Anyone heard of the Project Management Institution?

[Chrissay 0]

I'm looking at a Business Analyst position at work. Here are some of the requirements:
-business analysis, project initiation, project plan development, system testing, problem resolutions, cost and revenue analysis, competitive analysis, Business Process Modeling and Improvement Trends.

I was looking for an online certificate program that may help me build a stronger background. I came across this Project Management Institution certification. Is this type of certification held highly? Anyone have any experience with it? Anyone know of a simple certification course for Analysts but not a Masters Program?

A local college here is offering an online course in Project Management Fundamentals which is suppose to help you prepare for certifications that the Project Management Institution offers. It is only $79.00 so it didn't seem too bad. I figured it would be a step in getting some more background in the position at work.

So...anyone have any recommendations?

[NWFlyer 2]

I've been a PM for a while but have never bothered to get any formal training. Some companies really value the formal certifications, others don't. I looked at a certificate program offered by the University of Washington - IIRC it was a pretty long program - 18 months on nights (designed for working professionals). You could probably prepare for the PMI tests on your own and apply your on the job experience.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

[AndyMan 7]

Institutional-type companies value PMI highly.

When I was a consultant for Compuware they required it of all their Prject Managers.

_Am

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You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[missg8tordivr 0]

I actually just went to the World Seminar in Orlando that was hosted by PMI last week. I took the Proj Mgmt: Competencies and Structure Guide to PMBOK(Project Management Body Of Knowledge). It is basically the introduction course to Project Management for those who are just starting.

The class had a ton of information about the every aspect of PM from initiating a project down to cost analysis and even a bit on communication. The instructor had a ton of experience and some great examples on how to used the tools from the PMBOK Guide, which is pretty much the PM bible.

The number of Project Management Professionals (PMP) is growing at a very high pace, and has very high recognition throughout the world.

Personally I found this class very useful and I plan on getting my PMP certification hopefully very soon. There are several institutions that say they cover all of the information for the PMP exam, but be sure that PMI certifies these classes.

Hope this helps.

***
F LORIDA!

[marcandalysse 0]

http://www.rmcproject.com is the site of Rita Mulcahy. One of the PMI Gurus....She taught some PM courses at one of my jobsites. Check out her site for info too.

marc

"The reason angels can fly is that they take themselves so lightly." --GK Chesterton

[Chrissay 0]

Thanks everyone for the info, it is all very helpful! I work for a division of a Bank, so I can see my company really valuing the certification.

I think I will go ahead and take the online course, I think it will show that I am all about taking initiative about learning more and brushing up on my project mgmt skills in a more formal way.

[Remster 30]

Bu the way, if you dont want to sound entirely ignorant about it during an interview , its Institute, not Institution.

I'm a member but havent bothered to certify yet. Quite a few companies see the certification as a real plus.

Remster

[Chrissay 0]

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Bu the way, if you dont want to sound entirely ignorant about it during an interview , its Institute, not Institution.

DOH! I'm an ass! Thanks for that tip

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I'm a member but havent bothered to certify yet. Quite a few companies see the certification as a real plus.

This is good to hear, if this job doesn't work out, sounds like getting the PM background will help out my resume at least.

[Remster 30]

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sounds like getting the PM background will help out my resume at least.

Well, its more a case of they like it if you are PMI certified if you apply for a PM position. If memory serves me right, the certification requires some practical experience... But have a look yourself at the site to see what it entails.

Remster

[ChasingBlueSky 0]

If you have 5+ years of leadership type rolls with no MBA then I would suggest getting your PMP certification from PMI - even if you are not looking to change jobs soon. Consistent career growth and training is a key item when looking over resumes. Personal improvement for the sake of personal growth is a quality that all hiring managers are looking for at this high a level. The certification is an initial qualifier that many companies are starting to use. I can't think of a client that has demanded a PMP - but it does help and there is never anything wrong with adding letters after your name. If you continue down this road I would recommend getting your MBA as this will become a hard-core requirement within the next five years (you will not be able to compete in 7-10 years if you do not have one). Therefore the PMP would be a good stop-gap. Also, some sort of training on process control and improvement would be a good idea as well - take a look at Six Sigma.

PMI is well respected on a global level partially because you have to apply to take the test. It is also one of the best networking groups I have ever been associated with (I have several local chapter memberships due to my profession...and one of the exceptions as I do not have my PMP).

Google the PMBOK - Project Managment Body of Knowledge. It is the bible of the PMP and you will need to study it to pass the tests.

_________________________________________
you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me....
I WILL fly again.....

[ChasingBlueSky 0]

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sounds like getting the PM background will help out my resume at least.

Well, its more a case of they like it if you are PMI certified if you apply for a PM position. If memory serves me right, the certification requires some practical experience... But have a look yourself at the site to see what it entails.

You need 5 years worth of experience before you can test for it.

Also, I would stick with the schools and training centers listed on the PMI website. There are a ton of terrible classes led by sub-par instructors floating around out there.

_________________________________________
you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me....
I WILL fly again.....

[Chrissay 0]

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Consistent career growth and training is a key item when looking over resumes. Personal improvement for the sake of personal growth is a quality that all hiring managers are looking for at this high a level.

This is the exact reason why I am looking at getting a PM background. I don't think I have a very strong resume and want to strengthen it w/o going back to school right now. I do have 3 + year mgmt experience, project leader exp and own a successful business, but I just don't think it is strong enough to compete with others out there.

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If you continue down this road I would recommend getting your MBA as this will become a hard-core requirement within the next five years (you will not be able to compete in 7-10 years if you do not have one).

This is in my plans as well. My company will pay for 90% of your MBA if you are at a certain salary grade so hopefully I am able to advance in the next few months. If not, then I will lay the $$ out myself.

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Google the PMBOK - Project Managment Body of Knowledge. It is the bible of the PMP and you will need to study it to pass the tests.

Thanks, I will check that out.

Well it sounds like I am on the right track at least. Thanks for the info & feedback, it is very helpful