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Kristen H

11/14/19 at 3:59PM UTC

Career

Project Management class

I have done a bit of project management in my career, but never had a role of a project manager. I'm hoping to move into a position where that's more of a focus. I was thinking of enrolling in a project management course, but it seems to be focused on PMP certification-prep. I guess I have two questions. 1. Do you think employers would find value in a candidate who has taken a project management course or do they only care about experience? 2. Has anyone applied to take the PMP exam and have any insight on how strict they are with the project management hours that make you eligible? As I mentioned, I do have some experience, but I'm not sure how to determine if it meets the eligibility for the exam/certification. Thanks!

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Brandy Werre

11/20/19 at 8:07PM UTC (Edited)

Kayla, thank you for asking this question. I have been trying to figure out how to approach getting certified with no official work experience. Jennifer A, thank you for mentioning volunteer experience. I think I can definitely use this.

Shidjwan voiles

11/20/19 at 9:53AM UTC

I am set to take the course for PM preparing to take the certification test(PMP). Included with the course, is the GB and BB course. I am a displaced homemaker/worker. I have no previous experience in PM. I need training to find a job. I wonder what my chances are to do well in the course, pass the exam, and get a job.

LT Seattle

PM in Seattle

11/16/19 at 9:23AM UTC

I just recently got the PMP certification- I have no traditional background or training as a PM. In a previous life I was a psychologist. Happy to talk with you about it.

Brandy Werre

11/20/19 at 8:05PM UTC

LT Seattle, I would also be interested in knowing how you approached the PMP certification.

LT Seattle

PM in Seattle

11/26/19 at 11:12PM UTC

feel free to PM me.

Anonymous

06/08/20 at 6:47PM UTC (Edited)

PMP certification requires previous experience, but SAFe Agile certifications do not. Those are also in demand Project Management certifications. A resume writer can help you showcase your experience and how it applies to the PM role. Good luck!

Nancie Shuman

803

Hippy dippy Princess out to change the world!

11/15/19 at 4:55AM UTC

I have taken the Project Managers Professional training through Vision training, and have to say, I learned a great deal which has helped me just in the Corporate world, not simply prepping to become a PM. Most courses are inexpensive, and easy to study. I have also found that people who see it on my resume, assume that I have the knowledge , which makes it easier to get the experience, although it's not my focus.

Alice Johnson

649

Computer nerd-ish, travel lover, connector

11/14/19 at 4:42PM UTC

The PMP certification is HOT right now for people who want to go into project management. Its a great add to your resume. I say go for it, theres no harm in learning more :) plus maybe it will give you more insight on whether or not you actually want to have a PM role.

Elizabeth Brookshire

11/14/19 at 4:41PM UTC

I am a project manager with my PMP. From my experience: 1. I work in the tech industry and it is much much easier to find positions and to obtain interviews with a PM certification. I think that they will find value in your desire to learn new things, but without a super strong resume outlining your other qualifications that meet the job requirements, I think you'll struggle. With that said, there is another PM certification that you can obtain before the PMP and will help your resume shine. The CAPM is what I obtained before my PMP and it's how I went from your position with interest but no official job title to working in telecom performing software delivery project releases. You can find more information here: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/certified-associate-capm. This cert requires no experience and just a 35 hour course. If you do have 1500 hours, this can replace the course, but I highly recommend taking the course, as you'll be well prepared for the exam. Here's the course I swear by: https://www.udemy.com/course/capm-exam-prep-earn-your-capm-certification/ 2. PMI is very picky about what constitutes project hours for your PMP certification, and you will most likely be audited. This is a process that requires that you understand how PMI defines a project (a temporary endeavor that delivers a unique product, service, or document), and someone on your project team vouching for you by filling out a form and sending a signed copy to PMI. With that said, I know that getting your CAPM and really understanding how PMI defines the standards for project management, you'll follow the same path I did and get your foot in the door at a great place! I also recommend searching indeed for CAPM in the keywords to see what types of other requirements employers look for. And finally, that cert will put you at the top of their list! Best of luck, let me know if you have any follow up questions.

BeckyB_25

178

Release Train Engineer. Mom of 2.

11/19/19 at 5:48PM UTC

Udemy for sure. I concur, too.

Jennifer A

968

11/18/19 at 4:44PM UTC

I too like the Joseph Phillips classes from udemy. I used him to get my PMP at a reasonable price as my employer wasn't paying for it. Question, do you have your degree? If you don't, I too would also recommend CAPM instead of PMP to begin with. Last, remember that being a project manager 'at work' isn't the only place to get experience. Project management work can be found in volunteer organizations (PM for local holiday fundraiser), your local school (manage the 7th grade project to get 26 kids to Yosemite for 3-5 days), or for a local youth sports team. There are many opportunities where you can step up in your community and also gain project management experience. Last but not least, plot a course using all the resources you can find. Getting your CAPM or PMP is a project in inself. Take the class and then use what you have learned to become a project manager! Good Luck!

Kristen H

11/14/19 at 6:17PM UTC

Thanks so much!

Lady Pele

3.96k

Retired Project Manager

11/14/19 at 4:18PM UTC

The PMI usually won't allow you to take the certification test without the minimum work experience. Smaller companies are usually willing to overlook the lack of the certification, especially for junior PM positions. Also, a CAPM certification may help transition you into project management. A good read is: http://entangled.com/how-to-get-project-management-work-experience-without-pmp-certification/

437

11/14/19 at 5:35PM UTC

Ah yes, the self referential circle of PM - if you don’t have the work experience, you can’t get certified, and if you aren’t certified, it can be difficult to get the work experience

Kristen H

11/14/19 at 6:17PM UTC

Right!?

Anonymous

11/14/19 at 4:12PM UTC

1. I think there's a lot of value to personal accolades and achievements. I'd try tying in the things you learned from the program into your everyday life which quantifies and shows that you have experience the in work even though you're not necessarily titled as one. 2. I haven't, but best of luck!

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