Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
I have found Program Management qualifications to be the most useful - MSP in particular.
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1 reply by Gary Hamilton
Jul 20, 2017 2:23 PM
Gary Hamilton
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Thanks Elizabeth. I am interested in hearing what others have used. In my case, six sigma (black belt) has been the most benfical, in addition to PMI's credentials.
Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
I can only speak to what I have.
I don't know of a particular instance where I can say for sure they helped, but I have several Microsoft certifications, and being in IT, they certainly don't hurt, and showcase my background and experience.
I also have a Knowledge Management certification, however, that is less widely known, but it has certainly helped my overall strategic perspective. Saving Changes...
I have found Program Management qualifications to be the most useful - MSP in particular.
Thanks Elizabeth. I am interested in hearing what others have used. In my case, six sigma (black belt) has been the most benfical, in addition to PMI's credentials. Saving Changes...
Amany NuseibehSpeaker, Global Leader | Optimal ConsultingSydney, Nsw, Australia
Hi Gary,
One of my managers used to say "any credential/certification/qualification adds a notch to your belt" and that's definitely true.
While some certifications opened doors, ensured that my CV gets short-listed, all sort of knowledge and training have improved my ability to conduct my work, the approach I take and the way I articulate my messages. I mix and match, borrow certain elements from one methodology and apply within the framework of another.
In Australia, Government methodology is more aligned to Prince2 and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), while organisations have a preference for PMBOK and hence the PMP. I agree with Elizabeth, MSP has been very useful; for both being short-listed for an interview as well as applying the methodology for a number of Government Programmes. Furthermore, I usually use the Blue Print POTI to define the high level scope of programmes and projects (regardless of the methodology).
In addition to PMP, Prince2 and MSP, a national certification by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) is looked at very favourably. ITIL is another certification that is looked at favourably in IT Service Management.
I recently attended a P3O course on the weekend which was a mere coincidence and very timely, as I was working on a short-consulting assignment to set-up a Program Management Office for a Government Department.
My conclusion is that the credential that benefits me most is the one that I am using and applying; whether borrowing some elements or applying it in its entirety.
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1 reply by Gary Hamilton
Jul 21, 2017 7:55 AM
Gary Hamilton
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Amany - thanks for sharing, and I agree. I think we as professionals can learn and apply knowledge from a variety of courses/certs. Many often debate the benefits of waterfall, over agile (or vice versa). Similar to the professional certs, in my experience, the best methodology is a blended, and specific to the individual organization.
Saving Changes...
Ramachandran SwaminathanRegional Delivery Manager| Oracle Consulting IndiaBangalore, Karnataka, India
In my case, MSP training has definitely helped me manage projects, though I am not MSP certified. ITIL has also helped me lot in managing service oriented projects
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1 reply by Gary Hamilton
Jul 21, 2017 7:52 AM
Gary Hamilton
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Thanks for sharing.
Saving Changes...
Morne BeeslaarManaging Director| Faolan ConsultingPretoria, South Africa
To be honest I don't think any of the PMI credentials has made a large contribution to my career path in South Africa. The biggest factor being the expectation in the job market here that only a qualified engineer can apply project management. Not sure if this is true across the world but there is limited PM roles available without some kind of engineering degree.
Not to knock engineers but some do not make good managers as they are to technically focused and often fail to bring on-board the 'soft skills' required to make a project a success.
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1 reply by Gary Hamilton
Jul 21, 2017 7:51 AM
Gary Hamilton
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Morne - Thanks for sharing. This is why I posted this, to gauge differences in locations. Here in the US, it is usually quite the norm to have PMs that dont have the technical degrees; however, I think more in recent years, employers are seeking those with both the ability to manage a project (PM certified) and knowledged (or certified) in the area of the role (IT, engineering, construction, etc. )
To be honest I don't think any of the PMI credentials has made a large contribution to my career path in South Africa. The biggest factor being the expectation in the job market here that only a qualified engineer can apply project management. Not sure if this is true across the world but there is limited PM roles available without some kind of engineering degree.
Not to knock engineers but some do not make good managers as they are to technically focused and often fail to bring on-board the 'soft skills' required to make a project a success.
Morne - Thanks for sharing. This is why I posted this, to gauge differences in locations. Here in the US, it is usually quite the norm to have PMs that dont have the technical degrees; however, I think more in recent years, employers are seeking those with both the ability to manage a project (PM certified) and knowledged (or certified) in the area of the role (IT, engineering, construction, etc. ) Saving Changes...
In my case, MSP training has definitely helped me manage projects, though I am not MSP certified. ITIL has also helped me lot in managing service oriented projects
One of my managers used to say "any credential/certification/qualification adds a notch to your belt" and that's definitely true.
While some certifications opened doors, ensured that my CV gets short-listed, all sort of knowledge and training have improved my ability to conduct my work, the approach I take and the way I articulate my messages. I mix and match, borrow certain elements from one methodology and apply within the framework of another.
In Australia, Government methodology is more aligned to Prince2 and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP), while organisations have a preference for PMBOK and hence the PMP. I agree with Elizabeth, MSP has been very useful; for both being short-listed for an interview as well as applying the methodology for a number of Government Programmes. Furthermore, I usually use the Blue Print POTI to define the high level scope of programmes and projects (regardless of the methodology).
In addition to PMP, Prince2 and MSP, a national certification by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) is looked at very favourably. ITIL is another certification that is looked at favourably in IT Service Management.
I recently attended a P3O course on the weekend which was a mere coincidence and very timely, as I was working on a short-consulting assignment to set-up a Program Management Office for a Government Department.
My conclusion is that the credential that benefits me most is the one that I am using and applying; whether borrowing some elements or applying it in its entirety.
Amany - thanks for sharing, and I agree. I think we as professionals can learn and apply knowledge from a variety of courses/certs. Many often debate the benefits of waterfall, over agile (or vice versa). Similar to the professional certs, in my experience, the best methodology is a blended, and specific to the individual organization. Saving Changes...
