Hi everyone!
I am seeking some assistance. Some time ago I have decided to take the Project Management path. I have been studying for DASM and planning to go for the exam soon. Next on my list is CAPM. And hopefully after some time and practice I would be able to go for PMP - thats the aim.
I have had some experience with projects in my previous role as a Technical Team Lead in an American IT company. That is how I have decided to change my role. And here comes the big question: Do you think I have chosen the right certificates to start with? Also how can I get a mentor - someone who would guide me through and would be patient enough to answer my dumb questions? Do you have any suggestions for job searching? Do I at all stand a chance getting a job in Germany with primary English language?
1. Have you taken any foundational project management courses yet which will take you through the fundamentals using a case study or two and help you avoid making the common mistakes of an "accidental" PM? If not, I'd recommend that before pursuing any certification. If you have, then DASM is a good choice but if you have sufficient PM experience why not consider the PMP rather than the CAPM.
2. A local mentor is a preferred choice, ideally within the same industry as you are in as they can provide you with support that is context-relevant. Have you contacted your local PMI chapter to see if they have an in-person or virtual mentoring program? If that isn't an option, then there are a number of seasoned practitioners in this community like me who'd be willing to help you out on an ongoing basis with your questions.
3. Regarding your employment options as a predominantly English speaker in Germany, I'd defer to others in the community like Thomas Walenta who is based in Germany...
Kiron
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1 reply by Hristina Koleva
Dec 09, 2021 9:08 AM
Hristina Koleva
...
Hi Kiron,
Thank you for your reply. 1 - What do you mean by Foundational PM course? Udemy courses, reads etc or something specific? I have watched some courses to get a general information. Unfortunately I do not think I have enough experience in projects to go for PMP. I mean, I have 3 years of experience in IT Management and couple of projects during that period but I am not even sure how can I prove this experience. My projects were related to onboarding new customers, improving internal processes for the team and even adopting new tools to optimise customer experience etc.
2 - I'd agree with you. The problem is that my German is very basic. I saw the Berlin chapter and everything there was in German. I am working on improving it, but it takes time. Thank you for being open to assist.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Hristina
I do agree with what Kiron mentioned. Regarding the certificates, I think DASM and CAPM are definitely a good start for someone new to Project Management.
Good Luck.
RK
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1 reply by Hristina Koleva
Dec 09, 2021 9:21 AM
Hristina Koleva
...
Hi Rami,
Thank you. It all sounds encouraging. I would be happy to hear your insights for exams prep (if you have any).
1. Have you taken any foundational project management courses yet which will take you through the fundamentals using a case study or two and help you avoid making the common mistakes of an "accidental" PM? If not, I'd recommend that before pursuing any certification. If you have, then DASM is a good choice but if you have sufficient PM experience why not consider the PMP rather than the CAPM.
2. A local mentor is a preferred choice, ideally within the same industry as you are in as they can provide you with support that is context-relevant. Have you contacted your local PMI chapter to see if they have an in-person or virtual mentoring program? If that isn't an option, then there are a number of seasoned practitioners in this community like me who'd be willing to help you out on an ongoing basis with your questions.
3. Regarding your employment options as a predominantly English speaker in Germany, I'd defer to others in the community like Thomas Walenta who is based in Germany...
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
Thank you for your reply. 1 - What do you mean by Foundational PM course? Udemy courses, reads etc or something specific? I have watched some courses to get a general information. Unfortunately I do not think I have enough experience in projects to go for PMP. I mean, I have 3 years of experience in IT Management and couple of projects during that period but I am not even sure how can I prove this experience. My projects were related to onboarding new customers, improving internal processes for the team and even adopting new tools to optimise customer experience etc.
2 - I'd agree with you. The problem is that my German is very basic. I saw the Berlin chapter and everything there was in German. I am working on improving it, but it takes time. Thank you for being open to assist.
3 - Thank you once again.
Hristina
...
1 reply by Kiron Bondale
Dec 09, 2021 9:46 AM
Kiron Bondale
...
Hristina -
1. What I mean was a fundamental-level course covering all knowledge areas within the PMBOK but not a prep course for a certification.
2. No worries - there are lots of folks in the community that would likely be happy to help with your questions!
I do agree with what Kiron mentioned. Regarding the certificates, I think DASM and CAPM are definitely a good start for someone new to Project Management.
Good Luck.
RK
Hi Rami,
Thank you. It all sounds encouraging. I would be happy to hear your insights for exams prep (if you have any).
Hristina
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Dec 09, 2021 12:16 PM
Rami Kaibni
...
Hristina
For the CAPM, it is knowledge based so you need to go over the PMBOK and another resource (I recommend Rita Mulcahy exam prep) and do some simulation exams (I recommend PM PrepCast, very solid source of simulation exams).
For the DASM, I believe you need to take a course and that is all you need - The course is very well structured and comprehensive. Get in touch with Kiron, he does deliver training as far as I am aware.
Thank you for your reply. 1 - What do you mean by Foundational PM course? Udemy courses, reads etc or something specific? I have watched some courses to get a general information. Unfortunately I do not think I have enough experience in projects to go for PMP. I mean, I have 3 years of experience in IT Management and couple of projects during that period but I am not even sure how can I prove this experience. My projects were related to onboarding new customers, improving internal processes for the team and even adopting new tools to optimise customer experience etc.
2 - I'd agree with you. The problem is that my German is very basic. I saw the Berlin chapter and everything there was in German. I am working on improving it, but it takes time. Thank you for being open to assist.
3 - Thank you once again.
Hristina
Hristina -
1. What I mean was a fundamental-level course covering all knowledge areas within the PMBOK but not a prep course for a certification.
2. No worries - there are lots of folks in the community that would likely be happy to help with your questions!
Kiron
...
1 reply by Hristina Koleva
Dec 09, 2021 10:18 AM
Hristina Koleva
...
Hi Kiron,
Oh right! There are plenty of those courses online. I keep watching them.
Thanks!
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Dec 09, 2021 9:21 AM
Replying to Hristina Koleva
...
Hi Rami,
Thank you. It all sounds encouraging. I would be happy to hear your insights for exams prep (if you have any).
Hristina
Hristina
For the CAPM, it is knowledge based so you need to go over the PMBOK and another resource (I recommend Rita Mulcahy exam prep) and do some simulation exams (I recommend PM PrepCast, very solid source of simulation exams).
For the DASM, I believe you need to take a course and that is all you need - The course is very well structured and comprehensive. Get in touch with Kiron, he does deliver training as far as I am aware.
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