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Would a Masters in Project Management or an MBA with a Project management focus open more doors for me?

Veteran

Gary Smith Watertown, NY

I'm a Staff Sergeant transitioning out of the Army after 12 years of servise. I have a BA History but I want to put my years of experience leading Soldiers and managing organizational goals to use in the corporate world. Since I'm just starting to look at my options there seems to be so many directions to go. Would an undergrad in IT be worth the extra time or can certifications open those doors? Should I keep it broad with an MBA or more focused with Project Management.

2 May 2017 24 replies General

Answers

Advisor

Misty Schmidt Marietta, GA

If you're looking to get into project management DEFINITELY get your PMP. A lot of companies won't even consider PM applicants that don't have that certification. I always recommend Rita Mulcahy's PMP exam prep materials to everyone I talk to when they are prepping for the PMP exam. She does a really good job of explaining the concepts in the PMBOK using real-world scenarios, offers suggestions regarding how questions on the exam are often structured within the various concepts, and has practice exams that help you get a feel for what the real test is like and what areas you may need additional preparation in. I also stumbled across a website called PM Study Circle the other day that looks to offer a lot of similar helpful information, and seems to be free.

If you want to get into IT, whether that be IT Project Management, or any other area of IT, you need to find a way to get some practical IT experience. IT truly is an industry that is really hard to get in to if you don't have any experience other than academic training. I will second Chuck Beretz's comment about knowing what you want to do with an MBA before enrolling in a program. Obtaining and MBA is a lot of work and grad school is expensive. You'll need to have a specific goal in mind that you're working towards that necessitates an MBA to make it worthwhile in the long run. I personally think it's more beneficial if you have at least a few years experience working in the corporate world before pursuing an MBA. Most traditional MBA programs are geared towards the corporate world and I think you get the most out of them if you have practical experiences to which you can apply the lessons being taught and to help you better recognize situations where how things work in the real world often differ from the best-practices taught in academia.

3 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Chuck Beretz Carlsbad, CA

It might, but it depends on what you want to do with the MBA that matters more. For example, if you want to go into project management, I would try to find a job as a junior project manager where you could learn from others while studying for the PMP exam. In fact, you could make it a condition of your accepting a "junior" position that your compensation would be re-evaluated after attaining your PMP. IF after working in project management for a while you still want an MBA, enroll in a part-time program for working executives. It can be a powerful combination but make sure it is what you want to do.

2 May 2017 Helpful answer

Veteran

Windle L. Riles Jr. (CISM, PMP, ITILv3) Oceanside, CA

Gary,

Transitioning myself in about 90 days. As mentioned by Tedrick the PMP exam is no joke. Not trying to scare you! Just be mindful you're going to have to dedicate A LOT of time studying and gaining an understanding of the PMBOK. Here to provide "supporting fires" if you need help or have questions about preparing for the exam don't hesitate to reach out.

5 June 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Tom Deutsch West Chester, PA

Hi Gary,

Sorry to be joining the conversation so late, but I just joined.

Everyone above has given you excellent advice. Speaking as an IT professional with Project Management experience, the PMP certification will open a lot of doors for you; however, your idea of adding another dimension through an IT certification will really broaden your reach.

From my perspective, project management is a universal skill that can be applied in almost any industry; however, how it is applied definitely changes from industry to industry. My background is in IT, Healthcare, Biotech, Manufacturing, and Financial Services. A project is managed best by someone who has knowledge in the particular field the project will be managed in. The nice thing about having an IT dimension is that just about every other industry relies on IT, so if you have that as part of your foundation, you can begin to pick up experience in other industries which will broaden your reach.

One last piece of advice as you transition...

After college, I had a buddy who was a job-hopper. Plain and simple. I loved the guy, but he gained a perception for being loyal only to himself. He made more money with each progressive hop, but later in his career, he found it difficult to find work because of two factors: 1) He demanded a higher salary than others applying for the same job without any discernible value to support it, and 2) He was perceived as not being loyal.

Then there is me, I married every company I worked for until it was time to divorce. I did not make nearly as much money as he did, and found that I began to be judged by a different standard when it came to promotions and raises - more was expected of me because the perception people had of me is that I wasn't going to leave.

So, what is my point Gary? Somewhere in between the two, that's where the truth lies. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would have managed my career much like the projects I managed. Some of the basic elements needed for successful project management, having a clear vision and mission, goals, and especially an exit strategy would have served me well as I took on each new opportunity. I would have moved on according to my timeline, not someone else's, and certainly not just because someone offered me more money. For each new company/opportunity you take on, have an idea of when you think it will be time for you to move on. What are you looking to learn from this opportunity/company. When you have achieved that, look to see what else you can learn, how else you can grow there, and don't be afraid of moving on to a new company/opportunity when it is time to grow yourself in an area that the present one cannot.

Unfortunately, the idea of lifelong employment at one company has all but extinguished. You owe them your very best while you are working there, they owe you their very best, but it doesn't mean you are obligated to stay long after you've stopped growing yourself.

Wow! What a long story!

Sorry, I guess I am more passionate about this than I thought!

If you ever want to ask me some questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, and all the best to you!

Tom
610-620-4850
etdeutsch@gmail.com

22 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Cary Grossman Houston, TX

Gary:

I'm a finance guy but I've done plenty of hiring for operational management positions. There is no completely right answer but you may be better served getting a job in a field you like, even if the pay and position are below where you'd like to be. Get some experience in a particular field and then either go back to school or go to night/weekend school and add the MBA. If you were taking the military experience, adding an MBA and going into consulting or investment banking then straight to business school might be great but I think experience doing something real adds more value when combined with an MBA.

3 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

John Green Cary, NC

Congrats on your new life !

The short answer is no.

MBAs are a dime a dozen, and have no real impact on hiring process without a specific specialization.

Whats of more use to you is specializing in a demanded skill.

See Robert Half salary guides (there are seven).

https://www.roberthalf.com/workplace-research/salary-guides

Find the skill area that you want to pursue and determine what courses of study or experience will facilitate that skill.

Automation is replacing many manual labor type jobs, for example, warehouse staff, or road pavers. Target a specialization that facilitates the future, which is Artificial Intelligence.

The biggest need we have is for ethical creation of AI.

Certifications are the most effective way to achieve competency in the IT world.

Also look into Cyber-security.

http://www.umuc.edu/academic-programs/cyber-security/index.cfm

Either Cyber-security or AI career will easily pull down $200k per year base salary.

2 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Dr. Jay Griesser Saint Cloud, FL

I think the first step is a CAPM or PMP. The CAPM is for people with less experience. I would also join the local Project Management Chapter and network with local PM. If your have military experience as a PM try to put that in civilian terms unless you are going for a government contractors position.

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

Yes! I strongly believe that the more experience and education you have in project management the more opportunities you will have, especially in global companies

Advisor

FRANCIS TEPEDINO, ESQ. San Diego, CA

Here is a different approach.

Get a J. D. It is difficult and costly. There are many MBA's looking for work. A JD puts you in an entirely different category insofar as advancement and senior corporate management is concerned.

Take the LSAT. If you do badly, go on to do something else.

If you do well, then carefully consider what you want out of life.

Question: Do you want to be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?

Veteran

Dewayne Orender Greenwood, IN

Gary,
As you see there is a lot of advice out there for you. As a 20 year active duty I too wonder what is the best course of action. If you are going to go after your PMP, then I would steer you towards Vets2PM as they will have the tools necessary to find the right training and be able to translate your experience as an NCO to PM. With your BA you will need 4,500 hours of PM experience, as you probably have close to double that. Vets2PM will assist you in the path to gaining your PMP and meet qualifications and develop a resume.

Dewayne

Advisor

Joe Pierce Jonesboro, AR

Yes
Project management is an incredibly open field especially iwith International companies doing business off shore or in China
Sourcing off shore or working with companies to see the projects come to fruition is very rewarding

Advisor

Jose Roman Norfolk, VA

Gary,

I'm coming late to the conversation but would recommend two other options:

For senior NCOs transitioning interested in a graduate degree and debating an MBA I like to offer an M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in the focus you want or a M.A. in Business and Design Management as an alternative to the traditional MBA. Because you bring a career and leadership experience to the table these alternative graduate degrees can compliment your work. Regent University also has an agreement with the Army University. They are 1 of only 4 Four-year universities chosen to partner with the Army. Feel free to ask me questions about the degree programs or you can learn more here: https://www.regent.edu/mil/academics/army-university-cedp-leadership-initiative/

Whatever you do you can pursue your PMP through PMI. PMI has a program for veterans to get their PMP started. There's info here: https://www.pmi.org/military

OR a M.S. in Cyber Security that would include your certifications : https://www.regent.edu/program/m-s-in-cybersecurity/

Here's addl. info on the M.A. in Organizational Leadership: https://www.regent.edu/program/m-a-in-organizational-leadership/

Veteran

Thomas Witt Boise, ID

Hey Gary,

Go for the PMP.
As a SSG with 11 years, you have plenty of experience to fill the time as a project manager for the application. I was going to take the exam this month before the change from version 5 to 6 but have decided to wait. The new exam includes Agile and Scrum and even if harder and more complex will contain good information to know.

Advisor

Mark Layne Cumming, GA

I would suggest an MBA, which will certainly help you in Mgmt setting as far as Acct and Finance. Working on your IT certifications as PMP or Security will be icing on the cake and will get you in the door quicker. Hope this helps.

Advisor

Ethan Margalith Los Angeles, CA

This is a minority opinion, but unless you have something very specific in mind I would definitely go for the MBA. The MBA represents to me that you have a broader education which helps qualify for general management positions. It would fit well as the next step from your role in the service.

Veteran

josh liles Jacksonville, NC

Get a computer science degree and focus on PMP certification. You can probably go straight for a MS in Computer Science if you load up on some of the prerequisite classes. That will be more helpful than an MBA. When you say IT field do you mean software developer, cyber security, tech support? Need to be more specific. If PMP is unattainable, you could look at scrum master certification. Direct involvement with the developers in sprint planning, but can be an entry point in a software development company.

Advisor

Richard Filippi Rye, NY

Just saw this.
When you are out please reach out to me on LinkedIn.com as I have 1/3 of my 2500 contacts in IT at consulting firms or companies.
Since you are in Watertown NY are you with the 10th Mountain Division?

Advisor

Lynn Vavra Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

Gary, the suggestion for cyber security was excellent; consider adding that later as the IT component. There's a shortage of skilled workers in this field and with your leadership experience from the service, once you got in you'd likely be considered a high potential. Always remember, include something you're really passionate about in your career goal. It makes it less just a job and more rewarding for both you, the organization and those you lead.

Advisor

Tim Keefe Arlington, VA

There are two ways to look at this:

1. Employers pay you for a specialization that they can't grow internally, you have to choose a field in which to specialize. But, at the same time, you have to be enough of a generalist to understand things more broadly and where everything fits. That comes with experience and the capacity to learn and synthesize vast amount of information, to find the dots to connect.

2. The great thing about project management is that it's a practice that can be applied across many disciplines: from IT to construction, and from healthcare to manufacturing. But, as far as the PMP is concerned, it's more a "rank" than it is an "MOS." That is, trying to be a PM without some industry experience, much less a specialization, is putting the cart before the horse. There are many transitioning folks who believe that, just because they led soldiers and did "management" type stuff, that they're qualified to be PMs or just managers. This is setting yourself up for failure, because how can you manage something if you have no experience in it? Would you assume that the average civilian knows how to lead soldiers if they themselves have never been soldiers?

My quick advice is this . . .

Focus more on IT and find a way to contribute in the in-demand fields, like programming. Get a cert or two to check the box and then angle for something more "management" like in a few years. Also, consider the PMP at some point. You could go ahead and get it now, but then you'll have to grow into it because you don't have the experience.

Veteran

Tedrick Holmes Killeen, TX

Gary the PMP is a complex certification. I have multiple IT certifications and some were difficult, but none were as difficult as the PMP exam. Find a good course and actually put a lot of time in to study. Where as the IT certifications tend to pigeon hole you, PMP can be used in any area.

Advisor

Mike Cottell Glen Head, NY

Hi Gary, as you reflect on your opportunities in the corporate world, consider talking to some individuals about Supply Chain Leadership as an option. Always a good career, more companies are turning to leaders who can use both technology and management skills to address the challenges and opportunities in today's global economy. Unless you can simply download the product, every organization is looking to:
1) Shorten the design through manufacturing time cycle to be as short as possible to both take advantage of changes in customer buying trends and balance inventory.
2) Maintain a global inventory that is as small as possible yet still allows for maximum sales opportunity.
3) Move the product to the customer as quickly and efficiently as possible
4) Maintain a high quality level throughout the entire chain and ensure a positive customer experience.
Just a thought, as you assess your career direction and the excellent answers provided by the other advisors. Thank you for your service and GOOD LUCK to you.
Best Regards, Mike

Veteran

Gary Smith Watertown, NY

Thanks for all the great answers. I am going to get my PMP certification from Sracuse University through the Army transition program (will be free and complete before I get out) . I'll find an entry level job and after some experience in the field I'll determin weather I use my GI bill for adding IT certifications, an MBA or something else STEM related.

Advisor

Jeanne Perdue Houston, TX

Dear Gary:
Definitely go for the PMP certification rather than an MBA. The MBA folks are more worried about the money, whereas the PMP folks are more focused on getting the job done, which is probably more up your alley.
Jeanne Perdue, Houston, TX

Veteran

Gary Smith Watertown, NY

Thanks, I can do 1 certification for free before i get out of the army. I'm leaning heavily towards PMP but havn't ruled out an entry level IT certification.

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