Hello All,
I started off my career as a junior project manager in 2012 and have been managing big and small projects for my firm ever since, including assisting in moving from waterfall to agile mode, and currently serve as an associate program manager (release management) for Products division. I do not have any certification and have managed to succeed solely based on hands-on experience, constant learning and if i could use the term - 'PM instinct'. (My bachelors degree is B.E in Comp. Sc - nothing remotely linked to Project Management). I have done well in my firm in terms of promotions and received good hikes. Although I love my work, I feel the need to learn more and take the next step in my career. I could either pursue MBA (that's what seems to be universally excepted) OR pursue Masters in PM.
My interest and gut feeling is strongly inclined towards MSc in Project Management (From a recognized univ. ofc) and that I could always pursue and executive MBA in future (if need be). What should I do? Requesting you to kindly advice. Would also highly appreciate it if you could direct me towards some good universities that offer Msc in PM.
Regards,
Pooja Halady Saving Changes...
Simplistically: If looking for depth, go for Masters in PM. If looking for breadth, go for MBA. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
I have seen this question before, especially for us that comes from a degree in Computer Sc.
If you're a PM or planning to be, I would go for a PMP and maye you wouldn't need an Master in PM, but rather an MBA.
If you're not a PM and not planning to take the PMP, why would you want a Master in PM. PMP is just a must and a first step for me.
I just feel like an MBA is much more interesting and give you a broader vision. I'm not a fan of Master in PM, but that's just me :) I know lots of people has made the effort going that way.
Go for an MBA... Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Have you ruled out doing something like PMP, or a certification? You say you don't have one, but that could be a shorter-term, lower cost option than committing to a degree. Saving Changes...
Hello All - Thank you so much for responding to my query.
@Mr. Samuel Vaddi - Thank you for the sound advise.
@George Lewis - I am already a PM with 3+ years of experience but wish to pursue a Masters Degree. The dilemma is around what whether to pursue MBA or MPM. Thank you for taking time to lend me your advice on the topic :)
@Elizabeth Harrin - I ruled out PMP as I felt that a certification could hold me out for another 3-4 years but beyond that, I would definitely require a masters degree to progress further in my career. Presently, I can afford to take some time (1-2 years) off from work to pursue a masters degree. Nor is cost of a MPM a concern (Cost of an MBA is a little bit of concern) I am not entirely sold on MBA as I see myself inclined more towards execution of projects as opposed to consulting. Hence the query above :) However, thank you very much for the suggestion! Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Since you have a deep interest in PM, get the PMP and a Master's in PM. MBA is more of a generalist degree, though there are those MBA programs with a project management concentration. Saving Changes...
Diana BallesterosProject Management Specialist| EMERSON Isolation - Australia Australia
Interesting question. I am actually just about to start a Masters in Project Management as part of my plan to become a certified PM. I chose it that way as it will take me a few years to complete the 4.500 hours required to apply for the certification itself, so I thought it will be more beneficial to me getting both: theory & practice at the same time. In some Master programs you can tailor your courses to meet your specific career needs so in this instance I will be looking at courses relevant to PM as well as those for an MBA. Now if you are close to complete the hours for sitting the test with PMI for the PMP certification may as well go for the MBA instead. Saving Changes...
The first two questions that come to mine, in your situation, are:
1) what are your goals?
2) what is the job market looking for?
Is your goal to get a degree that will help you in your career, or is it to get a degree and take classes in subjects that interest you?
If your goal is to get a degree that will help you in your career, research your local job market. What positions interest you? What are the educational requirements for the positions that interest you?
If you can answer these questions, it will help you decide. This is just a starting point - there may be more things to consider, based on your circumstances. Saving Changes...
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