In my nearly 50 years in the working world, project management skills are among the most—if not the most—universal skill sets individuals need throughout their careers, across all types of organizations. Whether managing small personal projects or leading complex organizational initiatives, Amberton University's Project Management programs can help you build the expertise to succeed. We encounter "projects" under many names in our personal and professional lives.
In fact, when I was a kid, my mother used to post a "jobs (aka projects) list" on the refrigerator. Whether we call it a job, a project, a program, an operation, an assignment, a campaign, or a play, it still carries all the characteristics of what we know as a project.
Formally, a project is defined as a unique venture with a beginning and an end, executed to meet one or more goals — or, stated differently, a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. A project could be anything: cleaning out my garage, raising funds for a church youth program, building a software program to optimize Amazon delivery routes, or planning academic course schedules. Whatever the project, there are key project management skills we all must apply. These include:
Skill Set #1: Define the End Objective
First, we must determine what we intend to accomplish. What's our end goal? For example, I REALLY need to clean out my garage! Initially, I thought the objective was simply to clean it out, but upon reflection, it’s also to reorganize the remaining contents. This expanded objective shifts the scope of work — and how I’ll define being “done.”Skill Set #2: Break Down the Work
Once the goal is clear, we identify the work required. Following the adage, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time," I broke it down:- Step 1: Clean out the garage contents.
- Step 2: Reorganize the remaining items.
Skill Set #3: Identify Required Resources
Next, I identify what resources I’ll need. Besides my time, I’ll probably need plastic tubs for storage (maybe 20 tubs at $5 each) and possibly rent a truck to haul donations to Goodwill. Planning for these needs upfront ensures a smoother project execution.Skill Set #4: Execute the Project
Now, it’s time to work. There are two ways to approach it:- Sequential Planning: Laying out a logical step-by-step schedule.
- Sprint Planning: Tackling the most valuable work areas first.
Skill Set #5: Plan for Change
Change always happens! I need to account for potential changes, like wanting to build a woodworking shop or buy a new 2025 Z06 Corvette. Both would radically change my current project plan. Flexibility is a critical part of project management.Skill Set #6: Determine When You’re “Done”
Finally, how will I know when the project is complete? It’s not just when the garage is cleaned and organized — it’s when everything is sorted correctly, packed into labeled tubs, neatly stored, and (bonus!) we can even park our cars inside again. That’s true project completion.Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this little episode, which was designed to convince you that everyone needs to develop basic project management skills. These project management skills help you successfully manage the many projects, jobs, programs, operations, and campaigns you’ll encounter personally and professionally throughout your life and career. If you're ready to strengthen your project management skills further, explore Amberton University's Project Management courses, designed for working adults like you. Enjoy the journey!
Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 12 pm to 1 pm! RSVP at Advisor@Amberton.edu.
Zoom Link: https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/83443166508?pwd=LKLkvs9ytu3P9rLjZYEgVbrdKPOlWb.1
Meeting ID: 834 4316 6508
Passcode: Summer25
Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm! RSVP at Advisor@Amberton.edu.
Zoom Link: https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/83443166508?pwd=LKLkvs9ytu3P9rLjZYEgVbrdKPOlWb.1
Meeting ID: 834 4316 6508
Passcode: Summer25
July is the Saturday of the calendar year. Someone had to say it. It’s a wonderful time for outdoor fun with your friends and family. It’s also tempting to let your motivation slip during the summer months.
At Amberton, you’ve reached the halfway point in your summer term courses in July. Don’t allow the summertime to distract you from the ultimate goal of graduating. Stay motivated, and protect your focus to unlock the future that you deserve.
1. Power through
Sometimes you have to buckle down and get things done. Summer courses might be one of those instances where you have to find the will to succeed. It’s Texas. It’s hot. You’re going to want to take a dip in the pool—go ahead! It doesn't matter where you're working from as long as you can remain productive during your dedicated study sessions. Don’t allow the weather to sap your mental strength or the summer fun to distract your resolve to finish strong.2. Stick to the schedule
Summer has a way of bringing out the unexpected. Plans go out the window and spontaneous moments seem to find you. Maintain your schedule and dedicated study sessions during your summer term courses. Don’t allow a schedule slip to turn into a habit of uncompleted tasks.3. Alter the routine
A schedule and a routine aren’t the same thing. If your routine is to study or do your homework in your home office or at the dining table, switch it up! Tweaking your routine can have a positive impact on your motivation. Research suggests changing your environment can give you a boost to complete your next audacious objective.4. Indulge in small summer pleasures
Never underestimate the power of an ice cream cone. Enjoying the small offerings of summer while completing your coursework keeps your motivation strong. So don't beat yourself up when it's time to treat yourself! Nontraditional students like you don’t have the luxury of taking summers off. It’s prudent to reach your graduation requirements sooner rather than later. The heat of summer doesn’t have to distract you from the goal or deplete your motivation. Remember this and you’ll stay on top of your game when you continue to work.Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy
Working through school and getting to graduation day is no easy task. It can be incredibly daunting, and keeping sight of your goal is paramount to perseverance. The essential things in life aren't easy; they're earned with blood, sweat, and tears. Balancing student life as a working adult is challenging enough—so what practices will protect your sanity when college isn’t easy?1. Stay in Contact with Your Professor
It’s essential to build a professional relationship and rapport with your instructors. They genuinely care about your educational and professional success; a strong connection with them can be invaluable. Make sure you communicate throughout the semester. If you’re struggling with an idea or principle, ask questions. Seek clarification not just to benefit your grade in the course but to gain knowledge and insight you can fall back on once you're applying your education in the workforce. Your instructors want you to take as much from their courses as possible.2. Remember Why You’re in School
It’s important not to lose sight of the opportunities you are living out as you travel through your educational journey. While graduation is the goal, the lessons and teachings are what make the degree hold weight. You are in school to learn and earn your degree, not to stress yourself out and be miserable. Stress is temporary, and its memory fades with time. Embrace positivity and focus on the steps you must take to reach the finish line.3. Take a Break
When you’re feeling burned out and overwhelmed, make time for yourself. This cannot be emphasized enough. Mental well-being is vital to being your best and producing the best work possible. Studies show that taking a step back from work improves overall brain function and increases the quality of work produced. Take the break you need, whether that looks like a 10-minute coffee break while studying or a weekend camping trip during a school-and-work marathon. When you can find balance in your relationships, mindset, and habits, you'll get more than an education you can use—you'll earn an education and live out an experience you genuinely appreciate.Is an MBA Worth It for Career Growth?
There are a few magical letters in the world. Everyone loves to hear Y-E-S. In baseball, it’s all about RBI. The military implements an endless catalog of acronyms. However, when it comes to business, an MBA is a credential that can launch careers and open doors to leadership opportunities. An often-asked question: What are the advantages of doing an MBA? That answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. To answer it for yourself, you must measure your goals and circumstances.How an MBA Shapes Your Career Path
A career is a long-term endeavor to which you can expect to commit roughly 45 years of your life. Along that journey, you’ll find substantial opportunities for growth. You’ll develop skills, enjoy numerous promotions, and increase your responsibility and impact on your workplace. Investments in your education, training, and network take time to mature and reap benefits. It’s a journey, not just one step. The important part is finding the courage to start!The Key Advantages of Doing an MBA
An MBA Demonstrates Work Ethic and Dedication While an MBA may not earn you an immediate promotion, it does make an undeniable statement about who you are. An MBA degree highlights your commitment to professional growth, leadership, and business expertise. It communicates to others how you’ll function in the workplace—you’re driven, knowledgeable, a finisher, and dedicated to success. An MBA Expands Career Flexibility and Business Knowledge Having an MBA also provides flexibility. One can enter various industries by building upon the foundational disciplines of economics, finance, management, and marketing. Best practices can be translated to other fields and shared with high-level executives, offering new career pathways and business leadership roles. An MBA Unlocks Leadership and Entrepreneurial Opportunities An MBA will help you achieve your goals if you are entrepreneurial or aspire to a leadership role within a corporation. Having an MBA isn’t a backstage pass to perpetual recognition in your career. But it can transform the opportunities that lie before you, open doors that would have otherwise remained sealed, and develop you into a capable and self-confident professional leading in today’s workplace and shaping tomorrow’s economy.Start Your MBA Journey Today
If you have questions about how Amberton’s MBA program can work for you, please contact our advising staff today!Making Moves in College
On its surface, returning to school may seem like continuing your education and pursuing your degree. But don’t be tempted to overlook the other aspects of the college experience that add value and help you advance. School is where you gather tools and give yourself the opportunity to have a professional leg up.
Cultivate Your Professional Network
As a working adult student, you know the importance of having a professional network. Developing and maintaining peer relationships will help you to have allies within your chosen profession. There will come a time when you’ll need them, and they’ll need you.
It will never be easier to build professional relationships than while you’re enrolled in college. When you’re engaged in a rigorous environment and working toward similar goals, developing camaraderie is natural, and it’s built to last.
Develop Or Clean Up Your Online Presence
This point shouldn’t surprise anyone. You may even wonder why bring it up, but if you’ve spent time around an HR department, you’ll know how much online behaviors impact the workplace.
If you’re behaving poorly online, stop it–it’s costing you, whether you see the impact or not. So, how should you use social platforms to your advantage?
Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Is it up-to-date? Are you connecting with your peers and actively using it? Use this educational period to work on your online presence. Take advantage of the added value!
There’s more to your professional online presence than just LinkedIn. X (Twitter) can be leveraged professionally, too. In any industry, there are influencers and motivators on X. Follow and engage with them and their followers to bolster your network.
Consider it research - what information or best practices can you glean from these individuals? Like any tool or technology, it’s all about utilizing it for good. The internet and social media are the same.
Take Advantage Of The School’s Professional Resources
No one has the perfect resume. No one has impeccable interviewing skills. These things are living tools. You wouldn’t get rid of your gardening tools once the flowers bloom, so don’t neglect the tools that help shape your career.
You should always be tweaking your resume, even if you’re happy with your career and place of employment. Anything can happen at any moment in the workplace, leaving you in need of an updated resume. If you’re not maintaining your resume, your skills will become dull. Losing your edge is the biggest catastrophe.
If your professors offer to evaluate your resume, allow them to do so. If you can submit your resume to a career services center on campus, do it. The more eyes on your resume, the more polished it will become.
Interviewing is an art form. Having the self-awareness to reflect and evaluate honestly how you present yourself and communicate in an interview is challenging. We’ve all heard that practice makes perfect, but there’s a caveat. In order to improve, you need forthright feedback.
In our professional culture, hiring managers rarely provide any assessment to candidates. Do yourself a favor and participate in mock interviews. You may be surprised to find something about yourself you didn’t even recognize.
Make the Most of Your Time
Don’t allow your time in school to pass by simply checking the boxes. If you’re just turning in your assignments and taking tests, let me assure you there’s so much more! At Amberton University, we want to prepare you to be ready, able, and excited for the next steps in your career. We want your toolbox to overflow.
Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Saturday, February 22nd from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm! RSVP at Info@Amberton.edu.
Zoom Link: https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/86348922326?pwd=MvstqKBDaMnXakF0iCVTespMeiiO4h.1
Meeting ID: 863 4892 2326
Passcode: Info
Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Wednesday, February 5th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm! RSVP at Info@Amberton.edu.
Zoom Link: https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/89077493911?pwd=b5lCy9Rgd1bQ2qCC2BAJaIWblAbaZU.1
Meeting ID: 890 7749 3911
Passcode: 187596
Not all investments are created equal. Brand-new cars depreciate the second you pull off the lot. Stock values bounce up and down. The right education is certainly an investment. How do you determine the true value?
As you research and consider which school to enroll in, evaluate the tuition cost, faculty credentials, academic rigor, and job placement after graduation. Your education is an investment in your future, so will this institution educate you well?
Why Education is the Best Investment for Your Future
The return on your educational investment will vary depending on your location, economic uptops and downturns, and chosen career field. When you assess the categories that matter most, you’ll see why Amberton is such a special university.
With any college you choose, you should expect to receive a quality education and the skills necessary to perform competently in your chosen career. You expect a degree to elevate your competitive performance in the workforce. You also expect post-graduation support. That’s what you’re paying for. And who doesn’t love a little extra attention?
At Amberton, our professors show unparalleled enthusiasm for your education and success. They’re not trying to prove anything against you in the classroom; they’re genuinely rooting for your success and looking for ways to help you succeed.
“I am passionate about higher education because it puts students in a position to explore their passions, challenge their ideas, and reach their full potential, thereby allowing them to affect their families, workplaces, and communities positively.”
- Dr. Adam Guerrero, Associate Professor
As a nonprofit university, Amberton focuses solely on the educational needs of the students rather than the prestige often embodied by sports programs or campus facilities–all things paid for by elevated tuition. We believe Amberton University only succeeds when our students do.
“You have faculty, staff, and administrators all working harmoniously together for the benefit of that student.”
- Dr. Steven Tidwell, Business Professor
Amberton is a specialized institution designed to meet the specific educational needs of mature students. We tailor the schedule, experience, and curriculum for you. You can be confident that Amberton is committed to the continuous transformation of the educational process by directly responding to the needs of the students and the community. We want to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the working adult so that education and the doors it unlocks are attainable.
“The faculty has a lot of experience and years of experience in their teaching disciplines. And our students - most of them are working students when they bring workplace issues to us, we can always help them,”
- Dr. Deborah Hill, Academic Dean & Business Professor
Together, we create personal growth and transformation that will last a lifetime. That is the greatest benefit of investing in the right education for college.