Any advice or direction would be super helpful.

8 Comments

1. AnonymousDecember 17,2023 at 11:33AM UTC

   I'd wait so you have something to show for what you DID vs will do.

2. Jonna Ferguson, ACCDecember 17,2023 at 1:19PM UTC

   It's all in how you position your personal and career story. As a manager of that many stores for so long, you have solid transferrable skills. I've managed Project Management organizations and if I needed to fill a position, and the candidate sitting across from me explained how their former leadership skills, proven business experience, customer experience, communication abilities and organizational skills made them an ideal fit, plus they had the ambition and dedication to become certified, I'd hire them in a heartbeat. They may even see you as a potential leader in their future org after you gain experience in the role (which is precisely how I started my tenure at my last company).Ensure your resume is experience-based and includes a Transferrable Skills section. Use Jobscan to build your resume so it flows easily through ATS scans. Get a jump on applying over the next few weeks during the holiday season and early in 2024 so your resume is seen early when companies' new year budgets are beginning to take effect. If you'd like pointers about identifying your transferrable skills or strengths, reach out and I'd be glad to help support your search. You're ready!

3. Janitter M.December 17,2023 at 4:58PM UTC

   I highly appreciate this ??. I would gladly reach out!

4. Heather (she/her)December 17,2023 at 3:45PM UTC

   Definitely start applying, and use your cover letter as a way to talk about how your previous experience has allowed you to master all the vital elements of project management already. Then talk about how you're looking for a role that can leverage those existing skills, while you're also working to continuously improve those skills through a PMP certification.

5. AnonymousDecember 17,2023 at 11:23PM UTC

   To land the prime PM roles, it will serve you to have that certificate.

6. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 2:09PM UTC

   It depends on if the PMP certification requirement exists and how it is worded in the job description. If it is a requirement for the job and includes some required experience, definitely wait. If it is a requirement but states a time limit for certification, decide whether you can achieve it in that amount of time and apply if it is doable. If it is not a requirement or listed as a "plus," definitely apply. When you apply, indicate that the PMP training is in process and when you expect your certification on the resume and cover letter.

7. AnonymousDecember 18,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

   Apply now for any role that you feel aligns with your career direction. Project management is a hugely broad field, so in your shoes I’d apply for PM positions that utilize your background as well. Things you probably already know. Do you want to be a technical PM, look at IT or Engineering PM roles. Experience building stores? Consider Construction PM. Software expert? Software or SDLC PM.

   I’ve had my PMP since 2010. It’s a great tool and speaks to a numbers of strengths. Hiring managers frequently use it for gatekeeping, but it isn’t the end all be all of being a good PM.

8. Melissa BarrDecember 18,2023 at 7:35PM UTC

   You should start applying to PM roles and also Project Coordinator roles, which you may be more likely to get when you transition positions and/or industries.

   Coordinators share a lot of responsibilities/duties with PMs, especially at smaller companies, and PMP is generally a bonus in that role. As a Project Coordinator, you will gain experience managing projects (usually smaller and shorter than a PM) which will be especially useful if you want to advance into a PM role later on.