Since blogs are online, I thought it would be fitting to begin reviewing eBooks. This time, I’ll tell you about “Getting Started in Project Management” by Josh Nankivel.

Josh is the founder of pmStudent.com, a website dedicated to those learning the skill of project management – a skill we may never be finished learning! pmSutdent is set apart from all the other learning-oriented sites for project managements, who are usually focused on PMP certification, and little else beyond that. With pmStudent, the focus is on learning, and getting certified is a subject secondary to that.

Josh wrote “Getting Started in Project Management” to help others getting started with project management, basically to provide a resource he would have liked to have when he got started in 2004.

The book is divided in two parts. In the first half, Josh tells his own journey into project management, from his last lay off in 2004, until he was asked to lead a major project in the aerospace business. This was an interesting read, especially where he writes about his job search for a project management position: “Reading through multiple position descriptions from the same company even gave me an idea of what the project environments were like.” Josh also stresses a little-talked about aspect of blogging: “I think it was then that I discovered the benefits of being completely open and public with your thoughts, and how amazing it can be to be told you are absolutely dead-wrong on a topic.”

The second part of Josh’s book is filled with advice on getting started with project management. He addresses the technical skills VS project management skills debate: “The key is being able to effectively communicate with the techies and business suits…you need a foot in both worlds for this.” He also covers the topics of certifications and higher eductation: “Always emphasize your opportunities to gain real-world experience.”

Overall, “Getting Started in Project Management” is a quick an inspiring read. Josh’s writing is easy to relate to and flows naturally. This is an ebook that deserves to be read.

“Getting Started in Project Management” is available on pmstudent.com.