@archishak Hi there! While project management skills can be beneficial in many fields, I would actually argue against your post that a deep understanding of project management is not always necessary to contribute effectively to a project's success. Many professionals excel in their roles without formally managing tasks but rather relying on specialized expertise. I noticed this during my time in the military with my team leaders. Sometimes too much focus on project management methods can slow down adaptability in my opinion, as rigidity might not suit all work environments. Instead of the expectation that everyone must develop strong project management skills, it may be more realistic to cultivate strong collaboration within teams, which allows specialists of their craft to focus on their strengths while the actual project managers handle the logistics.

I think having a basic understanding of project management is valuable, even if someone isn’t planning to pursue it as a career. In industries like medical devices, where projects are highly regulated and involve multiple teams, knowing how project management works can help individuals understand their role, how their tasks impact others, and how resources are allocated efficiently.

For example, being familiar with project phases, key documents, and timelines can make collaboration smoother and help prevent bottlenecks. Even something as simple as understanding risk management or stakeholder communication can improve workflow and decision-making. That said, the depth of knowledge needed really depends on the role. Not everyone needs to take a full project management course, but some foundational training—like an introduction to project lifecycle models or Agile methodologies—could be beneficial, especially for those working in cross-functional teams.

In the end, it’s less about becoming a project manager and more about understanding how structured project execution influences day-to-day work. A little knowledge in this area can go a long way in improving efficiency and teamwork.

References:

FDA. (2022). Design Control Guidance for Medical Device Manufacturers.