Newbie Q: 'Certification' over 'Experience'

**HYpno27** · 14 February 2008, 13:50

Without wanting to sound too much like a fence sitter. As a PM the pimps look for Prince2 qualifications as a short-cut to reading the cv. The client tends towards experience as a guide

**51st State** · 14 February 2008, 13:58

Wot he said ^^^

The tools that the lazy pimps use pick up key phrases from your CV.

The client actually reads it.

**malvolio** · 14 February 2008, 14:12

I always look for proof people can do the job in the real world first . I've worked with too many highly certified noddies to put too much credence into letters after the name unless they are clear indicators that someone has been trained in a specific technical discipline (and that doesn't include Windoze or Un*x)

**XLMonkey** · 14 February 2008, 14:13

Experience, every time. The only qualifications I place a value on are degree level (chartered/fellow status with BCS, CIPS or similar).

**HYpno27** · 14 February 2008, 14:49

When I look to get people into a team I want experience over qualifications.

Sometimes all it proves is they have the ability to do really well at tests. Not how to apply it it in the real world

**Area-51** · 14 February 2008, 21:03

Thanks very much for your input.

I will attempt to combine both elements within my CV.

I look forward to positing more on this forum, so far it has been a very valuable resource to be in my setup phase.

Regards,
Andy

**BrowneIssue** · 14 February 2008, 21:14

Originally posted by Area-51 View Post

But just wondered whether I should lean toward experience or qualifications?

There is no right answer at the moment.

Some people actually consider qualifications and letters after one's name as a BAD thing - showing insecurity, an academic approach and non-practitioner mind-set.

But some people will not consider applications from people without a 2nd degree, or at least a 1st class honours degree.

For some roles, a particular qualification is essential: about half of PM jobs have PRINCE2 as entry level - but the other half couldn't care less. Some people intentionally reject PRINCE2 Practitioners.

The same applies to the MS certifications: in some places they are entry-level essentials, in others they will prevent you being taken on.

I sat and scratched my head for ages about this and realised: it is up to you. Who do you want to work for? Academics? Public sector? Dynamic go-getters? Bull-tulipters?

What sort of person are you? Academic? Hands-on? Happy to do a OU degree? Can't be arsed filling in a crossword?

Eight years ago I decided to convert myself from a hands-on, unqualified, very experienced, tulip-hot and unemployed nearly-40 techie into a qualified, professional, project manager on damn good money. I now have a page on my CV just for training, qualifications and my professional standing. As a consequence, I now get brief interviews for public sector roles and get offered them but can no longer get a private sector interview at all.

Sadly, the miracles I performed when doing 100 hours a week as a techie now just amount to about three bullet points.

What sort of person do you want to come across as? I would recommend you work out what kind of person you want to be. I decided I could wear a smart suit, sit on professional body committees, that I would put aside a £3,000 per year personal training budget and become a post-40 year old IT bod who can stay in the industry I want to work in for another ten or 20 years.

While you're thinking, have a look at SFIA.

Mind you, I'd rather be filling in COBOL coding sheets coding year-end processes that can run in a mere 8 hours but nobody will pay me to do that any more.

**Area-51** · 14 February 2008, 22:06

Wow,

Thanks for all the useful information.

I was happy to get my first post on CUK, and thankful that people will offer up some sound advice.

As I stated I am a newbie to contracting, and whilst I consider myself to have the get up and go to source/investigate areas for myself, I also find it very useful to ask for 360-degree feedback on the current industries stance.

In answer to your question -

I would say that I am for sure a hands-on techie, and feel that experience is the key to being able to put the theory into practice. However I would also state that a sound grounding of theory is vitally important, especially when discussing options, suggesting possible avenues for clients to persue, and therefore having some form of accreditation/qualifications is important.

Thanks for your time.

Andy

**EqualOpportunities** · 15 February 2008, 07:34

Originally posted by Area-51 View Post

Wow,

Thanks for all the useful information.

I was happy to get my first post on CUK, and thankful that people will offer up some sound advice.

As I stated I am a newbie to contracting, and whilst I consider myself to have the get up and go to source/investigate areas for myself, I also find it very useful to ask for 360-degree feedback on the current industries stance.

In answer to your question -

I would say that I am for sure a hands-on techie, and feel that experience is the key to being able to put the theory into practice. However I would also state that a sound grounding of theory is vitally important, especially when discussing options, suggesting possible avenues for clients to persue, and therefore having some form of accreditation/qualifications is important.

Thanks for your time.

Andy

You are a natural-born PM. Good work.

HTH

Newbie Q: 'Certification' over 'Experience'