George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 01, 2016 8:41 AM
Replying to Abigail Whitmore
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In my opinion, either approach is fine... as long as you do BOTH and don't view them as being independent (or discrete) items in your development. Each one feeds and influences the other.
Abigail thanks for your post,can you also cast your vote here
I'm an example of the experience first path and am happy with how my career has played out, but I often recommend the other path to aspiring PMs, and agree with Mournir. I think a new PM will have an easier first break into the field with some formal education to give them an advantage over other junior candidates.
I'm in that path learning formal education in PM with Master's Certificate and Master's Degree in PM. However, my challenge right now is that when I tried to apply for a PM job, I am always asked if I do have a PM working experience. It seems that it is a struggle to get employ without experience in a PM position if a candidate applies for it. Saving Changes...
Experience, certification and knowledge, all must be required. Certification must enhance your profile but if not able to implement successfully. Problem for you.
I agree with your first statement that experience, certification, knowledge or formal education are the recipes for success but not required though. It is good to have them. Some PMs don't have all of those but are successful. On the other hand, with all those listed above, individual is still struggling. The answer in general here is "it depends". Saving Changes...
Gina AbudiPresident| Abudi Consulting LLCAmherst, Nh, United States
For most certifications, including the PMP - you need to have experience first. However, the CAPM is a great start to begin to build your career in project management and show your commitment to the profession. It doesn't require the same level of experience that the PMP does.
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1 reply by George Lewis
Jun 02, 2016 3:04 PM
George Lewis
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Gina - So in this specific case for CAPM, you'll go for certifications first?
John BriesemeisterPower Plant Steam Turbine Systems Specialist| GNPower Dinginin LLCSaint Augustine, Fl, United States
I took a much different route than most people and I am glad that I did. I was originally introduced to Project Management in 1984 by the company that I worked for and it was so that as a Senior Engineer I could manage projects in power plants. I worked for a number of years as either a Senior Engineer or a Project Manager in the power industry after 2004 and in 2007 decided to get my PMP. I was audited by PMI with regards to my experience as a project manager before they would permit me to take the PMP Examination, which I completed after taking a 4 day Training Seminar. Since 2007, I have completed a four year Master's Program in Project Management from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, which is located in the USA. I would say from my experience that working as a Project Manager without a license or training is relying on "lessons learned" from a past project to plan for the next one. However, it does not help you access and develop great tools for managing projects such as EVM, Program Management, etc. I do believe that PMI should audit more people that want to take the PMP examination since the experience that I had did help me during the Training Seminar and the PMP license should signify a culmination of that experience. Saving Changes...
Cliff ParkerSenior Agile Delivery Manager| DevOpsGroupHarrietsham, Kent, United Kingdom
Hey
It's the age old chicken and egg question. Unfortunately to make it through most recruitment CV key word scans, you need to have certifications. Does this mean you can do the job? Absolutely not.
Previously having worked in Operations management, I always favoured experience over qualifications.
Answering your question though, if you've no experience, then go get some form of training. Then hope your dazzling personality gets you through the interview!
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1 reply by George Lewis
Jun 02, 2016 3:08 PM
George Lewis
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Cliff - thanks for your input... You go for experience or the training (which is equal to some sort of certification) ?
I'm just asking, because you say, get some type of formal training...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 02, 2016 7:12 AM
Replying to Gina Abudi
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For most certifications, including the PMP - you need to have experience first. However, the CAPM is a great start to begin to build your career in project management and show your commitment to the profession. It doesn't require the same level of experience that the PMP does.
Gina - So in this specific case for CAPM, you'll go for certifications first?
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 02, 2016 9:19 AM
Replying to Cliff Parker
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Hey
It's the age old chicken and egg question. Unfortunately to make it through most recruitment CV key word scans, you need to have certifications. Does this mean you can do the job? Absolutely not.
Previously having worked in Operations management, I always favoured experience over qualifications.
Answering your question though, if you've no experience, then go get some form of training. Then hope your dazzling personality gets you through the interview!
Cliff - thanks for your input... You go for experience or the training (which is equal to some sort of certification) ?
I'm just asking, because you say, get some type of formal training...
saurabh mahajanPMP, ITIL, PRINCE2| vodafonePune, Maharashtra, India
I think experience is better teacher, as certification books will not teach you decision making. Certifications will teach you only whats is best to do, recommended way. Experience will teach what is not in books...the hard way. This will also prepare you better for the certifications as you will ask questions to the knowledge areas in PMBOK. This will help you clear your understanding of all PM concepts
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
Jun 06, 2016 6:00 AM
Replying to saurabh mahajan
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I think experience is better teacher, as certification books will not teach you decision making. Certifications will teach you only whats is best to do, recommended way. Experience will teach what is not in books...the hard way. This will also prepare you better for the certifications as you will ask questions to the knowledge areas in PMBOK. This will help you clear your understanding of all PM concepts
Lewis, would you choose a person with 9 years of experience in handling $27 Million project in healthcare/finance/automobile domain or a person with 3.5 years experience handling $2.7 Million project in single domain with CAPM certification ?
(salary being not a constrain for right candidate)
