Dec 10, 2018 1:39 PM
Replying to LaVaris Johnson
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I also have a strong financial background, and as a PM it has served me very well in project management. It's a skill set many PMs do not have, and one in which I think will be the future of Project Management.
Since your Master's degree concentration is project management, you already have a great foundation - refer to the PMBOK for more clarification (if necessary). PMP certification will help also.
Overall, having 7 years (financial) experience is really valuable. I would suggest aligning that experience into project management (phases or techniques).
For example (and my strategy as a former Financial Analyst):
(1) Asking question to understand the ask/business requirements = your "Business Case"
(2) Analyzing information/data = "Benefits Realization"
(3) Interpreting information = "Project Initiation"
(4) How your interpretation is translated into action(s) = "Defining Scope"
(5) Implementing (actions/recommendations/etc) = "Monitoring & Controlling"
(6) Completing the work = "Closing" out your project.
If you can do this and (work on) speak the same language as PMs, I don't see any additional steps being necessary with your strong implementation background.
You can do it & best of luck!
