I was laid off in January, after a lot of searching I was close to landing a position in March then the pandemic hit and everything's been on hold. As it's now over six months I want to add some certifications and other related activities to keep my skills fresh and help my job search.
I'm attending CSPO training remotely today and will be done in a few hours. I already have an MBA, PMP, CSM and a few industry certifications along with a DTM from Toastmasters.
I was planning to take the PSM I next to help cast a wider net as I only have 3 months agile experience and don't qualify to sit for the PMI-ACP.
After I do this, is it worth my time to pursue the PSPO I or should I focus my efforts on something else first? If so, what should I go to first? My goal is working as PM in the industry again and I want to be prepared for anything agile or traditional that comes my way and want to get through all the autoscanning software so that my resume makes it to a person.
If all your certifications are from valid respected organizations can you be TOO certified to get hired? Saving Changes...
At this point, I'd suggest agile experience (paid or not) would be better than accumulating more certs. The CSPO/PSPO certs are appropriate if you see yourself focusing on PO-type positions otherwise they might just raise questions about your career focus.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Hi Susan - earning the PSPO or CSPO would certainly add to your CSM, showing a level of understanding from both roles. While it would not hurt, you also want to ensure that your resume and certifications tell a cohesive story for career accomplishments and aspirations.
To note, and I'm not sure by your post, but there is no need to have both the CSM and PSM. Same would go for the CSPO and PSPO. They are duplicative of one another.
Taking the initiative to expand your skills and knowledge during downtime is something that is valuable to a potential employer, but best to be able to rationalize motivation and expectation behind it. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Susan
I agree with my fellow colleagues but don't take both CSPO and PSPO as they are both more or less the same. I find PSM is getting lots of attraction but you already have CSM.
Personally, since you don't qualify at the moment for PMI-ACP, go for PRINCE 2 Agile. It added lots of value me as a professional.
Thanks everyone! I do see myself going more on the product side hence the CSPO. I may do the PSM I (just the exam) in case someone wants to claim I don't actually know anything but I'm still debating that.
I might just try to up my tech skills to keep myself busy until I land a new position Saving Changes...
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