As part of my Journey 24, I was fortunate enough to take part in the APM Fundamentals course.

Rather than just sharing what the course involved, I wanted to reflect on how it has genuinely benefited me and how I’ve been able to apply what I learned in my day-to-day working life.

To give a bit of context, the APM Fundamentals course introduces the core principles of project management, based on the Association for Project Management (APM) Body of Knowledge. It covers essential topics such as project lifecycles, stakeholder management, risk, planning, communication, and governance.

The course itself was excellent. The instructor was not only knowledgeable but also highly engaging, drawing on a wide range of industry examples to make the content relatable and practical. His experience really brought the learning to life.

What did I take away from it?

Of course, passing the exam and gaining the qualification is a great achievement. But the real value for me has been in how it’s changed the way I approach my work. Before, I tended to take things one step at a time, cautiously walking before I ran. While there’s nothing wrong with that approach, tight deadlines don’t always allow for that luxury. Sometimes, you just have to run, but run smartly.

This course has helped me think more strategically right from the start of a project. I now visualise different pathways a project might take and identify the most efficient route to deliver outcomes successfully and on time. It’s shifted my mindset, allowing me to balance both short-term priorities and long-term goals more effectively.

One of the biggest personal gains has been a boost in my confidence, particularly when it comes to planning and communication. Having a clearer view of the bigger picture means I’m no longer just placing one piece of the puzzle at a time, I understand how all the pieces fit together. I’m not skipping steps, but I now fully appreciate the purpose and value of each one and how they all interlink with each other.

In summary, I would highly recommend the APM Fundamentals course. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day details of a project, but this course gave me a fresh perspective and practical tools that have genuinely made a difference.

By Adam Goolcharan

Adam Goolcharan is Sr. Network Engineerat Skewb. To speak with him about this topic in more detail, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.