Project Management

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Looking for tips to make a mid-career pivot to project management?

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Noelle Pickler
I've been working for the past 11 years in various communications and program management roles, and am currently a senior program manager. I say this humbly, but I am very effective at what I do and believe I could make a better career for myself scooting into project or product management. It also doesn't feel like it would be a super stretch from what I'm doing now, but I fear I would need to start with more entry level positions and as the main supporter of my family, would be wary of a paycut. I've taken the CAPM foundational course but otherwise have not pursued a cert with PMI. 
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada

Noelle, if you’ve been managing programs for 11 years, then managing projects should be a piece of cake for you because it’s not as complicated so I don’t see how this would be an issue.

On another note, why are you going for the CAPM and not the PMP? With that much experience, you should qualify for the PMP as majority of what you do in Program Management is related to Project Management. You don’t need to have a Project Manager designation in order to qualify as long as you were doing program and project management activities day to day. CAPM is an entry level certificate for those just starting their career in PM, but in your case you already have experience. The CAPM and PMP study material are more or less the same, the difference is in the exam but PMP carries much more weight in the job market.

Hope this helps.

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Noelle Pickler
Hi Rami Kaibni - thanks very much this does help. To be honest I think I've just been intimidated by the PMP? I know there's a certain amount of project hours that need to be demonstrated and I haven't done a good job of tracking that. I will be working with a mentor over the next six months and hope they will be able to guide me through that portion.
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1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Feb 19, 2024 11:52 AM
Rami Kaibni
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Don't be intimidated or overwhelmed. Work with your mentor on figuring your hours out and you should be fine. You can do this - Good Luck!
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Feb 19, 2024 7:50 AM
Replying to Noelle Pickler
...
Hi Rami Kaibni - thanks very much this does help. To be honest I think I've just been intimidated by the PMP? I know there's a certain amount of project hours that need to be demonstrated and I haven't done a good job of tracking that. I will be working with a mentor over the next six months and hope they will be able to guide me through that portion.
Don't be intimidated or overwhelmed. Work with your mentor on figuring your hours out and you should be fine. You can do this - Good Luck!

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