Myself, Lulu Sarnam and I am working in the UAE. My educational background is Bachelors in Electronics& Communication Engineering.
I recently made a career change from Engineering to Project management; to be more specific i worked as a Hardware support engineer for 4 years in the field of Telematics and my company-a software solution provider in UAE, supported me for an inter-department transfer when i developed interest in project management and put forth a request for this change.
Its been 5 months now, and i am thoroughly enjoying this change and my new position, Project Associate. Ours is a small team of 4 members, A PMO manager, two project managers and me as the Project associate. Since i am a beginner in this world of PM, i am very eager to know how can i shape my career in the long run and in the best way possible. Yes, i am aware of PMP certifications and all, but what will be the best time for me to go for it? How can i ensure myself a continuous growth in PM and create a strong professional profile in this field?
Expecting some expert opinion.
Thanks Saving Changes...
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
The nice thing about all that work you are doing as a Project Associate is that it will count as experience towards your PMP certification. My suggestion, therefore, is to appreciate your current position for what it is: an experience building block towards higher project management position.
The only other thing you want to look at is satisfying the 35 hours project management education requirements for PMP application. It would not hurt if you worked on getting the correct courses to supplement your experience. Refer to the handbook for the list of courses that are acceptable. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I agree with my colleague Stephane. Starting as a project associate or project coordinator is the first RIGHT step towards the PM Ladder.
You need 4500 Hrs of experience and 35 PDU's to apply for your PMP. Getting certification is good for you as you will combine theory with practice so for now, I would suggest you think about getting your CAPM which will benefit you in many ways and help you accelerate going up the ladder somehow.
Good advice from the members here. You already have a head start compared to many other organizations in that you have a PMO, which usually demonstrates the maturity level of the organization for project management. Saving Changes...
Deepa KalangiManager, Program Management, Author, Trainer| CVS HealthCharlotte, NC, United States
Best time for you has already started. To write the PMP exam, you can choose when you are confident to take the exam and pass successfully. As you are already earning the contact hours practicing in project management. Once you are PMP certified, your growth is bound to happen as you will be doing more PM work and stay engaged in PMI activities, chapters, meetings and it will immensely help you further. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Yes, as said, you are in a good spot to prepare for career growth. Ask questions, engage, listen .... maybe even some mentorship from your PMO lead, or one of the PM's.
But you are certainly on the right track! Good position in a seemingly good team, and coming here to engage and interact with the community.
Stay motivated with your focus. Saving Changes...
Suha Alaah WardePMP, Chemical Engineer| State company of oil projectsEl Cajon, Ca, United States
I made this change from chemical engineering to project cost engineer at the beginning, it was good opportunity to me and then I enrolled to get the PMP certificate,its good time for you to start your PMP studying journey which is very beneficial beside your current experience because you will get more information helping you manage your work much better, you will get the knowledge, tools and techniques that enhance your experience to plan and control future projects. good luck Saving Changes...
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