason your teachings and life story is such an inspiration. Thank you for being transparent in your sharing. Your videos are such an encouragement to me as an individual and as a person who is currently pursuing a Diploma in PM.

[@jeffjupiter9475]

Thank you for making these videos. I recently graduated with my associates in communication studies and found out that I love working on projects. I have been reading everything I can get my hands on to find out how to properly go down this path. Your videos really help me figure out my path.

[@carolinamagda1116]

I've got literally lots of pleasure listening to you! and you are so amazing! The way you have passed in order to achieve all you have and know, and share with us.!!! Thank you so much!

[@Jrocksuniverse]

I have been researching Path C and I appreciate your candor about pursuing degrees. I love school but these days days its about playing smarter not paying harder. Thanks again.

[@rawlingsjackmay6165]

Thanks Jason. Great insight. I’ve been thinking of starting my PM career for the past 2 years. But having listened to you, I will start right away following path C. I’m 35 years now and that’s the reasonable path to follow. Thanks a lot.

[@SupaNova_1]

I know that I'm late, but I'm going to take the CAPM path, thank you for sharing. The information that you share is valuable and much appreciated!

[@garryermoloff1890]

Again great information and advice...much better than what I remember getting from college counselors I feel very fortunate to have found your videos and advice!

[@kareemsamsudeen3738]

I like the way you've broken down the path to starting a career in project management. Thank you for this!

[@ghassanissa9001]

It's just great how you put them together. I already followed plan B Thank you for all your efforts.

[@jackrogers5712]

Path C sounds like the way for me! I hope that new classes will be available soon. I'm devouring every video on this channel in one day!

[@clairechoi2159]

Very valuable clip. I had to take my pen and notebook to write down useful and inspiring phrases! Im working as PM in Asia, extremely happy to find you here.

[@xANAKALIAx]

Just stumbled upon your videos, love them. Subscribed. I feel like I'm just real talking with a friend. Straight shooter. Thank you for making these! Wonderful!

[@afanelli15]

I've been on the fence about getting into construction project management the past little while. Was planning path B by doing online schooling, but had more questions than answers. After viewing your videos, they've definitely answered a few questions I had. Just wanted to say thank you and keep up the great work of sharing your knowledge.

[@wennstidsch]

Just finished my IPMA course, found your videos and they are so helpful alongside the things ive learned in the past few months. im just an entry level PM atm. But all the tips you are giving will really help me go further to chase the dream. thanks alot. /Sweden.

[@nadinenunnery405]

The breakdown of the various paths was very helpful. It gave me a launching point for my decision making regarding education. Thank you for videos!

[@Tenjiku9]

Aww 🥰 loved the video! Thank you for sharing your story! Really inspirational!! Coz I got a similar background where I couldn’t finish a bachelors so thank you very much for making these series 👏👏

[@mohamedelhag7778]

Street smartness as I've never seen. much respect Jason. Awesome man 👍

[@paarthsangani4182]

Enjoyed your videos a lot. And your career path has now been an inspiration for me. Will look forward to opt for path C . Thank you very much!

[@coversbyrinetal7271]

Inspiring story Jason👍 well, I am considered an accidental PM. I was doing great with my career as a registered nurse but when there was influx of projects in my organization/ hospital (internal and external), I was one of those taken to act as a coordinator at first. And when there was shortage of PM's, I was forced to take over the 2 major projects. It is so challenging and I know how huge are the responsibilities I would be facing. This video had motivated me and made me stop contemplating as to accept or not the position offered to me. I know, I can do it. Thanks again🙏💕

[@iranpereiradacosta3854]

Thanks Jason!! I'm from Brazil and your videos are so inspiring for me.

[@julphil1276]

This is awesome. Your video inspired and encouraged me a lot, learning PMP. I hope to succeed in my new carrier. Thank you so much.

[@debj-p7267]

Hi Jason, I stumbled across you by accident! But the funny thing is, I’ve been thinking (over the last few weeks) of changing my career direction to Project Management. I considered doing a Masters degree in Construction Project Management & attended an open day (online) to think about considering a masters. I feel your video about the role of the Project Manager was a brilliant insight into what to expect! So after watching that I then watched a second video of yours as to whether you need a degree in PM or not! Another great video which I’ve found so very helpful. Thank you!

[@freddyflores6608]

That story was truly inspirational. Keep doing this kind of videos.

[@sandrafranklin6216]

Thanks your perspective is very helpful! I look forward to more videos!

[@amanvermal]

These videos are extremely helpful. Please come back and make more of them

[@quintonholmlund2708]

BS in ME and just happened to land a PM job-very insightful stuff here. Thanks Jason!

[@philipdew6629]

Great Video Jason, keep them coming!

[@romuelhowe7005]

Love your honesty and insight, just wish there where more videos.

[@jonathanware5218]

Great insight!! I was just offered a remote PM position for s small company and it’s my first go at it with not much experience. Your videos are everything for me right now. Thanks!

[@brightpeople23]

Welldone on your new job what classes did you take prior in getting the job think of starting new month.

[@xshra]

Thank you so much, I feel very inspired after watching this.. I have no experience whatsoever nor have a degree in PM. Though I graduated with an Art degree, but decided to switch career paths and do PM. Currently doing an online course programme for PM, it was a bit daunting to start knowing I have no idea about anything. But I know nothing is impossible! I love learning as well, thought just took a break from studies as was contemplating whether this is really right for me (kind of let me down after being kinda overwhelmed by the jargon and at the moment still hard for me to see the full picture of what im learning) But I am not going to give up! :) Also shame on your university, they shouldve given you another chance or took your personal circumstance into consideration. Thank you again I feel enlightened!

[@alexanderfernandez9469]

Hey thank you for all the perspectives and yours stories. I found the video very useful, I has been in IT project management for 3 years and I'm willing to take an university program in PM in Montreal.

[@temitoperhaborgirl]

Thank you soo much for this video,you just blessed me. i can not afford a degree but this video just broke down PM for me and my next action in life. thank you again.

[@cecileayala1166]

Love your videos. As of right now I have a degree in business, but I will take your advice and will look into the certifications. I'm interested and I know I'm a people person. I would love to start this new path. It's more realistic in the path I'm going.

[@quinceesmith962]

Wow you are helping me so much! I’m excited 🤣

[@fishboy1969]

This is a very helpful video. Continue doing please. I am currently taking a PM Fundamental course in reference with PMBOK

[@belladonna2795]

Thank you for sharing your story. Very inspiring!

[@evanevans4263]

INSPIRATIONAL, POWERFUL , THANK YOU!!!

[@samb.4260]

What a great video, realistic but not negative. I was expecting you to shit on anyone trying to break in, but you were very realistic and positive. NICE!

[@salomeyul]

Your videos are so inspiring! I am an architect and my goal is to move to Canada, to pursue a PM career. Your words are gold to me! Thank you so much

[@samirbhanti6324]

Hey hi Jason, I am really inspired by your story. You are a true inspiration to all of us. I am looking forward to learn more from you everyday, by watching and learning from your videos. Inspired by you I am also thinking to steer my course of profession into project management. I am looking forward to follow Option/Plan C as directed by you in the video. Thanks to you. Please keep posting the knowledgeable and amazing videos to us. Regards

[@BOkred]

Thanks.... helping me a lot during this corona stop of business....investing on myself trough contents like this

[@nidhibadrakia2629]

please keep making videos ! You're so helpful ! thank you!

[@kurapika6218]

Hi Jason. I'm in my senior year in college, finishing up my civil engineering degree and I really really want to be a project manager. I'm so happy I found your channel because I'm lost on what to do after graduating. I didn't even know there was a certification, let alone an organization for PMs. I'm not from North America, but this has been really helpful. I hope you're doing well in these trying times and we hope to see more PM videos. More power and many thanks.

[@PMPerspective]

You are very welcome Mark. Best of luck in your career endeavors. Keep in touch. Hope to see you in some of the live streams and in comments. 😀

[@cameroniwaasa6236]

Your experience and perspective are helpful.

[@josiah_with_a_b]

Your videos are so helpful! Thanks so much!

[@eucagwar]

Great great video!! Thanks so much for making this

[@otemleif]

Thank you for such a clear advice.

[@brianmaxwell1781]

Path C - thanks for sharing. Sales background and excited to begin my PM career

[@mercurious6699]

Inspiring video. Respect, and thank you

[@OutcastAkaParia]

Thank you for confirming path C for me. Though I am not opposed to education I’d rather learn in the actual field than in a classroom. I believe knowledge can be better applied in that manner.

[@kalpase2006]

Nice video, because it was not just about something specific (PMP) it was about a person attitudes as well

[@avneebhoj3985]

This was truly inspiring. Thank you!

[@PMPerspective]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@armandoparrazal9952]

Thanks for making videos is very important for me, because I am Mexican and it is very difficult for Latinos to reach this position I have worked hard to be successful with only 15 years in the USA. I am reaching my dreams once again thanks for your help and your words

[@etse340]

This was so helpful, Thank you! I have an engineering degree, but I'm looking to start a career in PM, specifically in NGOs and I'm currently preparing for my CAPM

[@GG-gr5qg]

Can you share how you are preparing for CAPM? From book or online courses? Is it easy to understand? I am new to this field

[@ashelyroachclip4545]

You’re proof that someone doesn’t need a degree to succeed so congratulations!! I don’t have a degree. I went to college after high school for civil engineering but didn’t finish. Now it’s been 36 years and I’m interested in project management in construction. I’ve been in construction for those 36 years as a carpenter and a project superintendent. I had a shoulder injury at work last February and have been off since. During the time I have been rehabbing I have trying to learn project management and estimating on my own. I’ve tried to read as many books as possible and have watched over a hundred videos, yours included. I also regret not finishing college and have paid for it by hard physical work. I’m interested in your videos and whatever advice you could give me. Like what singular courses would be most overall beneficial to PM? I want to try to move up with my current employer but I definitely think I have a lot to learn. What classes do think would be a waste of time? Thanks for your time and good luck to you!

[@amrishsinghdhami5579]

Jason, Your videos are very inspirational and at the same time full of information. Thanks for the guidance ! I wanted to ask when will you be starting again in 2020 ( saw a short clip, stating PM Perspecting coming soon in 2020) ! Eagerly waiting for more awesome videos...

[@simo8324]

Thank you for the career advice.

[@bhikkhubhikkhubhikkhu]

wohoo, awesome guy! :) thanks, man!

[@katra777]

Nice info Jason. I'm 34 going 35 with a recent MBA. Had the chance to specialize in PM but did Entrepreneurship instead. Not upset with the decision but missing out on PM hours. The MBA had one PM course within it though. Been heavily thinking about taking the Google PM certification so I can at least have that to help land a gig then take the PMP later.

[@constancelee8633]

I've been wanting to make a career change. Thanks for all the information.

[@ochuutv7195]

Great inspiration..... I just lurv to hear you speak positive energy.... guess you're in Toronto..

[@prakashpoudel3945]

You are so pleasing to hear... Love from nepal

[@theegress3131]

Dammit I missed the pilot! Just started watching these videos!!

[@rhamilsibilia]

Excellent video, wish I was watching it 3 years ago and I can join the pilot

[@pangvang-yang2271]

Wish I saw your videos sooner! I took route B, thinking I need this degree to switch over to PM. Now, I'm in much debt, with little experience and haven't been able to leave my job to only take a pay cut so I can get the experience to transition.

[@godleyjean-jacques3126]

You're totally an inspiration

[@TomTomTuning]

Hey Jason, it was really great hearing your story and your opinion on the different PM education paths. A little about mine; I've worked various IT roles ever since high school. It provided a stable income which allowed me to pursue a side-business in photography. I had a good run, but a couple years ago I realized I was losing interest and it was time to re-think my career. So I've attended college and now University part-time ever since. It's a slow process, but one that I plan to complete. Since moving, I've been working on developing a career plan to become a Project Manager. Signed up for PMI, entered in their mentoring program, purchased the PMBOK, etc. I'll likely take the CAPM sometime this year. Here's to hoping I don't fall asleep in my car before class. ;) What are your thoughts on other certifications such as CSM, PMI-ACP, ITIL, etc? PS: Thanks for the awesome rate on the pilot program, I can't wait!

[@PMPerspective]

Hey Tom! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I think it's great that you are participating in the PMI Mentoring program. I was a mentor last year, pulled out this year to focus on other commitments, but plan to go back next year. I think it's awesome that you've decided to continue your education part-time. I really admire you for doing that. CAPM is definitely the best first step in my opinion. You'll have plenty of time for CSM, PMI-ACP and others after you've gotten some experience under your belt. Can't wait to see you in the Pilot! The wait list is growing and now the pressure is on to get everything ready for June 1st. :-)

[@caminoavila1569]

I'm currently fulfilling this position at a nonprofit. I coordinate meetings, partnerships, local outreach projects, administrative tasks such as legal forms, etc, etc. I am taking the google certification course. I do not have a degree. I have experience so far...I really dont want to have to spend a crazy amount of $ on a degree (since i also love the aspect of budgeting)! so thats also built in my experience.

[@arilaroda6294]

You answered my question thanks again

[@yevgeniyaradyuk8532]

Thank You, Jason, for the content, your videos are not only valuable and informative, but also very inspirational! I am so sad I didn't see this video before May 18th 2018 :( as for the career path, I find myself in doing Path B, what do you think about Graduate Certificate in Project Management?

[@shrij989]

Jason - You are doing a brilliant job by sharing your knowledge & life experiences. Even my life story similar to yours & I can understand your outlook and motivation behind guiding people around the world with your life experiences. I have recently cleared PMP certification and looking to transform my IT Support Manager role to Full time Project Manager job. I see this video you made 3 yrs back and I missed on your Pilot/live training module 🙂 however I am looking for specific knowledge to transition my role to a PM by aligning my existing 15+ yrs of experience & making it relevant. Let me know if you can help me.

[@drtyprior]

Loved the personal story. Did your course ever go live?

[@royalt9312]

I have a BBA in finance and Marketing. I have been in Real Estate sales for 18 years and have been a Health and Human services manager for 7 years I took a 35 hour PMP prep course, now I need to take the CAPM exam. I found a job within healthcare as a QA coordinator hopefully that will give me project management experience so I can test for the PMP in 2 years.

[@hemamanavai]

Yes agree, you are right Degrees not required to become entrepreneurs and business man. Degrees gives you perfect decision making by use framework

[@Star-pu7qw]

willing to take path C and work my self up.

[@septembersmith6490]

This is so helpful Thank you for this

[@PMPerspective]

Glad you found it useful!

[@JNfourteensix]

As someone with a Master's who is looking for a career change at 36, I'm thinking route C.

[@daniellecoleman4292]

Same! I’m 34 and have spent 15 years managing restaurants

[@katra777]

Same, 34 going 35 with a recent MBA. Had the chance to specialize in PM but did Entrepreneurship instead. Not upset with the decision but missing out on PM hours. The MBA had one PM course within it though. Been heavily thinking about taking the Google PM certification so I can at least have that to help land a gig then take the PMP later.

[@arevikarushanyan1607]

Hi, Jason. Thank You so much for sharing your experience and giving helpful advises to people. You truly help a lot! I'm a high school student getting prepared to go into college as a running start student (which is 2 years of college instead of your junior and senior year in high school) and I'm considering becoming an IT project manager in my future, however I'm not sure which Associate Degree should I apply for. I would be very thankful if you would recommend me which Associate Degree would be right for me to choose in order to become an IT project manager.

[@tuanla4952]

I hope you come back !!

[@briannaquezada3843]

Since a degree isn’t required, my career aspirations give me the confidence to major in whatever I want. So I’m majoring in zoology because I love science and nature :D

[@michaelgiles5010]

Hey Jason, I just came across your PM videos and subscribed to your channel. Great content! I clocked the link to sign up for the pilot and saw the message that the pilot is closed. Are you considering opening a second pilot?

[@boy_wonder2218]

I’m going to path 3 just ordered my book

[@amauryperalta4364]

Very helpfull!

[@daniaabuajaj1884]

Thank you ♥️

[@adantehuia8331]

Hey Jason, awesome post thanks. I've had 5 years of PM experience and want to take my role to the next level. Can you tell me how to apply for your pilot program? Thanks again

[@reesefreeman2248]

Hey Jason, thank you for sharing your experience. I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and would consider environmental work to be a passion of mine. Right now I am a young (26) small business owner who subcontracts myself as a skilled trade worker on construction projects. I do not want to be in the field forever. My skillset is more geared towards leadership and management roles. Recently I became very interested in project management and feel like it is a good match for me. I live in a small town where project management positions are rare but construction is everywhere. Eventually, I want to focus on green building or another aspect of environmental causes. To give myself an edge for this competitive job position I enrolled in a graduate certificate program for project management. So far so good after my first class but I am wondering if it is worth moving forward and completing the certificate, possibly even moving on to attain my masters. My question to you is, would you consider a masters in project management to be worth my time and allow me to move forward with my goals? Thanks!

[@matthewpankau5683]

This has been very inspirational! Like you, I had to step away from a degree program early in life. Ever since, I have felt self conscious and rather hopeless in achieving my career goals that fulfill my needs. I decided to go the route of entering the workforce to acquire hands on experience while working towards program certifications to supplement my education. This has been a fruitful endeavor but I’m ready for something that is growing along side the tech and business industries that are booming. Aside from a Project Management certification, are there any other general certifications that you would recommend I get that would help me stand out?

[@alfarocaleb1997]

Hope your doing well during this whole pandemic. I had a question for you, I’m currently 22 I landed a PA role which lead me to a PM role for storage implementations around the USA. That said I got sidetracked getting a college degree on computer science.. I am now thinking if I should get a PMP or if I should go from a CAPM, itil and Scrum Master certification. I really want to land a good paying job, which org should I choose? I’ve been a PM for 4 years now and am only a year away to getting my degree. My manager offered me help on the PMP certificate before I started college.. to late to go back I guess.

[@ronniecalloreal4674]

I'm very much interested in viewing the pilot, but there is a closed waitlist well before the deadline. Will it become available again before you launch, and how may I be added so that I don't miss it?

[@swk2978]

Thanks for your videos and advice. However my advice would be to share a complete date when you speak about dates as in June 1st 2018. Thanks to the comments of other viewers it’s possible to understand the year but why not just mentioning it directly in your video?

[@TheAngelina79]

Thank you for your videos - very useful information! I personally went through my insurance certification (CIP) and currently part-time going through University (a personal struggle) but I was wanting to take a break from university for 2-3 months and go after my CAPM. This video further confirmed my plans. However, I am in the Risk Management & Insurance industry, so I'm not sure if this is even relevant?

[@godleyjean-jacques3126]

I'm watching your videos from the Bahamas

[@gracioushouse8581]

hi, thank you for the video the pilot list is closed. so what happens?

[@arilaroda6294]

Great video