TOPIC: Is PMP still worth pursuing for someone just starting out?

Hi all,

I just graduated with a business management degree and I’m seriously considering project management as a career. I keep seeing PMP come up in job posts and career advice, and I’d love to eventually earn it, I know it requires experience so I’m wondering if there beginner-friendly roles or certs I should target first?

I’d really appreciate any tips from folks who’ve been there.

Hi George,

First and foremost congratulation on graduating! Project management, from my experience, is a very rewarding field and has a high job demand due to its versatile nature as a profession. From an experience standpoint many people actually have worked many projects over their standard work day and just don't look at it in that capacity. Example, If you work on rolling out a new product at McDonalds, that would be considered a project. If you worked in retail and you have to prepare the store for a major sale or holiday event, that would be considered a project as well. When you begin to look at the work you've done in the past in this capacity you will notice you may have much more project experience than you think.

If you can find roles as a project coordinator that would be a good entry level position to get the ropes of the position, gain project experience, and gain a better understanding of the vertical. Happy to help with any other questions you may have! Good luck on your journey.

Hi George,
I agree with Erik - try looking at your past work through a project management lens; you might find you’ve already completed several projects without realizing it. If not, be proactive: ask to take on project-related responsibilities at work, or consider volunteering for roles that let you practice PM skills. This will help you build experience while you work toward your PMP.

Best of luck,
Lena