I had a potential employer ask me what the value is in being a PMP. I tried to explain, but felt that they failed to see its benefit amongst MBA's and PhD's. Can anyone provide me with a way to show this potential employer the benefit of having your PMP. Saving Changes...
By the way... I have seen many Non-PMP's with MBA's who have NO ABILITY to effectively manage projects. It really depends on a person's ability rather than certifications or degrees. Saving Changes...
I have seen PMPs poorly manage projects and I have seen non-PMPs manage projects very well.
With that said, when I hire PMs, I ask about certification for a couple of reasons. First, having taken the time and spent the energy to learn and go through the exam shows some commitment to the PROFESSION of project management. It shows understanding that it is more than a step between developer and line manager. When I hire project managers, I look for someone that takes their profession seriously. Someone trying to get better and expand their skill set.
In addition, there are many ways and many documented processes by which projects can be managed. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in a given organization. Which one you use is not as important as getting every one to use the same process. A project management process is a set of rules by which teams play together. The rules themselves are not as important as ensuring everyone knows them and plays by them (most of the time). It would be like having a sports team where the players used different rules. Since I am also certified, the PMP tells me that the PM I am hiring and I have a common set of rules and a common vocabulary by which to do business. It's not that we can't add to or change the rules as needed, but at least we have a common place to start.
There are ways other than a PMP certification for someone to prove they are serious about their profession and that we share common understandings and vocabularies about project management, but asking about PMP certification is the quickest way to prove that. This vocabulary and learning still has to be proven by results. Saving Changes...
Interesting discussion, so far. My thoughts: Certification is worth all of the duress necessary to get it. The value to employers is that a certification provides proof of commitment, willingness to learn, etc. It illustrates irrefutably that the prospective employee will make every effort to succeed (and exceed) at their assigned duties, rather than sit and wait for things to happen. It shows a Proactive approach towards an avocation; someone willing to take charge. For my money, a take charge person is a far superior candidate. Saving Changes...
Andy JordanPresident| Roffensian Consulting S.A.Cherry Grove, AB, Canada
I am probably taking a liberty in interpreting other peoples' posts - but I am going to do it anyway.
It sounds as though many people are supporting the concept of certification - and I agree with them 100%, where I think we differ is the type of certification that is most beneficial.
The advantage of the PMP is two fold in my mind - firstly it is a general project management qualification, and secondly it is one of the more formal, knowledge based certifications available. However, when I am looking to hire, this isn't what I need. I work for a Microsoft based software shop, and I need people familiar with SDD. If they aren't available then I'll take another software based project management program - RUP for instance.
These are specialized, but in many industries now this is what is required - as project management becomes more widely accepted project managers are being asked to specialize in specific industires - it is no longer enough to be a good manager, you have to have the market knowledge as well. In this area the strength of the PMP (its appeal to all industries) lets it down from my perspective - it provides me with an employee who has only half the picture that I need them to have.
Now granted it is the harder half - I can always teach / train to provide industry knowledge, but if someone comes to me with training in something of relevance to my needs they will naturally have an advantage.
I do not know how many other industries have industry specific training / certification programs established yet, but it is an area that is growing rapidly, and will continue to do so. I would love to see the PMI develop PMP streams to recognize the specific issues that influence project management in construction, aerospace, pharmaceutical research, software development etc. Then I will stand up and wave the flag for PMP - I may even (finally) sit the exam. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Frankly, the issue has nothing to do with how important it is to a potential employer. I would argue the if you're pursuing your PMP, MBA, CPA, or whatever for the purpose of someone else, than your priorities are way out of order. I have an MBA (which took 3 years of night school) and I'm planning to pass the PMP exam this Saturday. In both cases, I chose to pursue "continued education" for my own personal fulfillment and because I enjoyed both the learning experience and the challenge it provides. Granted, it is a sacrifice. Committing yourself to earning a degree and/or preparing and studying for an exam takes time and effort and usually takes you away from the things you love, like friends, family and leisure time. If in the end, these degrees and certificates help me to work better and/or improve my value to the business, then great. But, I'd rather opt for them making me feel proud and happy on a personal level. Believe me, if you're good at what you do and enjoy it, success and money will follow. In my experience, 99.9% of all people who boldly downplay the importance or essence of continuing education do so because they lack the commitment and wherewithall to follow through. Instead of admitting to their own shortcomings, they hide behind a facade of excuses such as: "I don't really need it for my job or position in life right now", or "I know plenty of MBAs, PMPs, etc. who aren't worth a damn, so I don't see the value." The truth is this is just their coping mechanism to help justify their decision (or lack of a decision) in their own minds. Ignore the negativists and the naysayers, and follow your own drum beat. Years from now you'll be happy you did, while they're still second-guessing themselves and their choices in life. Saving Changes...
As others have said. The designation or lack there of does not guarantee success or failure.
The PMP will most likely show you can speak to an international standard of carrying out project management. It's nice to start on the same page!
But a good pm has general management skills, industry knowledge and good project management skills. That's why you see some PMP's succeed and PMP's fail.
It's the same as graduating from college. You have a degree so what. Can you turn theory into practice?
I have seen PhD’s out performed in the real world. Any degree university, advanced and PMP, CPA is only worth the paper it is written on if you can not apply what you have learned.
What degrees and certifications show are you probably have an ability to learn and probably have retained some knowledge of the subject. It is a baseline to start measuring people you don't know.
I always wait to see how you perform to make a final assessment. When hiring I would ask basically the same questions of a PMP candidate and a non PMP candidate. So regardless, they need to know something. I have 15 years in IT, 5 in project management and have been very successful in delivering projects. Even on time and ahead of budget, not bad for an IT project ;) So even though I have been successful in delivery, I am always looking for ways to improve. I just got my PMP this summer. I did actually learn a couple of things and not just terminology.
Rob Adams, PMP Project Management Skills Group Leader
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Mike Cooper PMPPrincipal Project Manager (retired, sort of)| New England Project ServicesWestford, Ma, United States
Perhaps implied by some posts, but not explicitly stated, is that the PMP exam does not test for leadership or interpersonal communication skills. These are absolutely critical to being a successful project manager. Being PMP certified will indicate a certain level of understanding of the subject, and this is good, but it is by no means enough. Now does anyone know how to "certify" someone in leadership and communications skills?!? Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Guess what?! A lot more PM jobs are REQUIRING PMP certification - won't even talk to you unless you have it. As a hiring manager, I'd also require it. You don't just get it from a weekend seminar - trust me - a lot of studying. And the studying process will definitely increase your knowledge (even though I have over 13 years in PM, there were a lot of pieces of info I learned). Whether you have a degree or not, it does require years of experience; more without the degree. It's also becoming the standard measure like other certifications - a way to weed out people.
Whether you like it or not, it's becoming required more and more.
For those who think you can very easily get the exam - try just taking the exam without any studying - good luck! Saving Changes...
What does PMI have to say about the Benefits of Certification?
"Enrolling in PMI’s Project Management Professional Certification Program offers individuals a wide range of important benefits. The PMP designation following your name demonstrates to current and potential employers that you possess a solid foundation of experience and education in project management that can have a positive impact on bottom-line results. The PMP designation symbolizes knowledge and accomplishment and is highly regarded by colleagues and employers. As a certified PMP, you will proudly join a successful group of professionals who are enriching and advancing their careers and the project management profession." Saving Changes...
Randy Bennettsr proj mgr| fiservCollegeville, Pa, United States
First, in the interests of full disclosure, I am a PMP. I'm also active in PMI. While it's obvious I believe in the value of the PMP, I'm going to speak from my experience.
I can't say much about the value of degrees over the PMP, since I have an MS in Management as well.
The job I'm in (IT Project Office) required a PMP. It was required because they saw the PMP as certifying a set of knowledge and experience that they wanted. They recognized the focus on process in the PMBOK and were looking for people who shared that value. They also wanted assurance that the employee was dedicated to staying current, as the recertification requires of the PMP assure.
I've also had interviews where the interviewer was open comtemptous of my PMP. It seemed they had two mistaken ideas. First, that a PMP represented a certain PM methodology. The PMP was seen as "worthless" because the company had its own PM methodology and didn't want any other. Second, that there was no connection between a PMP and the technical skills of the field. Just because I'm a PMP, don't expect me to build a highway or a skyscraper. PMI is explicit about project management being based on a depth of knowledge in the technical field.
Last point: A number of years ago I opted to focus my career on project management rather than "climbing the ladder". PM fit my personality and interests better. A PMP certification makes my career choise and direction very clear to a potential employer. Saving Changes...
