Reply to: PM qualifications

[BrowneIssue]

I'm thinking of moving into PM as well as I got a bit bored with technical roles.

Non-technical PMs have trouble getting gigs. Look through the Jobserve ads for PM roles without technical experience.

I was struggling until someone suggested I choose a niche market and specialise in it. This I did and now agents phone me because I'm sometimes the only person on their books with my specific technical experience.

[TykeMerc]

you could always start learning - then observe your Project Manager (not) putting it into practise!

Seriously though, it does not harm to start studying, you never know when you might get the chance to apply some of it even if it is not a formal PM role.

True, I moved from technical to PM when the PM on one contract was hospitalised as the result of a traffic incident (no it wasn't me that ran him over, tempted though I was as he was hopeless), it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

[MPwannadecentincome]

I'm thinking of moving into PM as well as I got a bit bored with technical roles.
Does it makes sense to get the certifications now, before I get a real PM role?

The argument would be, I won't have the time later on, but it doesn't make much sense to learn so much theory without being able to apply it in the real world?

you could always start learning - then observe your Project Manager (not) putting it into practise!

Seriously though, it does not harm to start studying, you never know when you might get the chance to apply some of it even if it is not a formal PM role.

[TykeMerc]

I'm thinking of moving into PM as well as I got a bit bored with technical roles.
Does it makes sense to get the certifications now, before I get a real PM role?

The argument would be, I won't have the time later on, but it doesn't make much sense to learn so much theory without being able to apply it in the real world?

Well there's a reasonable argument that knowing the stuff for Prince2 or other PM qualifications is useful for project staff other than the PM.

There's a simple fact though, having PM qualifications doesn't make you a PM, being able to do a bit of product based planning, doing EVM calculations and pilot a Gantt chart doesn't make you a real PM either.
In todays market place experienced and qualified PM's are sat on the bench in sizable numbers so there's no easy route in. Don't forget any project needs multiple technical and business staff but only 1 PM, there's also no Business As Usual role for a real PM.

[xchaotic]

The conclusion is always PRINCE2, then ITIL.

I'm thinking of moving into PM as well as I got a bit bored with technical roles.
Does it makes sense to get the certifications now, before I get a real PM role?

The argument would be, I won't have the time later on, but it doesn't make much sense to learn so much theory without being able to apply it in the real world?

[expat]

PM qualifications

I thought you meant, qualifications to be Prime Minister

[Old Greg]

Depends on your sector. Try something around Benefits, maybe (Cranfield?), as it will make you stand out a bit.

Having said that, I can't even be bothered to do a PRINCE2 but I get by fine through expertise in my sector (healthcare).

[badger7579]

Cheers for the reply Brown. I hear what you're saying re being a Programme Manager and its a question I need to ask myself.

On reflection I think your suggestion of picking up an additional skill in an area that interests me or an area I'm weak in is a good plan. Not sure what that is yet but I'll have a think about it

[BrowneIssue]

What do you consider the most valuable, saleable qualifications at the moment? I'm already PRINCE2 practitioner and ITIL qualified

I think you already have them.

but want to add to take some training. I was thinking MSP practitioner.

Do you want to be a programme manager? If so, go for it. If not, it could PREVENT you being put forward for project manager roles by dim-witted agents ("too senior").

. Any suggestions???

When I have this thought (about once a year) I download the entire Jobserve database, pop it into Access (pick your own method here), strip out anything that's non-PM work and then go through looking for common text strings. The conclusion is always PRINCE2, then ITIL. Anything else only appears in a few % of ads.

Instead, why not choose some training either in an area where you feel weak (I did a course yesterday in a particular soft skills area for the benefit of my confidence), or in a subject you find interesting (I booked myself on an ITIL Capacity Planning course last November 'cos I enjoy the subject matter but it got pulled), or in a market sector you fancy working in (accountancy, banking, lingerie manufacture).

[MPwannadecentincome]

That reminds me - I have been a PM for 14 years - I must get some certification

[Tensai]

You sound overqualified to me. I thought most PM's were failed brickies and the like. As long as they are physically big (to scare the weedy techies) and can buy a round at team building exercises (the pub), who cares?

WHS

Plus having PMP will tick the boxes for the weedy hiring managers.

[DimPrawn]

Any specific recommendations?

You sound overqualified to me. I thought most PM's were failed brickies and the like. As long as they are physically big (to scare the weedy techies) and can buy a round at team building exercises (the pub), who cares?

[badger7579]

Any specific recommendations?

[ace00]

PMP is quite big on the continent

[Doggy Styles]

Learn some basic economics. That will put you one up on our current PM, Gordon the Clueless.