Jacob FurmanIT Helpdesk Manager| U.S. ArmyClarksville, Tn, United States
First and foremost thanks for taking the time to read and reply if you have.
I'm highly interested in the project management career field and hopefully want to end up a project manager in various industries that I have interest in. I've done my own personal research for the past 2-3 weeks but everything seems incredibly vague and I was wondering if a few of y'all could point me in the right direction to as to start a foundation.
Questions:
I plan on going to Embry Riddle and doing their Project Management undergrad degree and then getting the Masters for Project Management as well. Is that going to help, hurt or break me even on my goals? I'm under the impression from Embry-Riddle's website that their degree program is all ran by PMP certified professors/mentors.
What are the entry level positions for project management because I'd assume it'd be naïve to think that I can just insert myself and apply to some of the more 'high profile' companies and slide into positions once I've finished my degrees.
Is there any weight to CompTIA's Project+ or should I just pursue CAPM and PMP?
Background information:
I'm currently Active Duty Army with six years in working in IT and about 30ish semester hours worth of college. My expected time to get out of the Army is early 2020 so I'm trying to prepare now so it's not an uphill battle when that time comes around.
If there are any additional resources at your disposal that could help I'd love to reference them!
Hi Jacob, I'm not sure an academic qualification in project management is going to help as much as the professional certifications; the PMP being best among them. A good start is getting involved in any project work you can, be it in the army or volunteer work. At the same time do the CAPM, which is the best entry point in certifications, and later on when you have built up enough hours, the PMP.
...
1 reply by Anish Abraham
May 10, 2018 1:03 PM
Anish Abraham
...
Good suggestion, Sante! and I agree with you.
Saving Changes...
Ahmed MustafaProject Manager| Al Asmakh Real Estate Development CompanyDoha, Qatar
I'm agree with you Mr. Sante Vergini. But unfortunately it's very hard to get in any project to participate and gain real experience even if as volunteer.
I'm talking about my experience here in GCC.
I hope if we can do anything to "new incomers" to project management career helping them to melt easily with us.
By the way I'm "new incomer" Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Overall, good suggestions from Sante. Look for your local PMI Chapter as well for networking, events, and volunteering opportunities. Related positions such as Project Coordinator or Assistant can help to get some real-life experience to build up your resume for a FT role eventually.
Also see you are currently in IT as a manager. Great experience to relate and transition to project management. I'm sure you have done some project management activities and can formulate your resume when the time is right to showcase those skills and experience.
Focus on a minimum amount of education right now to get you a solid foundation in PM principles and good practices, but then try to get your foot in the door of a PM role as soon as possible. This might require you to take on a role as a project coordinator or project analyst for a period of time but that experience will be well worth it.
Also, as Andrew has indicated, military service provides a wealth of experience which is directly applicable to being a successful PM. What you need is to figure out how best to "position" that experience to pique the interest of hiring managers.
Last but not least, cultivate your local network to help you get a warm introduction to a hiring manager.
Welcome Ahmed. as Andrew rightly said, the local PMI chapter is the best way to find volunteer work. Saving Changes...
Ahmed MustafaProject Manager| Al Asmakh Real Estate Development CompanyDoha, Qatar
Welcome Sante. What if there is no PMI chapter where I live ? PMI chapters are not everywhere.
"I'm just sharing my experience with you" For example: after I passed my PMP I was very powerful and excited to join the career in any level even if project coordinator but all employers are seeking only who has working in project before. Then I tried alternative which is joining PMI chapter and being a volunteer but unfortunately there is no PMI chapter where I live (Qatar).
I'm sorry to say that but it's like fighting and not easy for new incomers like me. but I wont quit.
...
2 replies by Lavaughn Selvon and Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
May 02, 2018 8:46 AM
Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
...
You can also try local charities, hospitals, YMCA, aid projects, local community events, all require projects and project management.
May 02, 2018 9:38 AM
Lavaughn Selvon
...
It's a hard fact that companies want the hands-on experience in PM. I made a start with CAPM and I can see myself attaining my goal as I gradually seek small opportunities of PM involvement where I currently work. My burning love for PM has me a bit anxious however I realize I have no choice but take small steps. I am constantly monitoring the job market for appropriate career opportunities (although I really love where I work, there is no formal Project Coordinator or Assistant role here on the PM org structure). I realize I have to be patient while I continue advancing my knowledge of PM. Networking here really helps.
Welcome Sante. What if there is no PMI chapter where I live ? PMI chapters are not everywhere.
"I'm just sharing my experience with you" For example: after I passed my PMP I was very powerful and excited to join the career in any level even if project coordinator but all employers are seeking only who has working in project before. Then I tried alternative which is joining PMI chapter and being a volunteer but unfortunately there is no PMI chapter where I live (Qatar).
I'm sorry to say that but it's like fighting and not easy for new incomers like me. but I wont quit.
You can also try local charities, hospitals, YMCA, aid projects, local community events, all require projects and project management.
...
1 reply by Ahmed Mustafa
May 02, 2018 8:56 AM
Ahmed Mustafa
...
You are right. Thank you.
I will try to find and contact all of them.
Saving Changes...
Ahmed MustafaProject Manager| Al Asmakh Real Estate Development CompanyDoha, Qatar
May 02, 2018 8:46 AM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
...
You can also try local charities, hospitals, YMCA, aid projects, local community events, all require projects and project management.
You are right. Thank you.
I will try to find and contact all of them.
You are right. Thank you.
I will try to find and contact all of them.
:-) Saving Changes...
Dinah YoungProject Manager / Software Asset Manager| Prince William CountySpringfield, Va, United States
One thing I will add is that since you are a in the military, check out opportunities with Veteran Organizations. I have seen some people on LinkedIn who work with Veterans to use their military experience to move into management positions. I am sorry I do not have any details. I am not a Veteran, but maybe you can find someone with more knowledge about these opportunities. Saving Changes...
