Kathy ForsytheI.T. Business Relationship Manager| South Florida Water Management DistrictWellington, Fl, United States
Hi, just wondering if anyone out there is in a similar situation as myself where you're just starting out in PM, well, sort of. My work experience has been in web development developing small to large web applications. I've always led my own projects from initiation to closure. I've managed contractor developers on projects as well. The only formal documentation that I've used are SRSs and SOWs. So, yes, I have project management experience, but not with the FORMAL project management processes. On my resume, my education looks great: BS in Computer Information Systems, MBA. I'm currently studying for the PMP (test is in August). But my experience is what's going to look questionable to employers. What are your thoughts/advice? Anyone else in a similar boat? Saving Changes...
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
As long as you hit the right keywords in your résumé, you will be fine, Kathy. When a person is reviewing your résumé, they want you to have project management experience. They don't really care if it's formal, as long as you can identify the appropriate areas. Saving Changes...
Stephanie GrahamVP of Strategy| BankOnITOklahoma City, Ok, United States
I'll say that I think I'm in a similar boat. My work experience has been I.T. Support based and the company I work for wanted to start a position for Project Management. They moved me in to the position about 6 years ago now. We've been building schedule templates, have coordinated training, risk management, and issue logging within the company and within our own ticketing systems. We don't use full-PMI standard type forms though or follow the formal PMI process standards. The department has grown to include now 4 project managers, all intro or like myself, "accidental PM's".
I'm studying for my PMP too and am looking at tons of examples of "proper documentation". I'm hoping to lead the growth of our department to include the PMI standards. I've found many great templates already on projectmanagement.com. Saving Changes...
John Caron, MBA, PMP, CSMVP - Technology Project Solutions Consultant| Bank of AmericaJacksonville, Fl, United States
I know a few folks who just "graduated" from a PMP Study Group, went on to earn their PMP and accepted Jr PM opportunities in their field. If seeking to add "PM" in the job title of your resume, tailor the resume with PMP buzzwords (assuming you actually did this in a prior role) i.e. "Managed risk including quantitative, qualitative and risk responses..."
Best of luck Kathy and Stephanie on your PMP (be sure to let us know when you pass) exams! Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
You have to review the definition of project management and project manager. And when you do that you have to take into account quit different organizations definitions: PMI, IPMA, GPM, including PRINCE2 definition. That is the key. When you review it then you will find that you are a project manager. On the other side are the process you follow to perform project management. Here again you have to review the different organizationa project definition. The process, not the techniques because lot of people with a PMI´s PMP certification follow techniques not listed inside the PMBOK. So, if for each initiative you forllow the process and use some techniques to define-create-plan-track-close a project then that´s all you need. Unfortunatelly you have to teach people who have hired you as project manager or is going to hire you as project manager. Saving Changes...
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