The PMP vs. MBA: The ROI debate continues on LinkedIn and beyond!
Don KimPROJECT-TO-PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT EXPERT| Seeking opportunitiesSacramento, CA, United States
I listed my recent post titled “Is the PMP a better investment than the MBA?“, on various LinkedIn groups to see what other project management professional thought about that idea, and the responses were more diverse and larger in quantity than I expected...
These groups were chosen because they have some of the highest number of PM members, are focused on general PM topics and have many members who are PMP certified and MBAs at least from what I’ve seen with all the PM groups I’m involved with. I probably could have used the poll feature, but then I might not have gotten the diversity and depth of responses I got...
In conclusion, my feeling is that many of us are still to stuck in the outdated model of a career that will progress in a nice linear pattern from worker bee to upper management and possibly executive level that requires a host of advanced degrees and certifications to ensure lifetime employment at a big company. I’m not saying this is totally outdated, but in light of our highly dynamic, increasingly automated and outsourced/offshored business environment where companies, especially in the US are able to increase profits despite high unemployment, that we need to keep our options open and broaden our understanding of what a lifelong career means and the education and skills, not just schooling or certifications that will be required to thrive in it.
To read full article along with graphs go to: http://goo.gl/K53Ch Saving Changes...
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Mark Price PerryBusiness Driven PMO Evangelist| BOT InternationalOrlando, Fl, United States
Don, wonderful article, research and commentary. So agree with your conclusions. I would only add that there is no limits to the career options and paths available to project management professions, but the career path forward is more likely to resemble a rock-climbing wall than a ladder..! All the more reason to step outside the PM box and pursue the kinds of educational and skills development opportunites you mentioned. Thanks for a great article and set of insights... Saving Changes...
Harlan BridgesConsultant, Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Program Manager, Project Manager| EntrepreneurSeguin, Tx, United States
Don,
I was one of you respondents on LinkedIn and I just read your article in full. I believe your research and conclusions are right. I don't believe that the linear career path is the prevalent path anymore. I also strongly support you notion that attending classes, etc. does not guarantee an education or the knowledge of how to apply the lessons within a coursework.
Great article! Saving Changes...
Don KimPROJECT-TO-PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT EXPERT| Seeking opportunitiesSacramento, CA, United States
Thanks Mark and Harland,
It's quite an interesting and important topic for me since these days I'm finding "bloat" with regard to degrees and certifications that's been accelerated by a crappy economy with people accumulating large debt and negative ROIs.
It's basically become an arms race for diplomas and certifications to the point where everyone has them resulting in the inability of employers to differentiate between candidates. So naturally job candidates will get more degrees and certifications creating a vicious circle and quite the dilemma!
Of course, this is from the perspective of someone acquiring these diplomas and certifications purely for job advancement. If it's to learn and become a better professional, there's no ROI that can measure that. Saving Changes...
Barry SunshineSr. Program Manager | Sirius Computer SolutionsOverland Park, Ks, United States
Don,
I think you are right on track with your article and conclusions. Right or wrong, PMP today is a prerequisite for the job market. PMP and MBA both give you the science of the field, but experience gives you the art. It is that knowledge of art that starts to give real value. I am not saying that a new person to project management could not have the knowledge of the art. That is just rare and only a select few are “born” with that type of skill.
I say at the start of your career an MBA is of more value. As you progress a PMP becomes of greater ROI.
