Matthew Parker ⋅ Woodridge, IL U.S. Army, Captain ⋅ 6 years served

All,

So I found this thread looking for an answer that no one has been able to give. I have seen numerous posts in ACP about the benefits of the cert and the ways to get schooling and exams for free. However, the question I can't seem to find is how to turn your experience into the hours needed on the application. 4,500 hours is a lot to have to document. I'm certain that I have surpassed this even in my only 6 years in the Army, however putting those projects on paper and detailed enough to avoid being audited is the hard part.

Basically, the information many of you provided has been invaluable. But if I can't even sit in the exam, is the free training and exam worth it?

So has anyone used their military experience for projects on the application? How did you "accurately" track hours from experience years ago? How did you avoid or deal with an audit?

Any help specifically on the project translation from military to PMI would be greatly beneficial. I really think Project Management is for me and I really want to pursue the certification. So far, its been hard to even get a shot at an interview for a PM position, hoping a cert will keep my resume from being screened.

Thanks in advance,

Matt

Ray Martinelli ⋅ Flanders, NJ U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant ⋅ 8 years served

Gunny,

There are many great comments & I agree on the assistance they are providing.

Perhaps more for your resume and networking process in transitioning I copied a message to another Marine.

A great tool to help you list and translate the responsibilities and relative competencies from military to civilian language is the ACE Guide. You can search by both the courses (MCI's &/or resident schools) or occupations. I list the link below. If looking at the MOS check the 0369 & 0372 and remove the portions that don't apply to your pay grade.

http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

Also you should start to network professionally if you have not already done so. There are a LOT of free sites like this that you can professionally connect with former Marines and perhaps organizations you want to target for employment.

Try LinkedIn. I personally would not use a profile here as a resume. I use this profile for career search as a way for recruiters to search and a lead to want to get my resume. Other than that it is to connect with people in the career field and/or organization I am targeting. Making connection within a company are great ways to get looked at even if there is not a posted position.

If you start a LinkedIn profile send me a request to connect: www.linkedin.com/in/rmartinelli1/

Semper Fi

Ray Martinelli

Jay Lightfoot ⋅ Herndon, VA ⋅ 20 years experience

Phillip,

To echo what others have said: having the PMP cert is critical. It is my understanding that one of the new rules from the federal government is for a company to bill for a PM's time that person must be PMP certified. This rule has left many companies of all sizes scrambling for certified people. Also agree on a LinkedIn account. Start on it now - spend some time on a regular basis with it and build your network. It is amazing how "connected" you can become in a relatively short timeframe.

Susan Carr ⋅ Plainwell, MI General Electric ⋅ 30 years experience

Phillip,

I don't know what degree program you are currently enrolled in, but I imagine that you must have professors involved in the profession. Along with the other great advice you have received, I suggest having a couple of them take a look at your resume and see what they can do to help you translate what you have done in the Marines to the civilian sector. I don't know if you have reviewed the checklist that Tom Cal provided in his link, but one suggestion he has is to join the local PMI chapter. You can do that while stationed in San Clemente, or pay to go to meetings as a guest. Our local chapter charges only $5.00 more for non-members each monthly meeting, so it isn't a big expense. You can learn about the profession, network and even take courses. You may find some other vets who will help you with your resume and transition questions.

Best of luck,
Sue Carr, PMP

Heather Gillbanks ⋅ Houston, TX General Electric ⋅ 26 years experience

I agree with Tom Cal's advice and would add that EVEN IF you had formal PM experience in the military, to be taken seriously in industry you really do need the certification, or a LOT of years of OTJ experience. Most larger areas have a PMP support group (or 3) - those who are seeking their certification. I know Austin has them, and I suspect SA will, too. The attendees are going to be a mixed bag, but you may find a gem or two who can help with your specific questions. Most areas also have user groups for people with the certification already - and they can be a very useful source of info (what worked/ didn't on the app forms, etc.). Best of luck!

Craig Bush ⋅ Boston, MA IBM ⋅ 11 years experience

I agree with Jimmy. Unless you have specific experience running a project in the military (for example something in R&D with DARPA), then getting your PMP is a good start.

Madhav Gopal ⋅ Philadelphia, PA Comcast ⋅ 16 years experience

Thank you for your service.

I think you have got some pretty good advice so far.

The only thing I would add is your ability to get things done under life or death situations. That is what the genesis of a great project manager is and your experience in the Service is a great testimonial.

Phil C. ⋅ Fort Worth, TX ⋅ 3 years experience

Gunny,

It sounds like you've got a good plan and have received some good advice so far. I would recommend you get a Linkedin account. It's quick, easy and free. This will allow you to start building professional networks and relationships the minute you sign up. Those are crucial to getting a good post-military career. Additionally, you can put the web address of your Linkedin page on your resume giving it a little added firepower, so to speak. Good luck!

Best Regards,
Phil

Jimmy Phillips ⋅ Brandon, MS AT&T ⋅ 17 years experience

Getting your PMP certification is a plus, as many will look for that in considering you for a project management position. That would at least keep you in the running from being filtered out from that angle.
The best advice I received was to do research on the job you are applying for and show how you can make an immediate contribution. Experience is important, but don't let your resume read like a history lesson. Have it relate to how your experience aligns with the needs of the job you are applying for.

Best wishes,
Jimmy

Damin Kirk ⋅ North Charleston, SC Boeing ⋅ 21 years experience

Hi Phillip,

There are a ton of Project Management resumes that come through everyone's job boards. The key for you will be demonstrating what 'Projects' you led in the Marines. Specify start and end dates, nature of the projects and translate military readiness into cost savings.

The Project Management Degree is great, however, specific experience is even better. Especially when your resume will be amoung thousands of others with Project Management Credentials. Good Luck!

Damin

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

* Contact VCTP Syracuse and schedule a call with one of VCTP's professional guidance counselors re the PMP and CAPM certifications.

* Also read closely and takes notes on these discussions:
https://acp-advisornet.org/question/927/a-checklist-for-veterans-how-to-learn-more-about-the-project-management-professional-pmp-cert.

* Once you have accomplished these 2 tasks, please come back and provide feedback, and ask follow up questions. Shrew what you learn so others can benefit. Thank you.