Transitioning into Project Management
Accelerate your career with THE PMP Certification
The Mission43 Education Discovery Series highlights educational pathways to some of the most highly sought-after careers in Idaho for military members, veterans, and their spouses. In this session, we sit down with Project Management Institute Authorized Training Provider, Dr. Brian Salk of Pinnacle Professional Development, who walks us through the project management training and employment outlook as well as two veteran Mission43 members who have earned their PMP certification and applied it to career success.
The power of the PMP certification
In today's dynamic job market, the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification holds significant value. According to recent employment statistics, project management roles are projected to increase by 7% in the next eight years, much faster than the average for many other occupations. This demand presents a fantastic opportunity for members seeking fulfilling and well-compensated careers.
Veteran and Senior Project Manager at Leidos, Lucian Lett, provides his experience in earning promotions after obtaining the PMP certification.
PMP-certified professionals are highly sought after across diverse industries such as construction, IT, healthcare, finance, and more. They possess the skills and knowledge to lead successful projects, ensuring efficient resource allocation, effective communication, and timely delivery. With an average salary of $116,000 per year in Idaho, PMP-certified professionals enjoy competitive compensation and growth potential.
Project management is a versatile field applicable to various industries and job roles. The skills and competencies acquired through the PMP certification are transferable, allowing you to excel in diverse sectors. Military experience provides a solid foundation that can be effectively translated into project management success.
Sven Anderson, veteran, Hiring our Heroes Corporate Fellow, and QMS Training Specialist at Amazon, gives insight into how the PMP certification prepared him for his career post military transition and how he applies his project management skills in a non-project manager role.
Best practices for preparing for the PMP exam
Proper preparation is the key to success. Invest time in understanding the exam structure and utilizing reputable study resources.
Not all training is created equal: Choose the model with highest chance of success
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the certifying body for the Project Management Professional certification (PMP). Only PMI Authorized Training Partners (ATPs) have access to licensed content that is directly related to the PMP exam. ATPs are vetted for quality and continuously receive materials and instruction from PMI.
With an exam that is based on many editions of the PMBOK Guide and consistently updated to meet evolving industry demands, training providers that are not PMI ATPs must make educated guesses on current exam content, with a considerable separation between when a change is made and when it shows up in non-ATP material.
While there are costs associated with the PMP certification, it's essential to view it as an investment in your future. The long-term benefits, including higher earning potential, career advancement, and increased marketability, far outweigh the initial expenses. Many military members have successfully transitioned into project management careers and attribute their success to obtaining the PMP certification.
Filling out the PMP exam application
The PMP exam application can be intimidating for many transitioning military members, veterans, and their spouses who may struggle with translating their experience using PMI terminology. Credible training will help make those connections, and the formula below can be used to structure each project.
Project Title: Name of the project
Business case/objective: The purpose and goal(s) for the project/why it was initiated
Description:
State your role (project manager, project lead, project director, etc)
Brief description of your duties and responsibilities using the project management process groups of initiating (IN), planning (PL), executing (EX), monitoring and controlling (MC), and closing (CL).
Deliverable(s): What unique product/goal/service did your project create?
Outcome: Was it on time, on budget, successfully implemented or otherwise?
CLICK HERE for a more detailed overview of translating your experience and filling out the PMP exam application.
Immerse yourself in PMP exam content
The PMP exam tests your knowledge and application of project management principles, processes, and best practices. Review the PMP Exam Content Outline provided by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to understand the domains, tasks, and skills covered in the exam. This will guide your study plan and help you focus on the areas that require more attention.
Develop a structured study plan that fits your schedule and learning style. Allocate dedicated time for studying, practice exams, and reviewing concepts. Use reputable PMP exam prep resources, such as study guides, practice questions, and Authorized Training Provider courses. Consider programs specifically designed to support military members, veterans, and their spouses in successfully reaching PMP certification. The Mission43 PMP Course application window is open year-round, with cohorts throughout the state, and offers comprehensive training specifically tailored to the needs of Idaho’s military community.
Here are some great on-the-go resources to get started:
Pocket prep: Professional Pocket Prep has a downloadable app in both a free and monthly subscription version. This handy app gives you access to PMI PMP content 24/7. When you have 5-10 minutes to spare, you can take a few question quiz, answer the question of the day, and test your weakest areas.
Project Management Happy Hour Podcast: There’s no easier way to get study time in than by adding it to your commute, daily chores, or even before bed routine by listening to podcasts and other materials. We like the Project Management Happy Hour because it features real project managers in various industries that help increase the connection between knowledge concepts and application.
Projectified Podcast: The Projectified Podcast is the official podcast of PMI that features dynamic thought leaders and practitioners who share their real-world experiences and expertise to inform, inspire and prepare you for success.
Reach out to learn more
Obtaining the PMP certification can be a transformative step in your career journey as a military member, veteran, or spouse. The certification showcases your project management expertise, enhances your employability, and positions you for success in a growing field. If you want more information on resources provided, fill out the contact form and let us know how we can assist you!