I don't know that they do, however there are many different perspectives on what a PM actually does ranging from administrative to leadership. An administrative role usually does not require a degree. It is similar to technical positions where an engineer requires an appropriate 4 year degree, while a tech role such as a CAD operator does not. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I've seen many organizations these days value industry specific certifications more than degrees - These days with the rapidly evolving world, there are many specializations so organizations look for specifics rather than general experience.
This is one reason I believe PMI started working having Micro-Credentials.
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace CorpsYaounde, Centre, Cameroon
I think the reason is simple.... Certifications comes with specialization and a body of knowledge and skill set that is absent with degrees Saving Changes...
Eric Zunouh BanyeCountry Programme Coordinator| UNIDO-GhanaAa, Ghana
Certainly, industry certifications are practical based while college certificates are theory based. For results purposes, industries are looking for ready-to-go teams that can deliver effectively and efficiently within the triple constraints of projects. There are very limited rooms for try and error at the organisational level especially those running donor-funded projects.
In my over 18 yrs managing donor projects of different sizes, duration and complexities, the need is even more compiling when funding is from the private sector. Some donors may give room for college interns to gain practical experience but the one with the industry certificate is almost always a step ahead.
I think there is a gap between the college learning and the industry requirement in most professions. PMI needs to explore and bridge the gap in the field of project management. My experience coupled with anecdotal evidence show that most projects that failed are managed by college certificated project managers with great theoretical knowledge but limited practical experience.
For me, college certificate is more relevant in laboratory up and not in a dynamic social set up. Saving Changes...
Candace GrantHead of Technology| Academics West LLCBrooklyn, Ny, United States
I think comanies are looking to get value out of employees even when the value is exponentially more that they care to pay for. A PMP is usually committed to getting the job done right, as opposed to a degree holder w/o certification who may just be content with a job. Employers tend to prefer the former. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Asad, my experience:
if companies hire for longterm (10+ years), they primarily look for cultural fit, adaptability and attitudes. A basic university education can help with that. For example I studied mathematics and never applied it on a job. But the underlying analytical thinking capability, ability to change perspectives and persistance in chasing problems served me well.
If companies hire for mid-term 2-10 years, they look for certificates that can quickly (within 6-12 months) be transformed into performance.
If companies hire for short term, e.g. because they panic having missed a market change, they are looking for reputation, real life results and if they do not find these or are not willing to pay the premium, they often fall back to consultants. Not that it helps a lot.
"Nearly every great advance in science arises from a crisis in the old theory, through an endeavor to find a way out of the difficulties created. We must examine old ideas, old theories, although they belong to the past, for this is the only way to understand the importance of the new ones and the extent of their validity."
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