1. Project Title and Description
Title: Career Advancement Preparation
The project I chose is to design and execute a Professional Career Advancement plan aimed at securing an entry level IT helpdesk position. This project will focus on completing industry recognized certificates, updating and adding value to my resume and enhanceing my LinkedIn profile. I also plan to create a portfolio and run a job search which will help increase my networking skills.
2. Mission, Vision and Strategy
Mission: Execute a structured career plan, complete certificates, upgrade my resume and create a portfolio and network which will help me find jobs all with the end goal of supporting my career in IT.
Vision: Prepare myself to be a strong candidate for an entry level IT role by the end of the semester.
Strategy: Follow a consistent well structured plan ensuring my deliverables are completed on time, create a portfolio that highlights my expertise, study for and complete industry wide accepted certificates.
3. Business Case
This project will help me grow professionally by strengthening my networking skills and work on my communication skills by expressing my ideas clearly in both written and presentation formats. These skills will help me in my professional career by opening new job opportunities in IT field.
On a personal level this project will make me more marketable to employers and also strengthen my resume and abilities since I will be learning new skills with every new certificate I gain.
4. High Level Scope
In Scope for Semester Long Project
- Complete industry recognized certificates
- Update and refine my resume while also adding new details
- Create a professional portfolio that highlights my skills and abilities
- Apply to 10 IT entry level helpdesk job positions
- Update my LinkedIn account to boost my online presence
Roadmap Items up to 6 Months After Semester Ends
- Continue to update my resume and adding value to it
- Continue to apply for new possitions and internships to gain more experience
- Continue to network in person and online via LinkedIn
- Present my finished portfolio to employers
Truly Out of Scope
- Complete high level certificates that have demanding requirements
- Guaranteed job offers
- Long term maintenance on all my deliverables
- Get hired for positions above entry level
5. Stakeholder Register
| Stakeholder | Category | Role or Interest | Power | Interest | Engagement Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor | Internal | Guides deliverables and evaluates work | High | High | Maintain good communication and ask for feedback |
| Employers | External | Provides access to job opportunities and internships | High | High | Show Employers I'm a strong candidate that can provide value to their company |
| Classmates | Internal | Peer review and feedback | Low | High | Keep informed with periodic updates and requests for feedback |
| Certificate Providers | External | Provides access to certificates | High | High | Prepare myself by studying the certificate materials |
| Online community and LinkedIn | External | Provides access to professionals and job opportunities | High | High | Update My online presence and seek out job opportunities by reaching out. |
| Online Technology Vendors | External | Provides me with tools that help me complete my deliverables such as trello, and microsoft office | Low | Low | Provides tools to complete documentation and papers |
| Future Employers | External | Potential internship and job opportunities | Low | High | Stand out on LinkedIn, and apply to 10 entery level jobs |
| General Public | External | Seek support with feedback or encouragement | Low | Low | Present my work and seek feedback from family members or the general public |
Monitor
Low Power, Low Interest
- Project tool providers
- General Public
Keep Informed
Low Power, High Interest
- Classmates
- Future Employers
Keep Satisfied
High Power, Low Interest
- Online Technology Vendors
Manage Closely
High Power, High Interest
- Professor
- Employers
- Certificate Providers
- LinkedIn Community
6. Project Methodology Explanation
For my methodology I chose hybrid iterative for my project. One reason I chose this method is because the structure and deadlines are fixed. This is beneficial for me because it keeps my work paced at a steady rate, which improves quality and prevents rushing everything at the end.
Another reason this methodology helps is the lower risk of misalignment with project requirements because regular feedback sessions make sure my work stays clear and aligned with the rubric. Finally, this approach is well balanced and includes everything I need to produce quality work. The schedule is not too fast paced, but it is consistent.
7. Project Methodology Diagram
8. Project Tool Selection Explanation
Choose Your Tool. After reviewing Asana, Trello, and Microsoft Project, I have decided to use Trello for my project management tool because it best fits my needs and supports the structure of this project. Trello is easy to work with and provides features that help me visually map my hybrid methodology.
Trello is also free, and I have used it on previous projects, so the learning curve is minimal. Microsoft Project was another strong option, but its more complex features are beyond what I need right now. I also reviewed Asana and liked that it's free, but since I have more experience with Trello, I chose it as my primary tool and would consider Asana as a second option.
- Card Templates – quickly create repeatable task structures for releases and phases
- Checklists – break down deliverables (e.g., Update resume, Create portfolio) into actionable steps
- Calendar View – map fixed dates for hybrid iterations and deadlines to stay on pace
9. Deliverables (Definition of Done, tasks, dependencies, estimates)
| Deliverable | Type | SMART Description | Definition of Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resume (updated & improved) | Tangible | Update Resume structure and contents to target my goal which is to get an entry level IT helpdesk job. |
|
| Professional Portfolio | Tangible | Create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing skills, projects, and certificates. Complete by November 15. |
|
| Industry Certificates | Tangible | Complete 2-3 industry recognized IT certificates relevant to entry-level positions. Complete by November 30. |
|
| LinkedIn Profile Enhancement | Tangible | Update LinkedIn profile with new skills, certificates, and professional summary. Complete by November 15. |
|
| Job Applications | Tangible | Apply to 10 entry-level IT positions with tailored resumes and cover letters. Complete by December 5. |
|
10. Project Status Reports
Project underwent complete scope change from research paper to Career Advancement Preparation. Currently off track due to rebuilding project charter, updating project planner, and revising all documentation to align with new direction.
- Crafted new solid concise project for approval
- Updated title and project description
- Created new vision, mission, strategy and business case
- Finish new project charter with all changes
- Complete updated project planner and graphs
- Seek feedback and project approval
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Project Charter | 10/14/2025 | AT RISK |
| Updated Resume | 10/17/2025 | AT RISK |
| Complete Certificates | 10/28/2025 | AT RISK |
Project is trending back on track. I updated the charter, Trello plan, and graphs to reflect the new goal. I also incorporated feedback from my professor and classmates to improve clarity and better align the charter with the rubric.
- Proofread project charter and implemented all updates based on the new project goal.
- Applied feedback from in-class 1:1 session, updated goals/deliverables, refreshed the charter’s design.
- Incorporated classmates feedback, fixed a light-mode readability bug, corrected Mission/Vision/Strategy order.
- Get approval for my updated project charter.
- Update my resume as planned in my Trello work breakdown structure.
- Start executing the required tasks for my portfolio.
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Create Project Charter | 10/14/2025 | AT RISK |
| Updated Resume | 10/17/2025 | AT RISK |
| LinkedIn profile enhancement | 10/28/2025 | AT RISK |
Project is on track. I finalized the updated project charter and moved into execution. I reformatted my résumé to highlight help-desk skills and experience, and I created the portfolio template and started adding accomplishments and skills.
- Updated résumé to a professional format emphasizing skills and experience.
- Created portfolio template and began adding content (skills & accomplishments).
- Refined goals and began executing against the charter.
- Finish portfolio content and layout.
- Publish the portfolio online for public access.
- Start Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Begin Google IT Support Certificate | 10/27/2025 | ON TRACK |
| Begin Microsoft IT Support Certificate | 10/27/2025 | ON TRACK |
| Update LinkedIn Profile | 10/30/2025 | ON TRACK |
No changes occurred since the last reporting period.
My project health is in good standing because I am in the executing phase of my project and so far I have fully updated and tailored my résumé, and I have completed my project portfolio that highlights my skills and experience. My next step is to start working on my first certificate, which is the Microsoft IT Support Certificate, to support my primary goal.
- Finished and refined my portfolio highlighting my skills and experience, focused on an entry-level IT help desk role.
- Enhanced my project charter with visual improvements to make it more professional.
- Researched my first certificate and prepared by studying required materials.
- Sign up for my first certificate.
- Begin the Microsoft IT Support Certificate.
- Continue preparation for the upcoming certificate coursework.
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft IT Support Certificate | 10/31/2025 | ON TRACK |
| Google IT Support Certificate | 11/11/2025 | ON TRACK |
| LinkedIn Profile Enhancement | 11/29/2025 | ON TRACK |
No changes occurred since the last reporting period.
This week I purchased my first certificate on Coursera—Google IT Support Professional Certificate. I made progress on the first module and will continue working on it to ensure the project stays on track. After completion, my next goals are to update my LinkedIn profile and apply to entry‑level IT help desk positions.
- Purchased the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
- Made meaningful progress on the first module.
- Updated my Trello plan and continued monitoring to stay on schedule.
- Continue working through the Google IT Support certificate.
- Research the second certificate and review required content.
- Continue monitoring progress to avoid scope creep.
| Milestone | Target Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft IT Professional Certificate | 11/18/2025 | ON TRACK |
| LinkedIn Profile Enhancement | 11/23/2025 | ON TRACK |
| Job Applications | 11/28/2025 | ON TRACK |
No changes occurred since the last reporting period.
11. Budget Estimation
| Cost Item | Quantity/Hours | Rate/Price | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LABOR COSTS | ||||
| Developer | 70 | $44.08 | $3,085.60 | Enter hours needed |
| Designer | 4 | $29.34 | $117.36 | Enter hours needed |
| Project Manager | 6 | $45.43 | $272.58 | Enter hours needed |
| Tester | 6 | $40.00 | $240.00 | Enter hours needed |
| Business Analyst | 4 | $40.98 | $163.92 | Enter hours needed if needed |
| Other Role | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Add additional roles as needed |
| LABOR SUBTOTAL | $3,879.46 | |||
| EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE | ||||
| Software Licenses | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Monthly/annual cost |
| Development Tools | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | IDEs and frameworks |
| Testing Environment | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Servers or cloud instances |
| Database Software | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | If needed for project |
| Other Equipment | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Add as needed |
| EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE SUBTOTAL | $0.00 | |||
| MATERIALS | ||||
| Stock Images/Media | 5 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Graphics and multimedia |
| Training Materials | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | User guides and documentation |
| Documentation Assets | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Templates and resources |
| Other Materials | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Add as needed |
| MATERIALS SUBTOTAL | $0.00 | |||
| SERVICES | ||||
| Cloud Hosting | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Monthly hosting costs |
| Third-party APIs | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Payment processing etc. |
| Consulting Services | 1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | External expertise |
| Security Audit | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Security assessments |
| Other Services | 0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | Add as needed |
| SERVICES SUBTOTAL | $0.00 | |||
| SUBTOTAL DIRECT COSTS | $3,879.46 | Sum of all categories | ||
| Contingency Reserve (20%) | $775.89 | Adjust percentage as needed | ||
| TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET | $4,655.35 | Final budget amount | ||
| Category | Percent of Total |
|---|---|
| Labor | 83.33% |
| Equipment/Software | 0% |
| Materials | 0% |
| Services | 0% |
| Contingency | 16.67% |