I'm looking to change paths & I've been looking at working more for a software company

Anonymous

March 16,2022 at 6:28PM UTC

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I'm looking to change paths & I've been looking at working more for a software company

TL/DR:

I'm curious if anyone can share advice or tips for making this jump into project management, or product management, or even jobs that involve simple programming and how I can sell myself into that spot.

I am currently a Mechanical Engineer, I have 4 years of experience working with design, energy efficiency and project management.

I recently made the switch to design and it's just not the right fit for me. I miss managing projects more and just feeling more involved.

I talked with my old boss (she left our previous company as well) and she went into product management at a small software company. What she does sounded interesting to me, as well as the benefit of working for a software company (most of them are sticking with working from home)

I know it's something I could do (once I understand the company), but I feel like it's hard sometimes to demonstrate that knowledge when it isn't my primary experience base.

Would love any advice at all, even if it's just related to switching job titles like this (as well as maybe some insight on an expected salary?)

TIA!

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AnonymousMarch 16,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
Do you have enough hours in and complete project life-cycle responsibility? If so, get your PMP certification. It's a whole body of knowledge that transfers to ANY role. I'm a PMP. The thing that PMI quotes you is as much as a 20% increase in salary with a PMP, but I haven't seen that so much. I would use Payscale.com to see what your experience bears. Salary.com is usually a bit inflated. Good luck!
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 1:24PM UTC
Do you need a PMP certification to be a project manager or is it just a plus?
Curtis WeibelMarch 16,2022 at 8:27PM UTC
The PMP requirements from PMI are:
Before you apply, make sure you meet of the following sets of PMP Certification requirements:
A four-year degree
36 months leading projects
35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
— OR —
A high school diploma or an associate’s degree (or global equivalent)
60 months leading projects
35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM® Certification
Note that you need need someone to vouch for your experience. Send in documents showing your experience and someone signing off on your experience. Probably someone in management.
Another option is ComTia Project+ : https://www.comptia.org/certifications/project
This would get you started in project management.
College level certifications and degrees in Project Management are also available. These would take quite a bit more time.
AnonymousMarch 16,2022 at 11:18PM UTC
Did you like your prior project-oriented jobs in Mechanical Engineering? If yes, are there appropriate jobs that you could apply to now?
Sorry if I’m being slow here, but it’s unclear to me why you must change fields to get back to project management?
AnonymousMarch 17,2022 at 1:23PM UTC
I have been looking at Engineering companies as well, but the problem is a lot of them are back in the office, I'm looking for a Remote role and that has stuck a lot with the Software industry. Additionally it's where I have some interest in. If I could find a job with Engineering for Project Management I would apply if it fit what I'm looking for.