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!
Briefly sharing my experience. As you can see, I am an admin support but I work directly with the Engineering Manager who is also Portfolio Manager. I am not directly involved in doing project work but I would also like to delve into the PM field. What I would like to say is that since obtaining my CAPM certification, the knowledge of PM principles and concepts has sharpened my understanding of what was happening around me and what I became involved in three years ago with regards to capital projects. I am also happy to say that CAPM has given me more recognition and opportunity to move further into PM as more of a project assistant role, which was my initial PM goal anyway. In fact, company-wide, I am also considered a communication link with regards to capital projects. I also work with MS Project for portfolio reporting but had no formal training and am now also doing advanced training in this PM tool.
All that being said, to Jacob Furman - I agree with our professionals here to pursue CAPM certification as your foundation and training in PM tools such as Projects or Primavera or CompTIA's. However as an IT Helpdesk Manager, are you sure you haven't been already performing PM activities? Saving Changes...
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.
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. Saving Changes...
Jacob FurmanIT Helpdesk Manager| U.S. ArmyClarksville, Tn, United States
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply and help answer my questions. This has given me a bit more of an understanding of what I should pursue in the short term.
-Lavaughn: Since I'm ignorant to exactly everything that encompasses project management, I wouldn't honestly know if I've been performing PM activities or not. I'd assume if I outlined what I've done over the past few years someone could point and say "yes" or "no" to what would qualify as those PM functions. I think I just equate PM to a larger scope of responsibility.
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2 replies by Lavaughn Selvon and Michael Brian
May 03, 2018 9:50 AM
Lavaughn Selvon
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Well then I revert to the recommendation from our professionals here to go for CAPM which would provide that PM knowledge foundation. You can also explore here under Knowledge & Tools ---Processes...see if any apply to your activities.
May 10, 2018 2:42 PM
Michael Brian
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Jacob -
Thank you for your service first and foremost.
Within my field I held a PM position for a good year and in logistics, it's very different to what I have been exposed to in research and my new journey for the CAPM certification. There's some main applications in which PM work applies to - Government, IT, Health care, and construction.
With that said - before I continue I would focus on getting the CAPM cert first, land a job to give you the 4500 hours and then take the PMP exam.
Before getting involved in my studies for CAPM, I bought and read a book based on the unofficial project manager. Although it touched on certain aspects, it was based on the fact that many roles participate in PM related work. It gives great insight as to achieving more success for such work and is a good book to have.
As you're in the IT I'm sure somewhere along the line you were involved in a project.. Have you ever needed to update system software or network computers in a new location? Well that would be part of PM work.
Projects are temporary, they are outside of what normal operations tasks would be. They have a definite beginning and end to either Move, Change, Delete, or Add something. This is especially true in the IT field. You can update programs, delete or take away old systems and devices, add new software or systems to the network, or even move systems from one location to another. These are within projects. Projects are meant to create or improve product, services or an outcome.
As you are helpdesk, I can almost be positive you have unofficially done some PM work.
If you have needed to Initiate, Plan, Execute, Control and Monitor, and Close a task, than that is the basics of PM work. You are typically in control of those processes and everything in it. If you've ever had to deal with budgeting, risk management, maybe even some procurement tasks... This is part of PM work.
Hopefully I did not confuse you and gave a simple insight to this for clarification.
After your CAPM, look for jobs related to assistant PM or project coordinator. These are entry level positions. Make sure any job duties reflect most of that role in assisting a PM and that the roles are "active" tasks. Some descriptions I have seen look to be more administrative than actual coordinator. Stay away from that. You don't belong at a desk most of your day.
Saving Changes...
Sandra MaughonProfessor| Piedmont CollegeCleveland, Ga, United States
Jacob, I recommend that you take advantage of the webinars provided either here or on Lynda.com. Start with some fundamentals and after four or five, you'll probably have a better feel for the terms and processes. You might well realize that you have been performing project management duties, or at least task management duties.
And I may be the lone voice promoting a college credential, but if you already have 30 hours I singly recommend you keep on going. Showing both professional certifications and academic credentials - along with your military experience (THANK YOU for your service!) - tells potential employers that you are a well rounded, versatile candidate. Saving Changes...
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply and help answer my questions. This has given me a bit more of an understanding of what I should pursue in the short term.
-Lavaughn: Since I'm ignorant to exactly everything that encompasses project management, I wouldn't honestly know if I've been performing PM activities or not. I'd assume if I outlined what I've done over the past few years someone could point and say "yes" or "no" to what would qualify as those PM functions. I think I just equate PM to a larger scope of responsibility.
Well then I revert to the recommendation from our professionals here to go for CAPM which would provide that PM knowledge foundation. You can also explore here under Knowledge & Tools ---Processes...see if any apply to your activities. Saving Changes...
Samir PanchalProject Manager-IT| Tata Trent Ltd.Thane, Maharashtra, India
I suggest if your finding difficult to get required PM experience, CAPM is best way to move ahead. After CAPM as CAPM and PMP both have same syllabus. After CAPM you can try for entry level jobs. Once you have gained required experience you can try PMP. Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
May 02, 2018 6:46 AM
Replying to Sante Delle-Vergini, PhD
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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.
Good suggestion, Sante! and I agree with you. Saving Changes...
Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply and help answer my questions. This has given me a bit more of an understanding of what I should pursue in the short term.
-Lavaughn: Since I'm ignorant to exactly everything that encompasses project management, I wouldn't honestly know if I've been performing PM activities or not. I'd assume if I outlined what I've done over the past few years someone could point and say "yes" or "no" to what would qualify as those PM functions. I think I just equate PM to a larger scope of responsibility.
Jacob -
Thank you for your service first and foremost.
Within my field I held a PM position for a good year and in logistics, it's very different to what I have been exposed to in research and my new journey for the CAPM certification. There's some main applications in which PM work applies to - Government, IT, Health care, and construction.
With that said - before I continue I would focus on getting the CAPM cert first, land a job to give you the 4500 hours and then take the PMP exam.
Before getting involved in my studies for CAPM, I bought and read a book based on the unofficial project manager. Although it touched on certain aspects, it was based on the fact that many roles participate in PM related work. It gives great insight as to achieving more success for such work and is a good book to have.
As you're in the IT I'm sure somewhere along the line you were involved in a project.. Have you ever needed to update system software or network computers in a new location? Well that would be part of PM work.
Projects are temporary, they are outside of what normal operations tasks would be. They have a definite beginning and end to either Move, Change, Delete, or Add something. This is especially true in the IT field. You can update programs, delete or take away old systems and devices, add new software or systems to the network, or even move systems from one location to another. These are within projects. Projects are meant to create or improve product, services or an outcome.
As you are helpdesk, I can almost be positive you have unofficially done some PM work.
If you have needed to Initiate, Plan, Execute, Control and Monitor, and Close a task, than that is the basics of PM work. You are typically in control of those processes and everything in it. If you've ever had to deal with budgeting, risk management, maybe even some procurement tasks... This is part of PM work.
Hopefully I did not confuse you and gave a simple insight to this for clarification.
After your CAPM, look for jobs related to assistant PM or project coordinator. These are entry level positions. Make sure any job duties reflect most of that role in assisting a PM and that the roles are "active" tasks. Some descriptions I have seen look to be more administrative than actual coordinator. Stay away from that. You don't belong at a desk most of your day. Saving Changes...
