Student Q & A
Kevin Nolan
Automation Section Chief
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Background
Kevin manages IT applications and Web development at the IRS. He received his Master's Certificate in Information Technology Project Management in late 2000. ESI spoke with him recently about project management and the benefits of pursuing a master's certificate
1. Why did you decide to pursue the Master's Certificate in Information Technology Project Management?
"My management is very bought into this process. There's a large focus on project management within our organization, specifically for applications."
2. What is the biggest challenge you face on the job?
"I'd say getting user requirements is super critical to project success. If you don't nail down the requirements, you'll ultimately experience scope creep which will significantly affect the success of the project."
3. How will you apply what you've learned at ESI to your day-to-day job?
"I took the ESI assessment online and it suggested I had a fair project management knowledge, even though I hadn't taken any academic classes. But I had been around project management and knew the concepts. I think the program has created a better understanding of project management. I'm more comfortable with the techniques. I can implement the strategies.
Before, I had heard the buzz words and thought I knew how to undertake project management but unless you get trained, you're really just taking a scattershot approach toward project management. You don't understand how things are integrated. You're probably going to miss something."
4. What part of the ESI classroom experience did you like best?
"I certainly think the workshop exercises helped crystallize the concepts and enhanced the comfort level with project management. As far as instructors, the real-life experiences they shared are really important. I think ESI has done a good job of securing instructors that have that knowledge. They're just not reading from the overheads."
5. What are the benefits of having a Master's Certificate in IT Project Management?
"I feel I'm in a position where project management and the training I've obtained will be critical."
On-Site Classes
Companies with 15 or more people to train can take advantage of significant tuition discounts with on-site training.
Discounts
Take advantage of ESI's discount options and special offers.
Pricing for Government Employees
Take advantage of discounts for courses offered through ESI's GSA Federal Supply Schedules.
Customer Service
+1 (888) ESI-8884 (U.S.)
+1 (703) 558-3000 (Outside U.S.)
esi-info@esi-intl.com
More Information/Request a Catalog
Request information about ESI's products and services
Corporation & Agency Training Information
Request information about organizational training and professional services