Who Manages the Managers?

Youngest of seven, I have developed a drive to try a little bit of everything and keep all running smoothly in the meantime. That is why I am now a senior marketing student, which I am convinced was the right choice. However, an additional passion for organization and process improvement has led me to discover project management as a potential career. I intend to find out if project management is for me and share what I learn about it along the way!

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What is it really like to be a project manager?

These two websites have written and audio stories from project managers talking about challenges and successes in their work. Some of the stories are also interviews available in podcast form. Reading and listening to some of these talks may be helpful for gaining real insight into the vast field of project management.

http://www.virtualprojectconsulting.com/success-stories-shared/#sthash.HmIr8uY2.dpbs

http://www.pmwarstories.com/

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What professional opportunities associated with PM interest you most?

Many companies hire and or train project managers to work in their ranks among the various departments. There are also opportunities to contract as a project manager which may allow more control over what types of jobs you work on. Either option would have benefits and drawbacks. I am especially interested in contractual project management because of how much more freedom there could be in choosing job types. There is also the possibility of being mobile and contracting in a wide variety of places if I am not tied to a single company.

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The Project Management Professional (PMP), along with all PMI certifications, is driven by current practices in the profession.

It has been announced that a new edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide came out September 2017 to prepare for an update in the project management professional exam and all certification exams offered by the project management institute. The update will take effect March 26th 2018. There will be sections renamed for clarity, as well as four points added under each knowledge area.

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On average, PMPs earned 20% more than those without the certification in 2015. PM training can also act as a fast track for learning important lessons about time, data, personnel, system, and money management. Those lessons might eventually be learned through trial and error, but PM training is another way to reduce the time and discomfort of a less streamlined learning process while adding to your personal value.

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What about PM is least appealing to you?

As mentioned previously, the required hours of continued education present a challenge which removes flexibility of time and topic to which learning hours may be devoted. Aside from that, the inevitable time commitment needed to maintain a PM certification is one of my main concerns. I know the importance and difficulty of finding a balance between work, personal, and social needs, so understanding what being a project manager would entail is tantamount to my willingness to commit time and energy to pursuing a career with it.

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What about project management most excites you?

For me, the prospect of combining my natural abilities with a specialized skill set is very attractive. The potential opportunity to work closely with other professionals and achieve goals with value can only be inspiring. I also am excited by the possibilities of an advantage in the business world which may allow me to enjoy a higher income than otherwise and to have the freedom of working as a contractor or freelancer. Lastly, the two-edged sword of continued education, while presenting challenges, also provides the chance to feed my desire for learning.

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This blog has some really awesome information. For project management training, does it all happen online, or is it possible to get trained at physical locations as well?

What I have found thus far indicates that online training is more common, but there are in-person courses available as well. Some universities also offer project management programs. :)

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Is the title of “PMP” worth it?

Do you think all the steps to apply, learn the material, test, and maintain a PMP certification are worth the outcome? The answer will inevitably depend on personal circumstances and goals. Some considerations I am using to evaluate this question include thinking about how my current prospects compare to those I might have with the certification, as well as personal commitments and goals which could conflict with pursuit of a career in project management.

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Continuing education for PMPs

Maintaining a PMP certification requires 60 hours of professional development units(PDUs) every three years. One PDU is equivalent to one hour of learning or training.  What strategies would you use to fulfill these hours? I would consider becoming a member of the Project Management Institute and a local chapter for access to other professionals and resources.

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How to certify as a PMP

Without some direction, all the education and training in the world won’t be enough if you don’t know how to take the next step. Here is an outline of the certification process for applying and testing to become a PMP. The FAQs also provide helpful answers about re-testing and how to apply.

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Qualifying to certify as a project management professional

The Project Management Institute asks for details about experience and audits a random selection of applications to verify the submitted information. How do you know if the hours you are tracking as leading and directing projects will qualify for an application to certify as a PMP? PMI.org offers various handbooks and resources to better understand the eligibility requirements.

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Before applying to certify as a PMP

Passing the project management professionals test is not the only requirement for certification. How do you plan to accumulate those hours of project management and education before applying? I am considering studying to be a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) as a stepping stone to attain the educational hours and experience required for the higher certification.

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Top 5 Project Management Training Sites

Need a simple project management software to manage your team? Check-out our valuable and unique Top 15 PM Applications 2017. Being certified as a project manager professional (PMP) is advantageous for many reasons. First, it...

Looking for project management training resources? This short article lists and discusses five websites to prepare for the certification exam. Also consider becoming a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI) to access further resources and tools. PMI offers a significant student discount on membership fees!

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Keeping goals in perspective

Looking at the requirements for achieving and maintaining project management certification is daunting. It is helpful for me to remember that all those requirements won’t come out of thin air and flatten me. Especially if I use the skills I am learning in the process. Treating the training, working hours, and testing as a personal project in which to practice the skills I learn seems like a good way to do so. How do you like to approach big goals to make sure they are achievable? 

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Do you have a project management support network?

Connecting with professionals already in the field is a great way to prepare and get insight no matter what your field. The Project Management Institute makes it easy to find out if there is a local chapter of project managers near you. They are also a helpful source for related events and networking opportunities!

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I'm really enjoying your blog and I am learning a lot! I have never really looked into the requirements for being certified in project management, nut that sounds like a lot of work! Best of luck!

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How did you first hear about project management?

My first exposure to project management as a profession came in the form of an email from my sister when I was trying to decide what to study in college. Knowing my strengths and interests, she suggested I research project management. At first, seeing the requirements for becoming certified, I was unsure if it was worth pursuing. I kept that email though. Now that I work in the business world and am nearly finished with my four year degree, the goal seems much more attainable and worthwhile.