Question to anyone who would care to answer... Is a Master's degree in Project Management a step above a PMP certification, a stepping stone to it, or a waste of time -- get a PMP? In today's job market, what are employers looking for more -- a degree or a certification? Saving Changes...
Bethany. Thanks for the all the links and Insight. I am pretty much looking for a job anywhere. I am more interested in job security, pay and job satisfaction than I am with location. If I had my preference though it would be on the east coast. I do have a clearance but just a SECRET. I know Top Secret is money in the bank. I have looked at Dice and ClearedJobs.com, however they are looking for people with either much more experience than me, or more Technical (Hands-on) experience. As an officer, I dont get the same types of hand-on and technical training. Thanks for the advice. Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
Jon: I believe that you have very good experience in management and has a background as well. However, you should try to put across a more positive presentation by highlighting your strengths. Well, nobody knows everything!
To me, a miltary officer would remind me of loyalty and your looking for a permanent type of job would fit in with companies seeking out full time employees. In corporate America, networking can land you in jobs- in my experience. Saving Changes...
So I'm guessing that you are a Lt? which means you have around four years of experience? The fact that you have managed 30-50 people with 10mil in budget is pretty damn cool. I'm wondering though what types of positions you are looking at that want more experience than you have? What is your ideal position? Perhaps if you moved more to the business side than technical (assuming that the positions you are looking at require hands on tech experience). And don't sell that SECRET clearance short. It's a foot in the door ;) and better than no clearance at all. Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
The truth is Bethany that I have just recently began looking into the job market. What I have noticed so far, is that the majority of the positions in all the IT, IS categories are Technical in nature. I would like a Management type position, because that is what I have been doing and what I am good at. I would be completely open to technical positions, I am just extremely rusty at that type of job (programmed in College and was a system admin for my internship).
All in all I want to find a job that is demanding, challenging and satisfying and hopefully doesn't require a pay cut leaving the military.
Bethany, I would prefer the management type positions, but most of the job search engines do not carry those in the IT category, should I be checking another block?
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Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
For beginning, why don't you look for a contract position as a management lead to gather more experience and then shift to a permanent position (as you are open to relocating)? A PMP certification would be a defenite plus in job search. Saving Changes...
I am open to a contract position. I just need to find one that is hiring someone with my skillset. Are there any particular websites that are good for looking up Contract type positions.
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Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
If you float your resume around, you'll get calls from agencies and head hunters soon. Dice.com, careerbuilder.com and monster.com are the biggest. In my experience, there are so many in corporate America with a military background and who have the camamrederie spirit in them. It should work in your favor. if you are looking for an IT position, highlight your skills/experience accordingly. Saving Changes...
If you send me your resume, I will forward to some recruiters that I have worked with in the past. From what you are saying, I can't think why you wouldn't be qualified for a project manager position. You can email me at [email protected] - for privacy's sake, you can leave off your contact information (except email address) and I can e-introduce you to recruiters and then you and the recruiters can work with each other to find you a position. Out of curiousity, are you currently in the d.c. area and if not, are you will to relocate on your own dime (although if I'm not mistaken, the military should move you one last time as you retire)? Saving Changes...
Bipin Lekshmanan PMPProject Manager| Wipro TechnologiesEdison, Nj, United States
That's very nice of you, Bethany. I wish I could be of more help! Good luck, Jon. Saving Changes...
