Chapter 1: Starting the Journey

I have recently chosen to take on Google's Project Management Course. Among the various courses offered by Google, the Google Project Management Certificate stands out. As someone actively involved in project management, obtaining a certification is a constant consideration. In Singapore, where I reside, professionals typically pursue either PMP or CITPM certifications. However, these options often demand a significant time commitment.

As a new parent, my schedule is quite limited, allowing only small time slots for study. Therefore, I opted to explore the Google Project Management Certificate. The program mentions an opportunity to start "for free," but it's important to clarify that only the first course is available at no cost.

Is the Content Valuable?

Having completed the first four modules, I found the material to be closely aligned with my daily responsibilities. Despite my background in Information Systems, I was pleasantly surprised by the relevance of the content, which also served as a useful refresher on various project management topics.

However, I admit that there are certain practices emphasized in the course that I haven't fully integrated into my routine. For those eager to learn, this course offers valuable insights.

Assessments and Assignments

Each of the six modules contains multiple graded quizzes and assignments. To pass a quiz, you need to achieve an 80% score within three attempts per day. I often rely on Google for answers, regardless of my confidence level, as it helps validate my responses.

The graded assignments are somewhat more demanding, requiring a bit more time and effort. Coursera provides clear guidelines on what points will be awarded for each submission, encouraging thorough preparation. After submitting, you are required to evaluate three peers' assignments based on the same criteria. I sometimes use Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides for submissions, allowing me to adjust my work as I review others' responses.

Chapter 2: Final Thoughts on the Course

In conclusion, I believe this course is a worthwhile investment of time. While the credibility of the certificate may be somewhat questionable due to the ease of the assessments, a "Google Project Management Certificate" is still preferable to having no certification at all. I will provide updates if I secure an interview with Google after completing the program.

After this course, I plan to pursue either a PMP or CAPM certification, as Google is recognized as a partner of the Project Management Institute.

Upon completion, Coursera offers a link to add the certificate to your LinkedIn profile, which could enhance your professional visibility. Additionally, you can join the Google Project Management LinkedIn group for further networking opportunities. While the knowledge gained from Google’s program is beneficial, it doesn’t fully assess an individual's commitment to learning. Nevertheless, it serves as an excellent starting point for those genuinely interested in expanding their project management expertise.