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Original poster

Calling all Project Managers

80 replies

DinaFox · 19/12/2022 18:56

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.

OP posts:
Candleabra · 19/12/2022 19:45

There is an APM PFQ (Project Fundamentals) qualification of you didn’t feel up to the PMQ (which is hard, but very worthwhile)

Have a search on Spotify for the APM resources, there are a lot of podcasts that break down the subject areas into bite size chunks.

Swallowsflyround · 19/12/2022 19:58

Is it just me who is loving the fact that all the pm's are instinctively trying to project manage your development! 😊

PineapplePear · 19/12/2022 20:02

I work in utilities and agile project management is favoured by my employer. Especially good for business change and transformation.

lovetosup · 19/12/2022 20:08

Lots of project management roles in software companies and they will assist with qualifications as part of your development. We have lots in payroll/HR/education software

Crimsonripple · 19/12/2022 20:10

Public more APM. Prince is pretty outdated.

Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:06

@lovetosup that sounds really interesting! Where would these sort of roles be advertised?

OP posts:
Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:08

@Waterlooville which industry are you in?

OP posts:
Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:10

@Itsonlyagame which industry are you in? I am considering a change of industry as well so it's useful to know which industries prefer which qualifications.

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HollyBollyBooBoo · 19/12/2022 21:12

Prince seems more government and IT. Agile is the latest trend.

Personally breadth of experience counts for more, so smaller high value projects demonstrate one set of skills and larger rollouts demonstrate another.

ladyinthecampervan · 19/12/2022 21:15

APM would be more valuable in the construction industry. The fundamentals course is the best place to start.

What kind of thing interests you @DinaFox ? If you’re going to change industry or sector you should pick something you’re interested in or enjoy.

Lcb123 · 19/12/2022 21:24

I’m a PM at university- no related qualification. We don’t require them for the job. I’d much rather have someone sensible and fast learner

crazycycle · 19/12/2022 21:31

Also construction here but consultancy based not on-site.

I’d say APM. Start with PFQ then the 5 day course (PMQ). Full chartered status is hard work but very highly regarded.

Also don’t be scared to ask employers what they might offer in terms of sponsored programmes. Our company sponsors various courses/tuition and grants day release.

PoinsettiaPosturing · 19/12/2022 21:36

Can I jump in here & ask would anyone recommend a specific provider? I've been a project coordinator before and I'd like to look at PM roles but no idea where to actually find a relevant qualification & provider.

Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:40

@Lcb123 I actually worked in HE and would like to go back but the roles I see advertised do ask for PM qualifications, even for roles that pay less than I'm on now.

OP posts:
Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:42

crazycycle · 19/12/2022 21:31

Also construction here but consultancy based not on-site.

I’d say APM. Start with PFQ then the 5 day course (PMQ). Full chartered status is hard work but very highly regarded.

Also don’t be scared to ask employers what they might offer in terms of sponsored programmes. Our company sponsors various courses/tuition and grants day release.

I did actually ask my current employer about this during the interview process and was basically lied to unfortunately. They do offer training but it's not accredited so I will need to pay for it myself at this stage. That's why I'd like to invest in the course that will open more doors for me at this stage with the view to do more courses in the future once I'm more established.

OP posts:
Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:43

PoinsettiaPosturing · 19/12/2022 21:36

Can I jump in here & ask would anyone recommend a specific provider? I've been a project coordinator before and I'd like to look at PM roles but no idea where to actually find a relevant qualification & provider.

Any help on this would be great, there do seem to be a lot of providers out there.

OP posts:
Original poster
DinaFox · 19/12/2022 21:45

ladyinthecampervan · 19/12/2022 21:15

APM would be more valuable in the construction industry. The fundamentals course is the best place to start.

What kind of thing interests you @DinaFox ? If you’re going to change industry or sector you should pick something you’re interested in or enjoy.

I'm going to be really honest and say that I would like an industry that pays well. I spent quite a few years following my passion and have come to the conclusion that I'd rather earn as well as I can and keep my passions as hobbies. I enjoy working on projects and am open to any sector at this stage.

OP posts:
Bigsighall · 19/12/2022 21:47

I would say do prince 2 first then look at agile. Most companies have their own ‘frameworks’ but they align broadly to one or the other just in a much more simple way!
IT, finance and insurance pays well ime.

Teacakexo · 19/12/2022 21:51

I work for the public sector and Agile is definitely favoured where I am

sickofturkey · 19/12/2022 21:59

I work in IT project management , joined the industry 4 years ago with no experience . I did prince 2 . It looks good on your cv but has been of zero use to me since .

I have just completed agile . This is very useful and relevant . Looking at doing apm also

lovetosup · 20/12/2022 07:39

@DinaFox use LinkedIn or try any of the large software companies like Iris, Access, Sage

WrongLife · 20/12/2022 07:44

Public sector project manager here - we put our Project Officers through the PRINCE2 as part of their training

Original poster
DinaFox · 20/12/2022 09:13

lovetosup · 20/12/2022 07:39

@DinaFox use LinkedIn or try any of the large software companies like Iris, Access, Sage

Thanks for the tip! Do you think these companies would be interested in hiring someone at my level without any qualifications but with experience?

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Original poster
DinaFox · 20/12/2022 09:14

WrongLife · 20/12/2022 07:44

Public sector project manager here - we put our Project Officers through the PRINCE2 as part of their training

Can I ask what sort of salary your POs are on?

OP posts:
WrongLife · 20/12/2022 09:18

DinaFox · 20/12/2022 09:14

Can I ask what sort of salary your POs are on?

Show quote history

Depends on experience. Starts at £34k and goes up to about £37k