Hi everyone! I want to start with a brief background, I am a computer science graduate with 6 years of Operations Management in a telecom company. I have recently started working as a Product Manager in a software company as I always wanted to work in IT because of my educational background. We develop web applications and the team consists of software developers who work with an Agile approach to software development.
I have never really planned my career till now and I have started to realize the downsides to that. I really want to pursue a career as a technical project manager as that aligns with my educational background and my work experience.
I would really appreciate any advice from new or experienced project managers on how to establish myself as a valuable project manager. Of course I need more experience in project management but what else can I do to supplement my experience.
I have seen a lot of well-paying jobs which require PMP, so I am guessing certifications would help me learn core PM skills and also add value to my resume. But there are a number of PM related certifications like CSM, PSM, PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP etc. and since they require time, money and effort, I want to make sure that all these valuable resources are well-spent and the certification positively contributes to my career.
So, what do you say? Should I pursue certifications? If yes, which one? Saving Changes...
Thanks Shadav, almost all the people here have suggested PMP as the number one certification followed by PMI-ACP. This definitely shows how popular and valuable it is for one's career.
I suggest strongly PMP Certification about the possibility to grow your career and your knoledge. I suggest a lot of dedition to study almost 4 moths
Hi rosario, thanks for sharing. Have you achieved your PMP? If so, how many hours did you study per day (I'm assuming you have a full time job as well)? Saving Changes...
Thanks Shadav, almost all the people here have suggested PMP as the number one certification followed by PMI-ACP. This definitely shows how popular and valuable it is for one's career. Saving Changes...
Nicole JonesProject Manager| The PM Suite [thepmsuite.com]Atlanta, Ga, United States
Feb 20, 2019 10:55 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
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Given the information stated above, I would suggest you do your PMI-ACP then PMP to follow. Good Luck !
I agree with Rami on PMI-ACP and the rest of the suggestions regarding PMP.
Thanks Ravi, for your suggestion Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
Khurram, there are a lot of certifications out there, and you'll get a lot of strong opinions about them here, but you need to look in your area. What certifications are people looking for? What do the job listings say? The best certification is worthless if no one is looking for it.
Where I live, a PMP certification is held in high regard, and it could help you get that first interview. The CSM is also in high demand. (Note: these are NOT the same thing; a scrum master is NOT a project manager, and hiring managers who know the difference won't hire you if you're confused about this.) Other certifications are good, but fewer people are looking for them. There may be difference preferences where you live and work.
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1 reply by Khurram Shahzad
Mar 08, 2019 12:22 AM
Khurram Shahzad
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Hi Wade, thanks for taking out the time and responding to my question. You really make some valid points and I will definitely consider them when looking for my first certification.
Khurram, there are a lot of certifications out there, and you'll get a lot of strong opinions about them here, but you need to look in your area. What certifications are people looking for? What do the job listings say? The best certification is worthless if no one is looking for it.
Where I live, a PMP certification is held in high regard, and it could help you get that first interview. The CSM is also in high demand. (Note: these are NOT the same thing; a scrum master is NOT a project manager, and hiring managers who know the difference won't hire you if you're confused about this.) Other certifications are good, but fewer people are looking for them. There may be difference preferences where you live and work.
Hi Wade, thanks for taking out the time and responding to my question. You really make some valid points and I will definitely consider them when looking for my first certification. Saving Changes...
