The importance of developing soft skills in project management - students' perspective, based on the example of IPMA-student certification

Purpose: The authors of the article have attempted to analyze which group of students are more willing to develop their management competences by getting external certification of specialized organizations. Design/Methodology/Approach: The team conducted research on a group of the most active students who obtain project management certificates during their studies. The aim of the study was to answer the question of whether students who have improved their competences in the field of management see the benefit, and what those benefits are. The study was conducted in year 2022, on a target sample of students who approached the IPMA - Student certification at several Polish universities. Findings: The research was conducted using the CAWI method and the results were statistically analyzed and then consulted during the PM Education Seminar. Practical implications: The problem of the competency gap in the labor market is a permanent issue and it seems that it will be increasing due to the environmental changes, the needs of clients, which causes an increasing challenge for entrepreneurs, whereas those entrepreneurs are seeking more and more specially educated employees. Originality value: This article presents original research into the perception of the usefulness of certification and cooperation with professional organisations in project management by young generations leaving academic education and entering the labour market. It illustrates students' interest in developing competencies and how the labour market values this during recruitment and selection.