I do have a question about my upcoming employment/education. I am leaving the military this year through a medical retirement. I worked on the radar and airfield equipment while in the military so I will be doing a career change.
I currently have the following:
A.S. Electronics Systems Technology
Certified Associates in Project Management (CAPM)
96 credits completed in B.S. Technical Management - Project Management
Obviously I cannot get the PMP until I have the hours completed.
When I research "Project Manager" jobs there are several different directions that Project Management goes. Also, 95% require previous experience managing projects or businesses.
I will be completing my B.S. this year. However, I do not know which direction I should go in next. Should I pursue a Master's or would I be better off pursuing another Bachelors in Information Technology, Human Resource Management or specific Project Management field? Saving Changes...
Stanford SalerConsultant| OneDish, Inc.Mount Prospect, Il, United States
Hi Jessica,
I am starting my transition into project management as well, beginning with the CAPM. When I did a quick Google search for possible jobs for CAPMs, I noticed that Business Analyst was a popular role. Considering the "business" part, this type seems like it could offer up a number of different paths.
If I may... how did you earn your PDUs to qualify for the CAPM? Was it required to take the Project Management Basics course that is mentioned by PMI.org on the CAPM webpage? Or can folks attend webinars here on ProjectManagement.com to earn those 23 PDUs?
Congrats on achieving your CAPM, by the way! Cheers!
...
1 reply by Jessica Alejandro
Apr 20, 2020 8:12 PM
Jessica Alejandro
...
I had my credits because I had taken Project Management courses for my degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
I submitted my transcript and they took it.
Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Jessica, weIcome the community.
I would check if any of your work in military could be seen as projects. Anything with deadlines where you led a team (3+ people) to achieve a target?
Previous experience (which you found to be required) translates into getting your hands dirty and making mistakes. I worked in projects for 13 years before I took on a role as project manager.
there are many non-military uses for radar/airfield equipment so why not look for a project in that domain which will leverage both your education and experience.
While you could certainly target any industry, domain knowledge of that industry will be critical so play to your strengths, especially as you are just entering the field.
I would check if any of your work in military could be seen as projects. Anything with deadlines where you led a team (3+ people) to achieve a target?
Previous experience (which you found to be required) translates into getting your hands dirty and making mistakes. I worked in projects for 13 years before I took on a role as project manager.
Don't restrict yourself to project manager roles. Any project role will help you in learning and practicing project management. A project team lead role, for example, can help you get your project management experience hours. Saving Changes...
I am starting my transition into project management as well, beginning with the CAPM. When I did a quick Google search for possible jobs for CAPMs, I noticed that Business Analyst was a popular role. Considering the "business" part, this type seems like it could offer up a number of different paths.
If I may... how did you earn your PDUs to qualify for the CAPM? Was it required to take the Project Management Basics course that is mentioned by PMI.org on the CAPM webpage? Or can folks attend webinars here on ProjectManagement.com to earn those 23 PDUs?
Congrats on achieving your CAPM, by the way! Cheers!
I had my credits because I had taken Project Management courses for my degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
I submitted my transcript and they took it.
...
1 reply by Stanford Saler
Apr 21, 2020 8:51 AM
Stanford Saler
...
Oh, nice. Good deal!
So yesterday I found out that my certificate earned from "Essentials of Project Management" a few years back was still valid - what a pleasant surprise that was!
Best of luck in your continued certification pursuits!
Saving Changes...
Stanford SalerConsultant| OneDish, Inc.Mount Prospect, Il, United States
Apr 20, 2020 8:12 PM
Replying to Jessica Alejandro
...
I had my credits because I had taken Project Management courses for my degree through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
I submitted my transcript and they took it.
Oh, nice. Good deal!
So yesterday I found out that my certificate earned from "Essentials of Project Management" a few years back was still valid - what a pleasant surprise that was!
Best of luck in your continued certification pursuits! Saving Changes...
Community Champion
