I'm a project manager currently stationed in the northern US with aspirations to move to Canada (for various reasons that I won't cover here). Does anyone here know the major differences/similarities between the project management communities in the US and Canada? Does Canada emphasize certification? If so, do they emphasize the British standard (BS-6079-1; PRINCE2) or the PMP? Or both? Thank you! Saving Changes...
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George JucanManaging Partner| Organizational Perfomance Enablers NetworkWoodbridge, Ontario, Canada
Hi Ed,
I’m based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I work, speak and train on both sides of the border. Frankly, I saw no visible difference, same issues here and there, same methodologies and approaches.
Most used are PMI-aligned methodologies, having your PMP and knowing PMBOK and other PMI standards gives you a definite advantage – many job postings indicate PMP as required for senior levels and desirable for intermediate PMs. From the British standards only ITIL/ITSM has some spread, PRINCE2 is almost unknown.
Take a look at www.workopolis.com and www.monster.ca to see job specs and you’ll realize even more that it’s all the same.
I have many friends up in Canada who are project management teachers and practitioners. Overall, the markets are very similar. The PMP is much better known than PRINCE2 or the IPMA certification in both the US and Canada.
There are some PM training firms that have a strong hold on the US vs. the Canadian markets, but I do not think that will be a concern to you unless you plan to be a trainer. Companies like IIL, that are very well-known in the US, are working to develop a presence in Canada, but in many parts of Canada, local firms offer most of the regional in-person classes.
Of course there are work opportunities that are very different in Canada. I do not believe that the US has significant oil sands refineries, but I was just up in Edmonton (Alberta Province), and there is a lot of new oil exploration happening there. The rising price of oil has had a huge impact on parts of the Canadian economy.
Also, there is the Canadian French language requirement in some provinces.
In Canada, a lot depends upon where you want to work. Working for a bank or insurance company in Toronto will be very similar to working for one in New York or Hartford. Working in the northern reaches of Canada on oil exploration will be very different than anything you could do in the US. Also, each province in Canada has a different character, so you will find work attitudes and culture to be somewhat different depending on the province and the city. Saving Changes...
Thank you for your responses. They align with my expectations (and how often does THAT happen in life?!?!). And since I've finished my Master's Program I have no more excuses to procrastinate the PMP. Here I go. Thanks again! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Hi Ed - I would highly recommend a postion within the the State of Minnesota as a first step. I think the experence may help you further define your goals - and you can get used to the weather (somewhat). Try Department of Human Services. It's a large originization. Saving Changes...
