Sheila EllisIT Support| Ernst and YoungRichmond Heights, Oh, United States
I helped with projects during my last job but was never shown the big picture of Project Management. I know the phases of Initiate, Planning, Executing, but not how to use them with PMBOK, or how to schedule tasks properly.
My problem is no company is going to hire me to be a PM without having experience first. It is a catch 22, how can I get hired if I have no experience and how can I get experience if I never get hired.
My best bet is to study and get CAPM certification, that with Project 2013 knowledge should make me marketable to some employers. From there I can gain real world experience and credit hours and go for the PMP. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I totally support your plan Sheila - This is the right thing to do IMHO.
...
1 reply by Suhail Iqbal
Jan 20, 2016 4:33 PM
Suhail Iqbal
...
I also think you are thinking on the right track. You must go for CAPM, and then work on your experience for 3-4 years before you can start preparing for PMP.CAPM credential is a one time credential, which cannot be renewed, but stand good for 5 years after passing. That gives you enough time to gain necessary experience and prepare for PMP.
Saving Changes...
Bruce Wilkinson MBA, PMPExpert Project Manager / Trustworthy Executive Assistant / Business Coach| goBRUCE Business ServicesCuenca, Azuay, Ecuador
Sounds like you're on the right track. I remember applying for a very good PM job with a major corporation after I had my MBA but before I had any project management certification, even though I had done some PM work before. There were about a dozen people around the boardroom table, and the department head asked me what project management certifications I had. He asked if had a PMP or even a CAPM. When I said no, I could tell the interview was pretty much over. I'm quite sure that if I had had the CAPM, I would have scored the job. That's when I first realized that I needed to start pursuing certification.
So my advice: Go for it Sheila! You won't be sorry! Saving Changes...
I totally support your plan Sheila - This is the right thing to do IMHO.
I also think you are thinking on the right track. You must go for CAPM, and then work on your experience for 3-4 years before you can start preparing for PMP.CAPM credential is a one time credential, which cannot be renewed, but stand good for 5 years after passing. That gives you enough time to gain necessary experience and prepare for PMP. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
It looks like you found the information you needed in your first post, Sheila. I think this will give you the best of both worlds: time and stepping stones. Saving Changes...
Ramon RodriguezSanto Domingo, Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
Hello Sheila and congratulations on your decision! I went on the same path, as my previous experiences with projects was way off the PMBOK® and I decided to start on a formal knowledge and work related experience in the field of project management and I got the CAPM. From there just like you said get the experience and go for the PMP. Congratulations and just remember is a long term commitment. Saving Changes...
PANKAJ KUMAR JOSHIGeneral Manager| Transrail Lighting LimitedNainital, Uttrakhand, India
You have selected correct path. Improve your PM skills and get certified in CAPM and later in PMP. Saving Changes...
Markus KopkoAI Enabler for Project & Program Mgmt | Founder PMotion.ai / The PM
AI Coach| PMotion.aiHamburg, Hamburg, Germany
Hello Sheilla,
in addition to what all my previous fellows written, i would recommend to llok for some volunteer opportunitys to gain already some real life expereince while studying for CAPM.
If you are a PMI Member you can look for world wide volunteer opportunitys (real and virtual!) there.
This way you may obtain the needed expereinces hours for PMP much faster, i guess.
You may search for actual volunteer positions here:
Product Operations Program ManagerBarcelona, Cataluña, Spain
I agree with all comments above.
Also, bear in mind that to be eligible for the PMP certificate has a prerequisite of 7,500 hours leading and directing projects (if you have a high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent) OR 4,500 hours leading and directing projects (if you have a four year degree)
Good luck with your career! You'll do great! Saving Changes...
Your approach is very practical Sheila Ellis!! Saving Changes...
Bunor OputeAssistant Project Manager| Communication Network Support Services LimitedLagos, Lagos, Nigeria
I totally agree with what everyone has said. Though I chose PMP, that's only because I have PM experience. Thanks to my Boss who gave me many opportunity to handle projects in his presence and absence. Am preparing for PMP certification now. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
