Have you ever signed a contract and wondered about the process that went into creating it? There’s so much more that goes into contracts beyond just a signature. They are important documents and agreements between parties that require constant monitoring to help ensure maximum value and minimal risk. 

Earning a contract management certificate can be more than just a first step towards working with these complex documents. It can provide skills that can help you excel in any and all careers paths. 

Top Contract Management Skills

  • Collaboration: Contract managers work with a wide range of groups and individuals. Their ultimate goal is to find the best agreement to benefit all parties. To do so, they need to collaborate and build relationships with internal as well as external contacts. 
  • Depth of Business Knowledge: Classes in contract management will give you understanding of budget considerations, cost management, industry trends, and risk management. These skills are all assets for any business endeavors. 
  • Negotiation: Negotiating deals is a main aspect of contract creation. You need to be prepared for any objections and conflicts and develop an ability to utilize flexibility and alternatives to make things run as smoothly as possible. 
  • Attention to Detail: To make a contract as effective as possible, managers need to be able to ensure contract accuracy. They also should hone in on details such as terms and conditions that can be too vague and ambiguous. 
  • Technology and Innovation: There are currently several contract lifestyle management tools which have upped the efficiency of the process. Contract managers need to be able to understand these programs to use them effectively, and also should look out for new innovations. 

Top Industries for Contract Management

An education in contract management gives you the ability to work in a diverse range of industries. Contracts are utilized in essentially all businesses and companies, so the possibilities are nearly endless. Here are just a few examples:

  • Construction and Engineering: Contracts are central in operations in these fields. They both involve very large-scale, usually high risk projects, so project contract managers are vital to smooth operations. 
  • Government and Defense: Government contracts are very common and they require extremely strict compliance. The Department of Defense specifically engages in millions of contracts with outside contractors each year and all of them need to be drawn up, executed, and monitored for compliance. 
  • Healthcare and Hospitals: Hospitals have many different types of contract in play, such as provider and payer agreements, physician contracts, and managed care contracts. All of these contracts and agreements are very important to both the patients and the hospital’s staff and management. 
  • Legal Services and Corporate In-House: All corporations need internal contracts to handle operations, sales, vendors, and partnerships. As a legal contract specialist, you’d be assisting in keeping daily operations running smoothly for the business. 
  • Entertainment and Media: Working with talent agreements is a fast-growing niche in the contract game that includes licensing rights that have become more important in recent years. Unauthorized use of likeness has become a major issue in the industry, so the industry needs contract management professionals to account for this trend in contracts. 

Earning a Contract Management Certificate 

If you’re interested in working in any of these fields, or in improving on the job skills discussed, earning a contract management certificate is a great place to start. This can be a daunting task though, especially if you want to earn it while continuing to work.

The online Professional Certificate in Contract Management through SDSU Global Campus can be completed in just 12 months and the advanced certificate can be done within an additional six months. Zoom classes are only held once a week, so the program can easily fit into your busy schedule. 

This program is perfect if you’re looking to switch career paths, or are seeking advancement in your current job.