Hello everyone,
I am looking for some advice, I have a CSM and just passed my PMP. Desire is to become a project director in the near future and wanted some guidance on what certifications I should start pursuing. I know the question is very generic, so here is a bit of background about me. My current role is as a project manager which I have in for the last year implementing HRIS systems for midsize clients. Prior to this, I worked as a business analyst for near 10 years in the same domain. Saving Changes...
certifications?
I think you should work on your skills and gain experience in the fields you would like to work in. You will soon learn what those certifications are. Saving Changes...
I'm not familiar with the 'project director' position. Do you mean PMO Director? If you mean a different position, please ignore the following.
If you can't grow into the PMO Director position at the company you currently work for, you may find it difficult as companies looking to fill this position are usually looking for someone with several years of direct people management experience. You can be a project manager for 20 years, but if you don't have direct reports that you manage, your resume probably won't get past HR. Certifications won't get you there, either. There are always exceptions, but this seems to be the general rule.
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1 reply by Obaidul Khandaker
Apr 26, 2021 10:42 AM
Obaidul Khandaker
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Thanks, Aaron, this is helpful information. I know job titles per company are different but my goal is "eventually" get out of the doer mode and help manage and run governance. I will look for opportunities to get direct management assigned to me to help improve my position.
I'm not familiar with the 'project director' position. Do you mean PMO Director? If you mean a different position, please ignore the following.
If you can't grow into the PMO Director position at the company you currently work for, you may find it difficult as companies looking to fill this position are usually looking for someone with several years of direct people management experience. You can be a project manager for 20 years, but if you don't have direct reports that you manage, your resume probably won't get past HR. Certifications won't get you there, either. There are always exceptions, but this seems to be the general rule.
Thanks, Aaron, this is helpful information. I know job titles per company are different but my goal is "eventually" get out of the doer mode and help manage and run governance. I will look for opportunities to get direct management assigned to me to help improve my position. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Obaidul
Certifications can get you to a certain level but what matters when you move to more senior level is your experience. On average, I would say 15 years of experience to become a projects director.
Aaron
This role is probably not very common in North America but it is in the Middle East. Most big projects have a PM and PD
Obaidul, another consideration would be to look at job descriptions for the Project Director position at other companies. This can either inform you of areas to grow, or that you already meet the requirements.
Career development is a pain. Sometimes you have to move on to move up, other times it's the opposite. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Obaidul,
could see that the PgMP would be of value to you, for the learning of its concepts, not so much the title.
A PD might lead several PMs, have more exposure to executive level, needs to balance the project scope with the changing environment and is asked for the value and benefits they deliver. Often heavily involved in politics and needs to play the governance system.
Often 'big projects' are rather programs, not all companies have learned and accepted that and the additional benefits that come with the distinction.
The key domains covered by PgMP are - strategy alignment - benefits realization - stakeholder management (towards politics) - governance (same, politics)
You need significant experience as program manager before you can apply for the exam. I recommend to use a training organization, it safes time.
A director role is a strategic role and one where you get to be the leader for other project managers and/or stakeholders. You are there to oversee a critical part of a business that is an investment for future profitability and future growth of the company. Saving Changes...
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