Rao Vasudeva GProgram Manager| Aeronautical Development AgencyBangalore, Karnataka, India
Is PMP holder should know the domain/application/industry knowledge for better career path?
What are the chances for better career if a person does not have domain knowledge except project management practical knowledge with PMP certification?
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Patrick QuirkManaging Partner| FOQUS Partners LLCLexington, Ky, United States
Great topic, Rao! I've been studying it recently and I think it breaks into two components. The first is PM skills vs other domain-specific subject matter expertise, which I've tried to describe here: http://www.pmevolution.com/pmevolution/shoudlpmsbesmes/
In short, my theory is that a project is more successful when you have both skilled PM and SMEs, but they don't have to be in the same individual if they are working together as a team.
For the career path aspect, I actually am posting an article tomorrow on that topic, but the short of it is that it depends upon the level to which you wish to advance. If you want to be a PM specialist, that's fine, but you'll be limited in your career path (for now, but I think this is changing) by how highly organizations advance PMs. Obviously, this varies greatly by organization. That said, there are plenty of projects to work so there should be an ongoing need for PMs, but expect competition to increase.
If you want to take PM skills and advance to senior-level management, then domain knowledge is critical, just as any entry to mid-level manager wanting to advance to executive level. I'd compare it to the accountant/finance to CFO path. You need the base technical skills to get started, but after that, your advancement depends upon how well you understand the organization and can apply your PM skills to achieving strategic success.
In summary, it really will depend upon what organizations in your geography value and what level of position you are currently and ultimately seeking. Keep in mind that, just like IT, project management is only performed by organizations because it drives value to the organization. Thus, you should be focused on figuring out how your PM skills drive value to the organization, including obtaining whatever other knowledge areas you need to gather.
I hope that helps!
- Patrick Saving Changes...
Rao Vasudeva GProgram Manager| Aeronautical Development AgencyBangalore, Karnataka, India
Hi Patrick,
Wonderful and valuable answer. Thank you. Still my mind rubs, if the domain/industry has no value in the market or it is saturated in the domain and the PM wants to change the domain irrespective of the geography. In this case the opportunities for PM is very low/none to continue in other organizations, except the person own interested business. Do you agree?
