Tori SiearsStudent| Cypress Ridge Services, LLCGonzales, La, United States
I have been researching the Masters of Science in Project Management and I am undecided if this is the best avenue for me to get into the PM job market. I have a BS in Emergency Administration & Mgmt and worked in that field for 19 years. I worked with a consulting company for nine years with most of the work consisting of being a Task Lead on multiple projects. During that time, I learned a lot about PM, but I never managed a full project. Now, five years later, I work in a completely different field. That career change wasn't the best decision for me, so I am ready to get back into project management type work.
Since I already have a four-year degree, I have been taking some online CAPM-prep classes to prepare myself for the CAPM exam. However, after doing some research, I thought maybe also getting my Master's degree would be beneficial when trying to enter back into the PM job market.
I would like some advice on whether I should pursue the MSPM, the CAPM, or both? Saving Changes...
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Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
The question is: Which certificate will convince an employer to hire you?
Since you haven’t yet managed a project from start to end, it’s unlikely most employers will hire you as a full PM. The typical route for someone seeking to become a PM is to get hired as a Project Coordinator or Jr. PM, then advance to a PM. The CAPM is recognized by most employers and can often get you in the door. If you get a MSPM you’d still lack experience managing a full project, so that won’t help you land a position. No matter how much schooling you have, few employers are going to trust you with a million dollar project until you first prove you can do the job.
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1 reply by Tori Siears
Jul 31, 2018 12:43 AM
Tori Siears
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Thanks for the advice.
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Tori SiearsStudent| Cypress Ridge Services, LLCGonzales, La, United States
Jul 31, 2018 12:00 AM
Replying to Eric Simms
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The question is: Which certificate will convince an employer to hire you?
Since you haven’t yet managed a project from start to end, it’s unlikely most employers will hire you as a full PM. The typical route for someone seeking to become a PM is to get hired as a Project Coordinator or Jr. PM, then advance to a PM. The CAPM is recognized by most employers and can often get you in the door. If you get a MSPM you’d still lack experience managing a full project, so that won’t help you land a position. No matter how much schooling you have, few employers are going to trust you with a million dollar project until you first prove you can do the job.
Hi Tori, professional qualifications (certainly in project management) are usually going to be more valuable than academic ones. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I agree with both Eric and Sante. Professionally, they will look at your certifications. That said, it certainly will not hurt to get your Masters. The question is from a project profession perspective, will the MSPM offer significant value over a traditional MBA? Either way, I'd recommend continuing to strive toward the CAPM, then progress toward PMP.
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1 reply by Eric Simms
Jul 31, 2018 11:45 AM
Eric Simms
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Andrew has a good point about the MBA. Employers want you to have a PMP, but I've never seen an employer request a MSPM in a job description. If you decide to get a Masters, you'd do better to diversify your skill set by getting an MBA or similar business-focused degree.
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Tamer Zeyad SadiqAssistant Cost Manager| Turner & TownsendRiyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia
I agreed all!!! It depends your experience, knowledge and your career path!!! I recommend if you are a fresh, apply CAPM. But if you are a good experience, PMP is the best one!!!!
Good Luck
Tamer Saving Changes...
Stanley OranikaDirector Finance & Strategy| Virtus DeusF.C.T, Abuja, Nigeria
In most cases, experience makes the difference. A professional certificate that backs up this experience may just be the game changer you need, to get a foot in any door. Saving Changes...
Stanley OranikaDirector Finance & Strategy| Virtus DeusF.C.T, Abuja, Nigeria
In most cases, experience makes the difference. A professional certificate that backs up this experience may just be the game changer you need, to get a foot in any door. Saving Changes...
Abdul-Aziz SalamProject Engineer| Rabotec Group of CompaniesAccra, Greater Accra, Ghana
I couldn't agree more with Stanley. A good certificate can only get you through the door, at best. What you need to go through the daily cut and thrust is experience! But as you already have some experience, any good program in Project Management that gives you a certificate will certainly add value to your knowledge base and give you a competitive edge. So go for it! The PMP is a good certification to aim at. In addition, I will recommend you embark on a consistent skills development program like I am doing now....master the use of PM tools such as Microsoft Project and others. Regards! Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Jul 31, 2018 6:23 AM
Replying to Drew Craig
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I agree with both Eric and Sante. Professionally, they will look at your certifications. That said, it certainly will not hurt to get your Masters. The question is from a project profession perspective, will the MSPM offer significant value over a traditional MBA? Either way, I'd recommend continuing to strive toward the CAPM, then progress toward PMP.
Andrew has a good point about the MBA. Employers want you to have a PMP, but I've never seen an employer request a MSPM in a job description. If you decide to get a Masters, you'd do better to diversify your skill set by getting an MBA or similar business-focused degree. Saving Changes...
Tori SiearsStudent| Cypress Ridge Services, LLCGonzales, La, United States
Thanks to everyone for their replies. They have definitely given me something to think about. Saving Changes...
