I am an administrative assistant but would like to switch to project management. l have already attended the PMP training and am awaiting to book for the exam.
Quest. Any suggestions on organisations that absorb PMP trained personnel with no experience. Saving Changes...
Project management is a life skill so having the training is a good addition. With this you can learn how best to manage your responsibilities and when engaged on a project, you will understand the art of getting the job done faster and better. Any forward thinking organization will appreciate this in an employee.
You may not start out with project engagements roles but this will give you the platform to build experience and GROW into the role.
All the best. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Juliet, you need some PM experience to get your PMP. If you can get your PMP, then you have experience you can present. Saving Changes...
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
Ste'phane is correct (once again as in every comment - kudos!!) in that you need experience. I'm curious, when did you submit your paperwork and you indicated you are awaiting now to book the exam. Have you been cleared to book a date? Saving Changes...
STEVE BOEDECKERUnemployed Project Manager| FutureVision ProductionsVernon, Nj, United States
Juliet, I have done many projects successfully and then found the PMP certification program later in life. I am done with the classes and at the advice of people here, and in my class, it is recommended to study, study study. Do many varied practice exams. And maybe as Michael stated, a forward thinking company could let you create Mini-Projects, and supervise your work and put you into the KAs that you need to apply. Then the work itself counts, and then your exposure to the actual work enhances memorizing and practical reference. And it may be also suggested as I will be doing so in a few weeks, to join PMI.org. But as you are in Niarobi, others here may have different certifications to recommend for you. Also, and I may get my head bitten off when I say this from all the gurus, some recommended getting the CAPM Cert. Then as you get more Project experience, and attend meetings and get PDUs, which only count if you are Prem Member in PMI, you can study again and audit a PMP class, and then take the test! EVERY TIME YOU TAKE the test it costs money, and even if you fail and retake you still have to pay. Saving Changes...
Are you sure you have no PM experience from when you were AA? Did you compose or proofread anything such as budget, plans, status reports, etc. If so, then some experience could be considered. I also recommend you consider CAPM as noted above? Saving Changes...
STEVE BOEDECKERUnemployed Project Manager| FutureVision ProductionsVernon, Nj, United States
John is correct. He is bringing up a good point that some of us who are never in the position of project manager for the last 10, 15, 20 years, have done projects and work as team members in a very very important and crucial role. Sometimes going back over the projects that you have been a part of, can lead you to find that you actually saw a project from initiation to close. And that you may have been essential in one or more roles that are defined or mentioned in Pmbok. So if I were you, I would do as John recommended and many other articles do on this great site, and write down a list of projects you were involved with, length of time, and tasks. Match those tasks to the 47 processes. See if that helps for a start. Saving Changes...
I am grateful for the advice. I initially had the CAPM in mind, but thought PMP would work better with my degree and years of working (though not in projects). I also agree that in one way or another l probably have undertaken some project work, just that l couldn't place a finger on any.
I am yet to pay for the exam because l have to tabulate project management experience. Michael Effanga, l totally agree with you, project management is a life skill. l believe it will be of great help not only in project management but also in my daily activities, and once l am able to land a project assignment, it will be much easier to adjust.
l will explore all possibilities so that my PMP training is not in vain.
Please keep those words of wisdom coming in. Saving Changes...
STEVE BOEDECKERUnemployed Project Manager| FutureVision ProductionsVernon, Nj, United States
As an example above, I have now 3 Projects in my personal life, organized as controlled by a PMO (staffed by wife and I and a friend) and 3 projects: Rebranding Doligrace (wife is an exceptional performing artist who's career is sort of stagnating), Steve's Reconstruction (my own employment direction course correction) and FIX THIS DARN HOUSE ( easy to figure that one).
All of the basic High Level activities in each Project and the Scopes, have some intersecting inputs from the other Projects, and dependancies and risks (not just negative.
SO as I study for CAPM I am applying thru various guidelines and techniques, a methodology that will allow me to use most of the KAs and all processes; which in turn will help me memorize key elements for the test.
Great advice and responses from everyone!
Curious, what is the job environment like in NIAROBI ? Are you in the capital? Any perspectives ? YOU should create a new POST about your country and city and the Risks (Positive + Negative) and Management issues and strategies; common OPAs and EEFs, and workforce competancies you notice.
ONE DAY YOU could be a leader in this field for your country! Saving Changes...
