Hello, I am a 21 year old taking an online PMP course through ArmyiGnited and the PMI Institute. I am attending OSU this year to start a 5 year masters program offered by Ohio State with aspirations of working in defense research afterwards. What are some steps I could take within my education or even professional career to prepare me for a job as a program or project manager at such an agency? Does anyone have any experience at DARPA or other defense research agencies? Is it worth doing? I was deployed and experienced combat, and I doubt clearance would be an issue. Saving Changes...
I think you better work on the eligibility criteria of what you are looking for. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Thank you for the sacrifices you made for your country, Tristan.
To amplify on Abolfazl's suggestion, you want to review the PMP application experience and education requirements. Make sure you are working towards satisfying all of them.
As far as working in defense research, I think your best bet is to work on networking with people in that industry. Go to the Building Your Network page so can see people in similar industries, skills & projects, ... Saving Changes...
Take a look at some of DARPA's job postings. Leading secret research, often a PhD is preferred or required, but you will see some jobs that require a lower degree plus experience such as MS + 6 years. You didn't say what masters program you are pursuing, but many in engineering or science have military applications, and OSU is a top tier research university.
For career planning, I would look for employment with a defense contractor first. There you can demonstrate the depth of your technical skills and gain broader experience working with other disciplines which you will likely need unless you plan to lead research in a very narrow field. Saving Changes...
