I received my MBA back in 2003 and have been working as a computer network engineer for 7 yrs. Routing, switching, troubleshooting, etc. For every project on campus, I work closely with our Project Managers (none of which are PMPs) on project requirements, budgetary, process, allocation, and other project management issues. Having said this, my title is not Project Manager.
I started to consider the PMP credential due to its accceptance in the workplace and my willingness to transition out of the technical and into the managerial phase. I called the PMI and asked the representative about the experience verification forms in the PMP handbook I downloaded from the web.
He informed me that, as of 09/2005, PMI wanted you to BE a project manager before sitting for the exam. I was very suprised at this response. Should I not apply using my 7+ years experience based on my job title alone?
I have an MBA, and I am currently working to obtain the PMP. I am quite surprised that PMI stated they "wanted you to be a project manager" before the exam. I think that they actually mean that you need to have hands-on experience working in the capacity of a project manager. Titles matter very little for the PMP exam; as long as you have sufficient number of hours working on project-related tasks, you should be approved to take the exam. Hence, if you have sufficient experience (I believe it is 4,500 hours over the past 36 months, but don't quote me; you can look this up), I definitely think you should go for the PMP.
There is little hard evidence that proves having both MBA and PMP good, but logic suggests that it is can only be helpful for professionals who aspire to go into/succeed in the project management career field. Do a quick search on Monster.com or Dice.com, and you will see that there is plenty of demand for PMP's. Having that MBA will only make you an even more attractive candidate to potential employers.
My final word: Go for the PMP! You will obtain extremely valuable knowledge that will go far.
Robert PageDirector EPMO| Exeter FinanceDallas, Tx, United States
I hold both; MBA (2005) and PMP (2008) and I also find myself in the job market after the company I worked for lost its primary client leading to massive layoffs.
When I was let go back in October, I thought I would have no trouble finding a new job. According to PMI, there are around 300,000 PMP credential holders in the world and 1/3 holds a MBA or other graduate degree. I really was expecting, even in this labor market, that I would be a hot commodity and that has not been the case.
What I have found is that a PMP cert is desired, but it is not required for many of the current project management opportunities. Many employers have and do pass over a candidate with a PMP for a candidate with more direct experience in the subject matter. Take for instance a company looking for an ORACLE Project Manager, and they have two candidates with the same number of years of work experience and education. One candidate has spent 4 years in a company that uses ORACLE and does not hold a PMP. The other candidate has spent 4 years in a company that has used Sybase but s/he holds a PMP. What I have seen is an employer take the person with the ORACLEE background.
So what is one to do? What is one to believe?
That is probably why, I am still looking for a new opportunity.
What I have found is that a PMP cert is desired, but it is not required for many of the current project management opportunities. Many employers have and do pass over a candidate with a PMP. Many employers desire someone with direct experience in the subject matter (i.e., Oracle Project Manager) which runs counter to the standardization of PM methodologies which
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