During the COVID-19 crisis, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute has risen to the challenge by implementing new ways students can further their education. The latest result of this determination comes in the form of a new certificate program: Foundations of Project Management Practice.
The online program was developed in conjunction with the UW-Platteville School of Business, and offers a curriculum designed to help students sharpen their project management skills without the obligations of a full degree program. The School of Business isn’t the only party helping with the project, however. Jim Martin, a senior project manager with experience as an associate professor of aerospace studies at UW-Madison, recently signed on as co-instructor for the program.
A fellow UW-Platteville Project Management alumnus himself, Martin is PMP certified and brings more than 39 years of professional experience to his new role. He’s excited to return to his alma mater and share his knowledge.
“I'm excited to be an alumnus at UW-Platteville,” said Martin. “UW-Platteville is right there in the top schools, not only in terms of project management, but also within the full UW System for online offerings and degree programs.”
Martin will be sharing responsibilities with George Watson, the other co-instructor of the credential program. Having been taught by Watson during his own time in UW-Platteville’s MSPM program, Martin’s relationship continued with his former instructor when both found out they had worked in the same office at UW-Madison.
“We sort of struck up a relationship during my capstone project and recently I mentioned to George my desire to teach some online classes,” said Martin. “So we chatted about it, and then he connected me with this opportunity at UW-Platteville. The credential program was something I easily saw myself stepping into, and so here we are.”
Foundations of Project Management Practice is delivered in a hybrid format designed to accommodate even the busiest of schedules. The program includes four 4-week courses, with the first cohort set to begin on April 12. The offering is ideal for individuals looking to advance their project management knowledge or those considering a new career in project management – a detail that excites Martin about this new program.
“I look forward to working with the project managers that are new or don’t have as much experience,” said Martin. “Whether it’s helping them through situations or showing them how to use some project management tools, I think this will be a great experience for everyone involved. Also, saying that, I’d really like to see this program grow. If it’s anything like the success of the graduate program, I’m really hoping it will take off.”
To learn more about the credential program, click here. Prospective learners are also encouraged to contact continuing@uwplatt.edu with any questions.