A New Adventure Begins

Coming to the end of this course, or any endeavor, is always a mixed time for me.  Glad to be done and transition to something new, but at the same time, feel that there was more that could be learned if there was time to work on it.  It's the natural course of events.  I will develop my project management skills and I will be more capable of managing and planning for risks, but there is still lots of room for growth.  These skills will be useful in every work project, home project and any other collaborative efforts I undertake with others.

I don't feel like I really mastered any of the objectives of this course.  However, I am more confident about taking on bigger and more challenging tasks -- to take risks, but to do so with an analysis of the opportunities and pitfalls that they bring.  I'm a lot more comfortable with risk analysis techniques, the area I felt weakest in.  Working through the risk identification process is challenging, but not overwhelming anymore.  Logically working through the prioritization of risks will be easier with the tools we learned.

I believe that my technical writing skills are stronger from working on this degree.  As in any environment where humans interact, communication was challenging at times.  This is more true in an online course since we can't use the visual tools of body language and emotional clues.  When one tool is limited or unavailable, others abilities get stronger.  This forced me to work through the difficulties and find a way to gain understanding.

All in all, a great experience.  I used the word 'serendipity' at the beginning of this course to express the hopeful, expectant attitude that I came into this class with.  I leave it feeling that I gained knowledge and in ways that I didn't expect.  Knowledge is power.  It can be leveraged in ways I can't anticipate today, but I am better prepared for any future challenges.  I still would like to pursue the CAPM certification as I feel there is value in it.  I don't know if project management will be an occupation, but it will be used in every job I have.

Thank you for the support and patience you gave me all course long,

Paul