What after PMP Certification?

Achieving the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a significant milestone in any project manager's career. The rigorous training and exam preparation required to pass the PMP exam demonstrates an individual's advanced knowledge of project management methodologies and strategies.

However, after obtaining the PMP certification, many project managers may wonder what's next in their career path.

In this guide, we will explore the different career paths available to PMP-certified professionals and provide insights into how they can leverage their certification to take their careers to the next level. Whether it's moving up the corporate ladder or branching out into new areas of expertise, there are many exciting opportunities available to PMP-certified professionals.

Impact of PMP Certification on career advancement

Prior to discovering the PMP Certification, the individual was an experienced and active Project Manager for many years, confident in his abilities. However, his perspective changed dramatically after attending his first PMP training course. The vastness of the Project Management Body of Knowledge and the depth of thought given was truly eye-opening. As someone who successfully negotiated multi-million dollar contracts and managed large teams, he was surprised to discover new types of contracts and formal communication or stakeholder management practices.

• The individual's lack of knowledge in areas such as communication management became apparent, but his willingness to learn and practice what he learned led to significant improvements in his ability to manage people and deliver successful projects.
• His newfound proficiency in managing projects and people, along with his PMP Certification, led to frequent promotions and career growth.
• Although the financial benefits and increased status were welcomed, the most significant change was the positive impact on the individual's personal and professional life.
• The PMP Certification opened up new horizons for him, and he was grateful for the opportunity to have been exposed to proper project management methodologies and frameworks, which ultimately led to significant career advancements and personal growth.

One of the most significant advantages of being PMP certified is the financial benefit. According to the Project Management Salary Survey conducted by PMI, certified project managers earn 16% more than non-certified professionals.

In addition, the certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in project management strategies, which has resulted in the individual being assigned to more critical and high-responsibility projects. As a result, he is now expected to provide innovative solutions to the organization and motivate his team to overcome tough times.

Furthermore, this certification has opened up new doors and fresh career prospects for the individual, as it adds value to his resume and differentiates him from other project managers. He has an improved approach to managing projects, using advanced tools and techniques to take them to the next level and mitigate associated risks. His vision for achieving project goals has also become clearer.

Additionally, the individual has a better chance of communicating with senior management and proposing ideas and solutions. His project management certification speaks for itself, and the management is much more confident about assigning him larger and riskier projects.

How does a PMP Certification can help you bag an amazing job?

Having a PMP certification under your belt surely opens the doors to new career opportunities. The role of PMP certification in helping you to grow in your career can be explained as follows:

1. Recruiters tend to give preference to the profiles having a PMP certification over their non-certified counterparts.

2. Acquire proficiency in the global standard language of Project Management by equipping yourself with a PMP certification in addition to improving your job prospect. Adding the proven ability to identify and overcome the problems within an organization automatically makes you more preferable to an employer over your non-certified counterpart.

3. Companies continuously try to identify professionals with the skills and knowledge to handle the projects in the current time, when the methods to handle projects constantly keep changing. It is for this reason that companies look for PMP certified professionals, and this exactly leads to a high demand for this credential.

4. When a recruiter sees a PMP certification in your resume, he gets to know that you have worked hard to attain this certification and you possess a substantial amount of quality work experience under your belt to validate your skill.

Role of PMP Certification in your job progression

There are numerous jobs which require managing large pieces of work as a project management professional who manages projects. Being a PMP certified professional with the right set of knowledge and skills, you can plan, manage, and monitor the progress of the projects which results in meeting your goals at the right time.

You can surely hit your deadlines at the right time by equipping yourself with project management skills. Apart from it, you can prove to be a resource for an organization by being a good fit for the team with your technical expertise and qualification.

What do employers see in certified PMPs?

Even experienced project managers who are highly proficient in multiple areas of project management can learn a great deal from studying for and passing the PMP exam. As a result, employers see PMP credential holders as valuable assets for protecting and growing the organization.

PMP credential holders have proven life skills in managing people and communications. Passing the PMP exam also requires hard skills such as monitoring and producing deliverables, calculating costs and other project elements, and using computer programs to manage projects more efficiently.

Having a certified project manager on the team opens new possibilities for employers looking to take on new, large, or complex projects.

Career Path after PMP

After obtaining PMP certification, professionals can choose to pursue several career paths, such as:

I. Project Manager

The most natural progression for a PMP certified professional is to continue working as a project manager. However, PMP certification is not limited to any particular industry, and a certified professional can work as a project manager in any field or industry. A PMP certified project manager is responsible for planning, executing, and delivering projects within the specified scope, budget, and time frame.

II. Program Manager

PMP certified professionals can progress to become a program manager. A program manager is responsible for managing multiple projects that are related to each other, and their overall outcome is aligned with organizational goals. A program manager is responsible for coordinating the activities of multiple project teams, ensuring that all projects are delivered within the specified constraints.

III. Portfolio Manager

PMP certified professionals can pursue a career as a portfolio manager. A portfolio manager is responsible for managing a group of programs and projects. They work with senior management to align the portfolio's objectives with the organization's strategic goals. Portfolio managers are responsible for prioritizing projects, allocating resources, and ensuring that the portfolio's performance is regularly monitored.

IV. Project Management Officer

PMP certified professionals can also pursue a career as a project management officer. A project management officer provides guidance and advice to organizations on how to manage projects effectively. They work with organizations to develop project management methodologies, train project managers, and provide project management support.

V. Business Consultant

PMP certified professionals can also work as consultants, providing project management expertise to clients. As a consultant, you can work for a consulting firm or start your own consulting business. You can work on a variety of projects for different clients and industries

VI. Trainer

PMP certified professionals can also work as trainers, providing training and coaching to other project managers. As a trainer, you can work for a training organization or start your own training business. You can teach PMP certification courses or other project management courses.

VII. Agile Coach

PMP certified professionals can also pursue a career as an agile coach. Agile coaching involves coaching teams on agile methodologies and helping them to adopt agile practices. PMP certification provides a solid foundation in project management principles, enabling agile coaches to effectively manage agile projects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining PMP certification opens up a range of career opportunities for professionals in project management. From project management to business analysis, program management, portfolio management, project management consulting, and agile coaching, PMP certification provides a solid foundation for a successful career. Whatever path a PMP certified professional chooses, the certification provides them with the skills and knowledge necessary to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals.

Are you ready to open new doors after the PMP certification? If yes, opt for our PMP training course today!

Our promise is to provide you with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that covers all aspects of project management. You will have one special session with the trainer, access to the next online batch free if you are unable to clear your exam, and extension to PMP prep resources. Our course materials are updated regularly to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in project management.

Our PMP certification training course is delivered by experienced and certified instructors who have years of experience in managing projects across different industries. They will guide you through the course and provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to manage projects effectively.