What courses or certifications do you recommend to someone interested in Project Management but who doesn't have actual Project Management experience but has managed projects in a different capacity? Saving Changes...
I'd skip a certification-focused course and suggest a foundational comprehensive course in project management instead. Ideally, it would give a lot of hands-on practice with different practices, tools & techniques.
Once the person has applied some of what they've learned, a certification such as the CAPM or PMP would be appropriate.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Christy
As someone who has multiple credentials, I will have to fully agree with Kiron. Foundational comprehensive course is your best bet to make your feet wet then doing the CAPM would be the next best step.
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Like Rami, I think your best bet is to start with the CAPM. Not only will it give you the foundational knowledge but it will also identify you as a project management "apprentice". This should provide you some good will with project management "masters" who will give you the opportunity and coaching to gain project management experience. Once you've built sufficient experience, you will be able to take on the PMP and become a "master" in your own right! Saving Changes...
I would like to piggyback onto Christy's question. I am not sure it's looked on as a certification, but I finished the Coursera Google Project Management Certificate in early fall of '21. Can anyone help me figure out how to get into doing some project work, preferably a PMO office so I can learn from other PMs?
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2 replies by Markus Kopko and Stéphane Parent
Apr 25, 2022 8:05 PM
Stéphane Parent
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You have to ask or apply for positions on projects or project management office. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
Jan 02, 2024 9:10 AM
Markus Kopko
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Hi Eric,
Breaking into project work, especially in a PMO (Project Management Office) where you can learn directly from experienced project managers, is a smart move. It's like getting a front-row seat to the action. Let me share a few tips that might help you get started, based on what I've seen work for others in the field.
PMI Volunteering Platform: PMI offers a dedicated platform for volunteering, which you can find on their website. This platform lists various opportunities where you can volunteer your time and skills. These can range from short-term tasks to more significant roles in project management.
Why Volunteer: Volunteering through PMI not only allows you to contribute to the community but also gives you practical experience in managing projects. It’s a unique opportunity to apply project management principles in real-world scenarios, which is invaluable when you’re looking to break into a PMO role.
Learning from Experienced PMs: Often, these volunteer projects are led by experienced project managers. This is a chance to learn directly from seasoned professionals – to see how they handle planning, execution, stakeholder management, and more.
Building Your Network: Volunteering also expands your professional network. You’ll meet and collaborate with other project management professionals, which can open doors to job opportunities in the future.
Enhancing Your Resume: Having volunteer experience on your resume can be a big plus. It shows initiative, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to the field of project management. It's a way to stand out to potential employers or managers within your current organization.
Diverse Experiences: PMI's volunteering opportunities are quite varied, so you can choose projects that align with your interests or areas where you want to develop skills. This diversity of experience can be a real asset as you move forward in your career.
Incorporating volunteering into your journey towards project management, especially through a platform like PMI’s, is a smart strategy. It’s about putting yourself out there, applying what you know, learning from others, and making connections – all of which are crucial in the world of project management.
So, do you think volunteering could be a viable path for you? It might just be the experience you need to bridge the gap to a PMO role. Plus, the sense of community and contribution that comes with volunteering can be incredibly rewarding in itself.
BR,
Markus
Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Apr 22, 2022 3:45 PM
Replying to Eric Taylor
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I would like to piggyback onto Christy's question. I am not sure it's looked on as a certification, but I finished the Coursera Google Project Management Certificate in early fall of '21. Can anyone help me figure out how to get into doing some project work, preferably a PMO office so I can learn from other PMs?
You have to ask or apply for positions on projects or project management office. It's as simple and as difficult as that. Saving Changes...
CAPM Certification would be appropriate to start acquiring Project Management knowledge.
I recommend this exam-prep package: https://rmcls.com/capm-exam-prep/ Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Dear Christy,
Jumping into the world of project management without formal experience in the field is a path many have taken, including myself at one point. It's exciting and a bit daunting, but there are plenty of resources out there to help you bridge that gap. Let me share some thoughts based on what I've seen and learned along the way.
First off, starting with foundational courses or certifications is key. These can provide you with the structured knowledge and frameworks that are essential in project management.
1. PMI’s Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM):
This is a great starting point. The CAPM is designed for those who don't have formal project management experience. It covers the basics and gives you a solid grounding in key project management principles and practices.
2. Agile and Scrum Training:
Given the popularity of Agile methodologies, gaining knowledge in this area can be really beneficial. Certifications like Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI-ACP (Agile Certified Practitioner) can be valuable, even if you haven’t had formal project management roles.
3. Prince2 Foundation:
Another option is the Prince2 Foundation certification. It’s widely recognized and provides a detailed understanding of the Prince2 methodology, which is a standard in many organizations.
4. Project Management Courses:
There are numerous online platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Udemy that offer project management courses. These can range from introductory courses to more advanced topics. They’re a good way to start building your knowledge base.
5. Local PMI Chapters and Workshops:
Joining a local PMI chapter or attending workshops can be a great way to learn and network. Sometimes, learning from others' experiences can be just as valuable as formal education.
Beyond certifications and courses, I’d recommend getting involved in project management in whatever capacity you can in your current role. It could be as simple as volunteering to lead a small project or part of a project. Practical experience, even on a small scale, is invaluable.
Also, reading up on project management – books, blogs, articles – can be a great way to deepen your understanding. Authors like Rita Mulcahy and Harold Kerzner have written extensively on the subject and are often recommended.
Remember, project management is as much about soft skills – like communication, leadership, and problem-solving – as it is about methodologies and tools. So, working on these skills is also a crucial part of your journey.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of networking. Connecting with experienced project managers, attending industry events, or even joining project management groups on social media can provide insights and opportunities that formal education can't.
So, what do you think? Does starting with a certification like CAPM or diving into Agile methodologies sound like a good fit for you? Or maybe a mix of formal courses and practical, hands-on experience? There's no one right path, but combining a few of these approaches can definitely set you on the right track.
BR,
markus
Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Apr 12, 2022 8:58 AM
Replying to Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
...
Kiron made a very valid point.
Sure he did! ;) Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Apr 22, 2022 3:45 PM
Replying to Eric Taylor
...
I would like to piggyback onto Christy's question. I am not sure it's looked on as a certification, but I finished the Coursera Google Project Management Certificate in early fall of '21. Can anyone help me figure out how to get into doing some project work, preferably a PMO office so I can learn from other PMs?
Hi Eric,
Breaking into project work, especially in a PMO (Project Management Office) where you can learn directly from experienced project managers, is a smart move. It's like getting a front-row seat to the action. Let me share a few tips that might help you get started, based on what I've seen work for others in the field.
PMI Volunteering Platform: PMI offers a dedicated platform for volunteering, which you can find on their website. This platform lists various opportunities where you can volunteer your time and skills. These can range from short-term tasks to more significant roles in project management.
Why Volunteer: Volunteering through PMI not only allows you to contribute to the community but also gives you practical experience in managing projects. It’s a unique opportunity to apply project management principles in real-world scenarios, which is invaluable when you’re looking to break into a PMO role.
Learning from Experienced PMs: Often, these volunteer projects are led by experienced project managers. This is a chance to learn directly from seasoned professionals – to see how they handle planning, execution, stakeholder management, and more.
Building Your Network: Volunteering also expands your professional network. You’ll meet and collaborate with other project management professionals, which can open doors to job opportunities in the future.
Enhancing Your Resume: Having volunteer experience on your resume can be a big plus. It shows initiative, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to the field of project management. It's a way to stand out to potential employers or managers within your current organization.
Diverse Experiences: PMI's volunteering opportunities are quite varied, so you can choose projects that align with your interests or areas where you want to develop skills. This diversity of experience can be a real asset as you move forward in your career.
Incorporating volunteering into your journey towards project management, especially through a platform like PMI’s, is a smart strategy. It’s about putting yourself out there, applying what you know, learning from others, and making connections – all of which are crucial in the world of project management.
So, do you think volunteering could be a viable path for you? It might just be the experience you need to bridge the gap to a PMO role. Plus, the sense of community and contribution that comes with volunteering can be incredibly rewarding in itself.
Community Champion
