Issues & Responses: Summary
Issue
"The book does attempt to provide specific information as well as other sources in support of these recommendations [on an education path]. However, it is in fact very difficult to make the necessary judgment calls as to which education, curriculum, college, seminars, workshops and professional organization to choose. Standards and content vary widely and may or may not be appropriate to your situation. It is particularly difficult when you don't have much background and experience to start with. Therefore, we would recommend starting with item 4 (join an organization) so that you can 'network' and get the views of those who have already traveled the route. After all, if you don't like the organization or the people in it you can always leave and join another!"
Response
We don't agree on this one. But, then again, maybe it wasn't clear. Step 1 refers to the primary discipline an individual would pursue. As shown in the Preface, Page xii: "Individuals grow into project management from their technical fields. Technical fields include computer science, engineering, finance, banking, health, construction, and dozens of others. Whatever they are, those are the technical fields to which I refer."
In Chapter 11, Page 167, I said: "In part of the research I did for this book, I evaluated 182 current job postings for project managers. The results of the data showed that the most important requirement for all the project management jobs is a bachelor's degree." Further, in Chapter 7, Page 89, I say: "... it is after primary education is established that most people go into project management, and that's the baseline we will use to approach this career question."
Yes, I know a couple of universities advocate a bachelor's degree in project management but, in my experience, this has little practical application. Most project management degrees are at the graduate level. Before going on to a graduate degree in project management is a good time to research and perhaps to join an organization.
[MW] While this has been true in the past, in fact more people today are pursuing a project management career first and deciding in which technological area second. But I agree it is not exactly what I would recommend.
Issue
"As a final note of interest, Ronald says that it is important to make time to read to keep abreast. In fact he has two stacks of books, those he calls the 'Takers' that are convenient in size for taking and reading on trips. The others are 'Leavers', those that get left behind. The implication is that the latter may not get read at all. Since Ronald's book is just about 200 pages with a footprint of 6" x 9", that's probably a very good hint for prospective authors who want to make sure that their books are actually read!"
Response
The idea is to take the smaller books along on trips and to read the larger ones at home or in the office. Large books such as references, etc. are simply too cumbersome to be wrestled through the airport. Put simply: Read the small books on trips, etc. and read the larger books at home or the office. With Re: your comment "make sure their [the author's] books are actually read" is not a bad idea. I wish I had thought of that!
[MW] I've tried the same gambit. The only problem is that the pile in the office just sits there, and sits there, and sits there ...
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Issues & Responses: Downside