So exactly how is a relatively new PMP certified PM supposed to obtain Project Management experience when every project is asking for 4 to 5 years of experience?
Brian NelsonCEO Brain Nelson| One Source, Customer CareChicago, IL, United States
When looking for work in the project management field like in most industries inevitably the requirements of the position will usually state minimum experience requirements. When I changed professional career direction to the project management field it was due to the supposed "high demand" and "growth" in the need for project managers. However, I've come to learn that obtaining the certification and taken all the course work was not enough. So, what's next? Saving Changes...
When changing career paths you might have to take a step down to move forward. If you are not finding PM roles in the area where you wish to work, I'd suggest looking for project analyst or coordinator roles as a stepping stone to a PM role.
A PMP designation is not going to get you invited for an interview but (depending on the location and industry) it might prevent you from getting invited if you don't have it. Applying the Kano model, what used to be a performance need has now become a basic one...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Brian
I agree with Kiron. The certification is merely an indication that you have in depth knowledge in project management but by no means it is an assurance that someone can do the job so having a PMP is an asset and can help put you ahead of other candidates in the line.
However, on the other hand, one of the PMP application requirements is having a minimum of 3 years of experience managing projects and since you got your PMP, I would assume you have 3 years of experience as a minimum, unless I overlooked something. That said, and if this is the case, then the best thing is to look for project coordinator roles.
Hope this helps. Good Luck !
RK Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Brian,
yes, this experience of yours is common. Certification and education is not enough for starting any career.
Try to document experience, even in your previous career you might have done stuff that in the hindsight qualifies as projects. And offer your capacity for project related work to gain experience, as Kiron said in entry level positions or in volunteer positions. Volunteering is among other things a sandbox for trying out and building PM competencies.
Looking at the PMI talent triangle, you prepared yourself in the technical side. Have a look at your leadership side, develop emotional intelligence and empathy and extend your networks. Toastmasters may help.
Most jobs come from a network, when people know you, have basic trust in you and recommend you. Team up with other project managers in Chapters, in LinkedIn, in here.
In addition to the above comments, be aware that not all job applications mean the same thing when they say PM. In many of the postings I have seen they are really looking for more of the project admin job when you read the detailed description.
Most of my career as a PM, my job title was actually something else even though I performed the same functions. In some cases I was hired to be "more than just a PM", because that employer considered it an admin rather than a leadership role.
Not only focus on your experience and how it relates to PM roles more than the job title, but also tailor your documented experience to the specific job requisition. That might mean you take a step down to a job title as PM even though it's more administrative, to use as the entry point to the more responsible positions. Saving Changes...
I believe that experience is not always important. The cholovek may be somewhat inexperienced, but with good intuition and a desire to work, this is much more important. Nowadays, large companies value emotional intelligence more, for example, in a https://www.worktime.com/ company it is exactly the same. Saving Changes...
I do understand what you mean. Anyway, you should try. There are a few opportunities out there. This is pretty much the same for every other profession. Saving Changes...
Brian NelsonCEO Brain Nelson| One Source, Customer CareChicago, IL, United States
Thank you guys for all of your awesome feedback. I was able to sit for the PMP exam because I have significant experience in working in the non-profit arena and heading up community projects. I will most certainly take your advice to heart and put into practice.
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1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Nov 04, 2021 11:34 AM
Kiron Bondale
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Given the heavy volunteer work you've done, Brian, you might be able to leverage your network of other volunteers from those projects to get your foot in the door, so make sure they are aware that you are looking for a PM role.
Thank you guys for all of your awesome feedback. I was able to sit for the PMP exam because I have significant experience in working in the non-profit arena and heading up community projects. I will most certainly take your advice to heart and put into practice.
Given the heavy volunteer work you've done, Brian, you might be able to leverage your network of other volunteers from those projects to get your foot in the door, so make sure they are aware that you are looking for a PM role.
Good luck!
Kiron Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
To be eligible for getting PMP Certification you need 36 month leading projects. This is 3 years at minimun. It is close to the amount of experience required when people try to find a job as far as I know. Saving Changes...
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