--- title: 5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend description: A weekend may not be enough to master a skill, but it's enough to familiarize yourself with something canonical: https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/ author: The Muse article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-05-01T17:52:24.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-05-11T05:04:15.739Z article:section: Business og:title: 5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend og:description: A weekend may not be enough to master a skill, but it's enough to familiarize yourself with something og:url: https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte2e391dcbc50c8c3/6987edcf0b72e36df66e1d3a/540202887-copy.jpg?branch=production&width=1080&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: top-view-woman-using-laptop og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend twitter:description: A weekend may not be enough to master a skill, but it's enough to familiarize yourself with something twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte2e391dcbc50c8c3/6987edcf0b72e36df66e1d3a/540202887-copy.jpg?branch=production&width=1080&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # 5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=5694f7b8-7820-4fec-9008-23ef3e292c22&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) by [Kat Moon / The Muse](https://time.com/author/the-muse/) ## Kat Moon / The Muse May 1, 2015 5:52 PM UTC  Top view of woman working on a lap top Top view of woman working on a lap topGetty Images by [Kat Moon / The Muse](https://time.com/author/the-muse/) ## Kat Moon / The Muse May 1, 2015 5:52 PM UTC  Your favorite company just posted an opening for the position you’ve always wanted. You’re bursting with excitement as you read the job description—the position was basically created just for you! Except for the fact that there’s one requirement you don’t meet. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re certainly not alone. Missing certain “must-haves” in a position description is something every job seeker encounters. And, while there are plenty of strategies for [applying to roles when you don’t meet the requirements](https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-steps-to-applying-for-a-job-when-you-dont-meet-the-requirements), sometimes it might be more effective—and much more rewarding—to just make that “must-have” a part of your resume. I know what you’re thinking: Learning a new skill takes forever. And, between all the meetings, assignments, and Netflix binge-watching, who has time to schedule in more commitments? But what I’m suggesting isn’t spending 20 hours a week attending one-on-one lessons. No, I’m thinking of career-advancing classes and tutorials you can take this very weekend. While you’re unlikely to master something new over two days, it _is_ possible to become familiar with a new skill and turn yourself into a (more) valuable job candidate. ## 1\. Learn Graphic Design Expertise in graphic design—whether it’s using Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, or another platform—is becoming a highly sought-after skill for many types of positions, from editorial roles to social media management gigs. Thankfully, it’s not difficult to learn the basics of design on your own. Adobe Suite, the platform with the most-used design and photo-editing tools, offers a 30-day free trial for [Photoshop](https://creative.adobe.com/products/download/photoshop), [InDesign](https://creative.adobe.com/products/download/indesign), and [Illustrator](https://creative.adobe.com/products/download/illustrator). To get started, you can use any of Adobe’s [detailed tutorials](https://helpx.adobe.com/indesign/tutorials.html) that highlight the essentials and explain the key techniques. And, if you’re willing to spend the money, [Photoshop courses](http://www.lynda.com/Photoshop-tutorials/Photoshop-CC-Essential-Training/122999-2.html) from online education platform Lynda are a favorite among the designer community. ## 2\. Learn Public Speaking Skills Just because public speaking doesn’t require technical expertise doesn’t mean it’s not as important as the more concrete skills on this list. [Career expert Jo Miller](https://www.themuse.com/advice/do-you-have-the-skill-that-makes-you-look-more-credible-confident-and-capable) quotes Deloitte partner Jennifer Knickerbocker, who says that “done well, public speaking is a way to quickly establish your credibility and communicate with a wide audience.” And she’s right. Whether you’re applying to jobs or working toward a promotion, how you speak greatly affects how people perceive you. Concrete ways to improve your public speaking skills over a weekend? Knickerbocker recommends recording yourself speaking on random topics and watching the videotapes over and over. There’s no doubt that listening to your recorded voice is uncomfortable. But you’ll thank yourself the next time you step inside an interview room or give a presentation in front of your boss. You can get started with [Coursera’s free “Introduction to Public Speaking”](https://www.coursera.org/learn/public-speaking) online class; it will help you with everything from crafting impromptu speeches to delivering persuasive talks. ## 3\. Learn Basic Coding This list would, of course, not be complete without including programming skills. Don’t let [the discouraging myths](https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-myths-about-learning-to-code-youd-be-better-off-ignoring) about learning to code stop you from taking that first step. Although you most likely won’t be qualified to apply to entry-level software engineering positions after a weekend, you will be able to build a small business website, a Mad Libs game, and other real-life projects with tools like [General Assembly’s Dash](https://www.themuse.com/advice/a-cool-new-way-for-noncoders-to-learn-to-code). Besides Dash, [Codecademy](http://www.codecademy.com/) also offers free lessons to anyone hoping to learn programming languages ranging from HTML to CSS to Javascript to Python to PHP. Not only are the projects in these lessons short, but you’ll also feel pretty darn accomplished each time you successfully complete one. When the weekend ends, it’s possible that you’ll feel comfortable adding one—or more—programming languages into the “Skills” section of your resume. ## 4\. Learn How to Become a Niche Publisher Publishing in your area of expertise is a great skill to have, and it makes getting noticed by both recruiters and influential figures in your industry much easier. You can either publish on your personal website or blog, on [LinkedIn Pulse](https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-ways-to-write-linkedin-posts-that-turn-into-career-opportunities), or on sites like Medium. For anyone whose personal website following is small, LinkedIn is probably the best choice because you already have an existing audience that will receive a notification for every post you make. To decide what exactly to publish, [career writer Adrian Hopkins](https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-ways-to-make-a-name-for-yourself-in-a-new-industry) suggests keeping an eye on business book lists on [The New York _Times_](http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/business-books/list.html) and on [The Wall Street _Journal_](http://www.wsj.com/public/page/news-books-best-sellers.html). When a book that’s relevant to your industry appears, read it and write a review. This is an effective way to engage with different authors’ arguments and will show people on your personal website or in your LinkedIn network that you’re serious about becoming a thought leader in this industry. The best part? You can definitely choose your area of expertise and write your initial post over a single weekend. ## 5\. Learn How to Build a Website Even if building websites isn’t part of the job you’re applying to, you’ve probably noticed that more and more companies are asking for a link to your personal website with your application materials. And that’s a good thing! Regardless of what industry you’re in, building a personal website is an effective way to showcase your existing skills. Use it to compile published work into a cohesive portfolio if you’re a writer, to create albums of your best pieces if you’re a designer or photographer, and to show off your programming expertise if you’re a engineer (assuming, of course, that you built the website from scratch). For anyone without the knowledge of building websites from scratch, platforms like [Squarespace](http://www.squarespace.com/) provide gorgeous, minimalistic templates for you to customize. Sign up for The Muse’s [free email-based class](https://www.themuse.com/advice/your-guide-to-building-a-personal-website-thatll-land-you-a-job) to learn the secrets of creating a dynamic website—you’ll have yours up and running by the end of the weekend. Learning new skills take time. But, with so many resources available both online and offline, it’s very possible that, over a weekend, you can learn something that will make you a more well-rounded job seeker or employee. Besides, you’ll head into Sunday night feeling like you just had the most productive weekend ever. _This post is in partnership with_ [_The Muse_](http://www.themuse.com/)_. The_ [_article_](https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-mostly-free-ways-you-can-advance-your-career-this-weekend) _above was originally published on The Muse._ _More from The Muse:_ * [How I Went From 0 Interviews to 3 Offers in Less Than a Month](https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-i-went-from-0-interviews-to-3-offers-in-less-than-a-month) * [5 Things Even Smart People Forget When They’re Looking for a Job](https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-things-even-smart-people-forget-when-theyre-looking-for-a-job) * [No, Really: Your Brain Is Standing in the Way of Your Career Goals](https://www.themuse.com/advice/no-really-your-brain-is-standing-in-the-way-of-your-career-goals) ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/"},"headline":"5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend","datePublished":"2015-05-01T17:52:24.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T05:04:15.739Z","description":"A weekend may not be enough to master a skill, but it's enough to familiarize yourself with something","url":"https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/","keywords":["Careers & Workplace"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte2e391dcbc50c8c3/6987edcf0b72e36df66e1d3a/540202887-copy.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kat Moon / The Muse"}],"articleSection":"Business","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blte2e391dcbc50c8c3/6987edcf0b72e36df66e1d3a/540202887-copy.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"top-view-woman-using-laptop","caption":"top-view-woman-using-laptop","creditText":"Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/business/","name":"Business"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/careers-workplace/","name":"Careers & Workplace"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/3842449/weekend-career-advance-classes-tutorials/","name":"5 Ways You Can Advance Your Career This Weekend"}}]}] ```