I have a varied background (wireless sales, software support, customer relations, teaching) and I am trying to get into project management in Denver. Would a PM assistant job be the best place for me to start?
A PM Assistant is certainly a good stepping stone, depending on your experience. For a more detailed reply, I would need to know your work history, certifications, etc.
Let me know and perhaps I can provide some additional info!
Good luck! Saving Changes...
Tony ApplebyDirector, Strategy and Solutions| Delegata CorporationAlameda, Ca, United States
Anne --
Any number of jobs, depending on the industry, are excellent starts. No one particular job -- and especially no one particular job TITLE -- can be identified as the best. Give serious consideration to joining the Project Management Institute; even if you're not yet certified, having an active interest in the field on your resume will help find relevant work.
Remember, it's the duties performed, not the position title, that'll be more beneficial to your pusuits!
I have to admit that I am not a very big fan of certification as real-world experience is what rules to me. So...I'd recommend doing whatever you can to get some experience and then after that (if you feel the need), you can study and earn a certification so you can have the recognition that goes with being able to demonstrate that you have an understanding of PM concepts and principals.
The PMI is becoming positioned (or has been positioned for some time) as being THE ORGANIZATION who certifies PM's; however, I personally don't believe that they have a grasp of software engineering concepts. Rather, they simply certify that people know basic text book project concepts. (However, you also have to have so many hours of documented PM experience to become certified.)
I personally am not certified and I feel little need to get be certified at this mid-point of my career.
And, I believe that I can get whatever job that I want so long as I keep my skills current and I manage my career by staying in the PM area.
However, even I find myself wanting to play the little certification game...so who knows, if I ever do want to spend the $500 to take the PMI PMP exam; I may do that just so a few people will not harass me about it. Saving Changes...
PMI's PMP certification doesn't require a college degree, is not industry specific, has a 90% pass rate, and requires minimal experience to qualify for the certificate. Saving Changes...
The original question was would a PM assistant postion help you get into project management. This question has already been answered as yes.
However, just because you don't have a PM title or role, you can learn, practice, and learn the principles of project management anyway. Libraries, book stores, the web, and colleagues in project management can give you guidance as to what project management means. Take this practices and apply them to your own work. Manage yourself using these principles. You can do this today, you can do it without certification, and you can do it without changing jobs.
Once you show that you can manage yourself in a structured and consistent way, someone will give you an opportunity to do this with a small group of folks. A couple of more steps and you are a full fledged project manager. Sometimes you have to figure out what your next job will be and start doing this job, before you actually get the next job. Saving Changes...
Andy JordanPresident| Roffensian Consulting S.A.Cherry Grove, AB, Canada
I have implemented a number of PM training / mentoring / self development programs, and there is absolutely no substitute for experience in a project management environment.
The opportunity to pick up not just skills, but also the tools and techniques that make us all successful, is invaluable. Once people are familiar with the environment, I personally believe that a role as a work package leader, sub-project manager etc is a good stepping stone to a full project management role. Such positions allow the full project management experience to be enjoyed in microcosm, whilst still providing a 'safe' environment to make mistakes and learn from them - though this obviously requires pairing up with the right project manager. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
This is a reply concerning Tom Welch's (inaccurate) comments on the PMI's PMP certification process. As this is a topic concerning the ability to gain employment without the PMP certification, I think it's relevant to clarify the qualifications for certification.
There are 2 ways to qualify to take the PMP examination. The first type of qualification requires a college degree and at least 4500 hours of project management experience over a minimum 3 year time period. The second type of qualification does not require a college degree but does require at least 7500 hours of project management experience over a minimum 5 year time period.
IMHO, neither of these categories could be described as "minimal experience" as Mr. Welch claims. Additionally, PMI regularly publishes the actual pass rate for those qualified applicants that have taken the PMP exam. I am not certain of the current statistics but the last published pass rate number I saw (within the last 6 months) was in the 40% range - much less than the 90% that Mr. Welch quoted.
I am posting anonymously because this information is public knowledge and could have been posted by any number of participants within this forum. However, I will sign myself proudly...
Anonymous, PMP Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Thank you Anonymous PMP! It took a lot of sweat and tears to get certified.
PMI certification does not prove you are a good PM, it just proves you take Project Management Processes seriously and show commitment to the discipline. --It's the commitment employers appreciate. Saving Changes...
4500 or 7500 hours is minimal experience, when you consider that senior level PM jobs are demanding 10 to 15 years in DIRECT PROJECT MANAGEMENT experience. Saving Changes...
BTW, the pass rate I quoted was from several years ago, glad to hear the rate is now 40%. I took the pass rate out of a PMI publication. Saving Changes...
