How Can I Improve My MS Project Skills?

Posted on 01/20/2023 by Niko Venev

When faced with Microsoft Project's complexity, employees often wonder how they can improve their skills with the program. Making Microsoft Project easier to work with can often hinge on taking a few basic steps, including understanding how you want to use the software, familiarizing yourself with its features and functions, and learning how to harness the program's power to your advantage.


       

Live Microsoft Project Instructor-led Courses

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project - Level 1 1 day $350
Project - Level 2 1 day $350
Project - Combo (Levels 1 & 2) 2 days $625
       

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning

Course Title Length Price (USD)
Project 2016/2019 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 365 eLearning Bundle 6 courses $300
Project 2016/2019: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 2016/2019: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 1 - Beginner 5 courses $150
Project 365: Part 2 - Advanced 5 courses $150

Figure Out How You Want to Use Microsoft Project

You can improve your experience with Microsoft Project by first understanding how you need to use the program for your particular projects. This can require a significant amount of forethought and organization, but it can streamline your workflow in the long run by making it easier to work with Microsoft Project's features and functions. Part of your planning should include identifying who will be working on your project, what type of work will be done, the order of tasks, when the tasks should be completed, and the final deadline for the project. Once you understand the details of your workflow and what you need MS Project to do for you, learning to use this software will be easier.

 

Take it One Step at a Time

Those interested in taking their Microsoft Project skills to the next level should first become familiar with all aspects of the software's interface. Students tend to perceive Microsoft Project's interface as one of the most confounding parts of the program. Its resemblance to Microsoft Excel can add to this confusion, as some novices may be tempted to use the software in the same way that they would Excel. To learn the ins and outs of the interface, enroll in a beginner Microsoft Project course.

While starting projects can seem like an easy task in Microsoft Project, beginners often get bogged down in the details of the software's different functions. Before making a project active, know which features you plan on using the most. Microsoft Project has a reputation for having a number of complex functions that can be challenging to master. The trick is to understand which particular aspects of the program you need to perform your tasks.

Commit to using Microsoft Project's proprietary file format for all of your project management tasks. This will help you streamline your work and reduce the amount of frustration that you feel. If you try to switch between file formats, you may end up running into compatibility issues.

Customize your toolbars and tweak the settings to fit how you work. Also, memorize keyboard shortcuts for the functions you use most often. Taking these steps can help you work faster and ensure uniformity across projects. You may also consider using often-ignored but essential features such as auto-fill and showing/hiding columns to minimize errors and distractions while working on projects. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, sign up for an advanced MS Project course to take things up a notch and learn how to use Microsoft Project like a corporate professional.

Remember that Microsoft Project is its own beast. Avoid using Microsoft Project like you would Microsoft Excel. Despite its visual similarities to Excel, Microsoft Project is a totally different and more sophisticated program. Using it in ways in which it wasn't intended can lead to confusion and unnecessarily complicate your projects.

 

Enroll in Microsoft Project Courses at Certstaffix Training

When asking yourself, "How can I improve my MS Project skills?" one tried-and-true answer is clear: Take hands-on MS Project training classes devoted to teaching students how to work with Microsoft Project. At Certstaffix Training, we've designed classes that can teach students how to comfortably use Microsoft Project, regardless of their skill set, in just a day or two. Our online and on-site classes are taught by a live instructor, and self-paced options also exist for those who need more time. Sign up for our comprehensive courses today to improve your experience with Microsoft Project!

 







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Public instructor-led Microsoft Project course prices start at $350 per student. Group training discounts are available.

Self-Paced Microsoft Project eLearning courses cost $150 at the starting point per student. Group purchase discounts are available.







 

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