I’m considering a shift to project management from instructional design.

Anonymous

September 12,2023 at 1:47PM UTC

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I’m considering a shift to project management from instructional design. I had a project management course in my graduate degree but I’m wondering if I need more. For example would an additional professional certification be necessary.

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Grisel Scarantino, Career and Work-Life Fulfillment CoachSeptember 12,2023 at 3:11PM UTC
You might want to start by checking Project Management job descriptions that sound appealing to you. Look at what their requirements are and go from there.
Sindy Ortiz PimentelSeptember 12,2023 at 4:25PM UTC
I think the PM certificate is always helpful and employers like to see it. It could give you the confidence you need in switching fields but it is a good chunk of time commitment!
AnonymousSeptember 12,2023 at 5:01PM UTC
most PM jobs I'm seeing are requiring significant experience in the digital and tech arenas. They're also throwing other types of jobs (social media management) into the same job. They ARE NOT even close, so shouldn't be combined unless the job IS for a PM in social media management.
AnonymousSeptember 12,2023 at 5:11PM UTC
Sometimes you can pivot if you stay close to your industry. Think about whether you were involved with a project that had a project manager and consider their skill set. It would look good if you were enrolled in the coursework for the certificate.
Sarah BordersSeptember 14,2023 at 12:40PM UTC
Do it! I highly recommend professional certification, and joining PMI to build your network of project managers. The process of obtaining a certification can help you reframe your experience, and earning it would codify your knowledge in a way that makes you stand out to potential employers. The easiest transition would probably be within the same industry where you’re currently working, but don’t let that limit you. Good luck, and welcome to the profession!
Alexis GladstoneSeptember 14,2023 at 12:41PM UTC
If you aren't able to get the experience within your current company, I think at least a certificate will be helpful.I have a friend who did an inexpensive online PM certificate and that helped with her first step. She eventually got certified, I think in Prosci.
I would also think about how you're applying PM concepts to your instructional design work. There is a bit of overlap if it's a large program.
AnonymousSeptember 15,2023 at 6:05PM UTC
Get your PMP it will make a difference. I often look for that before interviewing for those types of roles. The certification process is well rounded and will take what your experience is and help you to move to that next phase.