by Heidi Attir

Created on: August 12, 2008   Last Updated: August 21, 2008

I had just been hired as a Project Coordinator for a major corporation. I wasn't sure what a Project Coordinator did exactly but I had obviously done a great job of convincing the hiring manager I had what it takes. So far so good. Then, on my third day on the job, he asked me a very specific question that completely threw me"Can I get a detailed project plan by the end of the week?" I paused briefly as the shock hit me that I had no idea what a detailed project plan was, and then I replied "Ask me at the end of the week." I left his office and, in a panic, called everyone I knew to see that they could tell me about project plans. I received some samples, which were very helpful, but I had never even opened MS Project and needed to become proficient in only a few days. An online course, available immediately, seemed the only reasonable solution.

I found a course, registered and spent the next two evenings learning the basics of MS Project. I consider myself very intelligent and a quick learner, but I know that I could not have taught myself what I needed to know and completed my project plan by my Friday deadline. The course was invaluable to me. It provided me with the knowledge that I needed to succeed in my new job and I was able to take it after work, when it fit into my schedule and in the comfort of my home. This took a great deal of the stress out of the learning process.

Needless to say I completed my detailed project plan by the end of the week. My new boss didn't look at all surprised but I knew that without the benefit of my MS project course, I'd have had nothing but scrap paper for him, and maybe an Excel spreadsheet or two. That project was successful and it led to a dozen new projects that advanced my career to heights that I never dreamed possible. I was given opportunities manage projects that took me to London, Spain and Puerto Rico. I earned raises that were well above the company average, sizable bonuses and stock options. I am now Director of my own department, asking others for detailed project plans.

Never underestimate the value of an online course. There are a myriad of them available in a multitude of subjects from language courses to the use of software applications that are necessary in today's competitive job market. While it's true that the same information is available in the standard classroom forum, those of us who are trying to find a reasonable work-life balance will find that online courses can fit easily into a busy lifestyle.

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