Calling all Project Managers

[DinaFox]

I am at the start of my career in project management (I'm currently a Project Officer), and I would like to progress. I do not have a PM qualification and am planning to start a course in the new year but am unsure which one would be best.

If you are a PM, which qualification do you have? Is there a specific industry you would recommend I look into? I'm currently in education but would be happy to change industries. I currently earn £30k but want to significantly increase that in the next decade.

Prince 2?

PRINCE2 most definitely

I’d say Agile is probably more use than Prince 2 now, but it probably depends on the sector.

APM
Have a look on their website.
Their Project Management Qualification (PMQ) exam is the most recognised general project management qualification in my industry. It’s hard though. But worth it.

PRINCE2 is common, I have only the foundation having flunked the practitioner by one point 😠

I also hold APM PMQ which is widely accepted and gives a solid grounding.

I was considering this recently and was advised that PRINCE2 is really only used in the NHS.

PRINCE2 but only to put it in your CV. I did mine a few years ago but in reality have worked in agile environments since. I'd do your Agile Scrum Master as well.

It’s definitely used in local govt too

Also worth looking at six sigma and Lean to give yourself some breadth / differentiate yourself.

Thank you for the replies. My understanding is that it does tend to be industry-specific, and I would like to try and ensure that the qualification I do in the first instance will open doors (I would be more than happy to do additional courses in the future). If any of you are on hiring committees, which qualification is looked on more favourably?

I'm interested in answers here too. Currently a project manager in the 3rd sector but with no formal qualification in project management. Thinking about my next move and need to get out of toxic organisation this might be the way to go.

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

As a recruiter I would look favourably on any recognised qualification. The same project management principles are applicable across all industries. But it would be obvious quickly in an interview if you didn’t know what you were talking about.
You need to look this from a different viewpoint. What do you want or need to learn? It’s not just about getting a certificate.

It’s a different matter if you’re an experienced PM who just needs to pass an exam to get a professional qualification.
It sounds like you’re at the start of your journey so you need a course that will teach you the fundamentals, and how to manage a project. Then you will have a good grounding you can apply to any industry.

Look at APM, Prince , Agile scrum. Start researching the types of jobs you aspire to and see what the job adverts are looking for. Let that guide you (I would prob go for APM but I'm not in tech/ data science where Agile is often wanted).

I hire PMs and wouldn't care out of PRINCE2 or PMQ. I'd want to hear at interview how you'd applied it and how you evaluate its usefulness. The qualification on its own wouldn't mean much. SAFE or one of the other agile methodologies might be ok,it would depend upon the role. I work for a traditional organisation though, more forward thinking places might prefer agile qualifications. I put my apprentices on PMQ.

It's definitely used in the private sector too. It's a requirement for various positions in the global company I work for.

Six sigma/ lean are focused on process improvement and reducing waste in a process. They are useful to help with projects focused on these activities but not generic project management ( I say this as a black belt)

I did PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner but I did Foundation a few months before to get a taste for it without putting myself under too much pressure. Its definitely accepted in the education sector, as is APM.

@Candleabra thanks for this, I have worked on projects for a few years now and have knowledge of the different methodologies (my workplace provide non-accredited PM training which is very frustrating). So I do have the knowledge and apply it directly in my current role, but I want to move on now in a new organisation. From my research it seems that the public sector tends to prefer PRINCE2 and the private Agile-would you say that was the case?

I think my issue is that I apply the principles in practice but I don't have the accreditation which I think will hold me back when job hunting. I currently work on a multi-million pound programme with multiple stakeholders across the country (including key industry leaders) so I do have the experience but I think I now need the accreditation to go with it.

I wouldn’t say that no.
It depends on the type of projects and the output/outcome you’re delivering.

An agile approach is most useful in IT, where the final product scope is unknown in the early stages.
A linear (or more traditional approach) would be used in the construction industry.
Or a hybrid approach - depends on the project or programme of works.

What I would say is how important it is to understand the fundamentals. You can pick up bad habits or bad working practices from colleagues or even a company itself. You need to understand when and why you do something, and then apply the best methodology.

I have apm, it is very well thought of in my industry but is bloody difficult. Many project managers I know, even those with years of experience, have failed it multiple times.

I think APM would be too much at this stage of my career-I'd like some more experience before I look at that.

Also Defra
I think it's pretty widely used in the public sector

Would you be happy to share which industries you work in?

Construction