How My Career Accelerated after PMP Certification

Posted: Feb 08, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

Before I even became aware of the PMP Certification for Project Managers, Yosemite Mountain I was an active and busy Project Manager for many years. Naturally, I thought I knew it all when it came to managing projects. After all, who can be a better teacher than "real time project management experience" of many years.

Boy… I was in for a BIG Surprise!

When I attended the first PMP class, I realised how vast the Project Management Body of Knowledge was…  how much formal thought was given to each of the 9 Knowledge Areas, and the 5 process Groups. Back then, there were 44 processes in the PMI Framework…

And although I was extremely proficient in handling contracts, having negotiated some very large multi-million dollar contracts that covered over 200 contract staff at our project site, I had not known certain types of contracts altogether.

The area of formal Risk Management was completely new to me. And being a "non-medical" or Science student in my college years, I was completely new to Human Resource Management theories – what motivates people, how to inspire people, and how to resolve conflicts etc. Just by becoming aware about so many topics made me realise how little did I know about Project Management.


The studies for the PMP Exam, and the attempting of the hundreds of PMP questions really opened my mind to the huge new possibilities in managing risk, managing people, and managing communications etc. Previously, my idea was to only manage time, cost and scope for a successful project. And I really did not care much about the people, whether they got burnt along the way or not.

Even after getting the PMP certification, I continued to read and learn more about "effective project management strategies". The fiction books I used to borrow from the National Library slowly made way for more of the "non-fiction" books on  project management, risks, communications, HR, and other topics. I then began to write about my experiences in Project Management… and many articles actually got published in The Straits Times, Today's Manager magazine.

As I learnt, read more, and practiced what I read, I became more and more proficient in managing people and the project planning, execution and delivery became better. However, I did not realise this automatically… It was only when I was getting more frequent promotions to do more complex and larger projects that someone remarked how I had "accelerated" my career growth after getting "PMP certified"…

That's when I wondered if it was indeed true? How very True! PMP had certainly opened my eyes, and paved the way for my future growth – both personal and professional.

I did not mind the extra dollars it brought, nor the status that went with it, and the people I interacted with began to change… for the better.

Much of this happened within 2 years of my passing the PMP Exam. I then joined the local chapter of PMI, after having paid the membership fees for many years, but never ever attending any actual meetings. And this opened another big avenue to network… But more on this at another time.

As you can see, my productivity increased dramatically just by being exposed to the proper project Management Methodologies and the right Project Management Framework, and then bringing them to practice.

PMP Certification opened up a new horizon for me, and did more than wonders for me… My entire career leap-frogged in the fast-lane, and my life actually changed for the better.

Has it impacted your life too?

Do share your thoughts with me. Let me know how preparing for the PMP exam, or being a certified project manager has made a difference for you.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/how-my-career-accelerated-after-pmp-certification-4192864.html

    Article Tags:

    pmp resources

    ,

    pmp certification resources

    ,

    project management courses

    ,

    pmp exam prep

    ,

    pmp exam prep course

    The Project Management Professional is a credential awarded by the Project Management Institute. People doing the pmp exam prep can prepare thoroughly with the help of software simulator programs which are available online with great ease.

    By: pmp examl Education> Online Educationl Dec 14, 2010

    For Project Management Professionals, earning PMPCertification is a necessity. But whatever purpose you may have, you need to learn two E's to get yourself qualified. With these requirements, you would be able to attend PMP Exam Prep Course and Pass the PMP Certification Exam.

    By: John Reilingl Educationl Jan 14, 2011

    We all are familiar with Project Management Certification PMP and PMP Exam Prep; however, one more thing is that we must know about the required qualification for PMP Exam. In this article you will be familiar with the detailed required qualifications for PMP exam.

    By: pm campusl Education> K-12 Educationl Mar 07, 2011

    Project management certification talks about the designation in which holder is taught about all the processes including almost all the projects discussed by PMBOK.

    By: Alisha Northl Education> Online Educationl Jun 08, 2011

    It is necessary for every Project Manager to take a Project Management Course to enhance their skills about Project Management. In relation to that, Online PMP Courses are convenient and less expensive. You will be able to study the effective way to learn, the way you want it to be.

    By: John Reilingl Businessl Jan 26, 2011

    The economy is rising. The costs are getting higher. Project Managers are having a hard time adjusting and utilizing their limited resources just to be able to give less costly amounts to their clients. The leaders should also be capable of making a good decision. In order to have that skill, they should take project management courses that enhance decision making skills, so that they will be able to survive in today's competitive environment.

    By: John Reilingl Businessl Dec 18, 2010

    Teaching English abroad in Vietnam is a unique experience for anyone who seeks to explore a beautiful country with a rich heritage. You may find people who say that it is not difficult to find jobs in Saigon, but the converse is true. It depends on where and how you conduct your search.

    By: John Thomsonl Careersl May 25, 2012

    Thailand is a beautiful country with an expanding opportunity to teachers seeking opportunities to travel and teach. The steady demand for native English speakers means that any confident applicant with basic teaching skills can secure employment without difficulties.

    By: John Thomsonl Careersl May 24, 2012

    Doctor jobs are growing in demand. Canadian research discovered that over four million Canadians lack a family physician Because four million Canadians don't have a family physician, the need for physicians is enormous Provinces throughout Canada are desperate to fill these vacancies.

    By: jaretcxlhal Careersl May 24, 2012

    Although Singapore is an island nation, it has grown to become a modern and efficient first world model country in Asia too. The infrastructure is remarkable and education sector largely successful.

    By: John Thomsonl Careersl May 24, 2012

    Malaysia is a beautiful country with a thriving tourism industry. Like other emerging countries in Asia, the education sector spurs the knowledge-based economy. The education reforms have been instrumental in producing a quality workforce that satisfies the professional demands of various industries.

    By: John Thomsonl Careersl May 24, 2012
    Vinai Prakash

    Recently, one of our PMChamp online coaching students asked me about a mock PMP question. I thought of sharing it with you, so that all of our PMP aspirants can also benefit from the analysis, and use this kind of thinking in your PMP exam.

    By: Vinai Prakashl Education> Online Educationl Mar 12, 2012
    Vinai Prakash

    A lot of people have asked me about the importance of obtaining the PMP certification. Some asked if it is really required, and if it proves any point – given that they achieve real experience in executing projects in the real life, and learn from them.

    By: Vinai Prakashl Education> Online Educationl Jan 18, 2012
    Vinai Prakash

    You can start your study for the PMP Credential today. Simply follow our Step-by-Step PMP Study Plan, and prepare for the exam easily, without hassles.

    By: Vinai Prakashl Education> Online Educationl Nov 14, 2011
    Vinai Prakash

    I get a number of questions about the differences between a Configuration Management System and a Change Management System. This question arises because most project managers have heard about a Change Management System, and Change Control, but most of them haven't seen, heard or used a Configuration Management System.

    By: Vinai Prakashl Education> Online Educationl Oct 27, 2011
    Vinai Prakash

    To pass the PMP exam, you need to have some key points ingrained in your mind forever. These points are used again and again in the PMP Exam Questions. Nothing difficult… Just simple principles, and once you understand them, you will be better prepared for the revised PMP exam.

    By: Vinai Prakashl Education> Online Educationl Sep 30, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast