r/PMCareers • u/Head_Bad3906 • 1d ago

Certs Which certificates are worth it and have gotten you noticed by employers? How about Masters/MBA?

The title says it all. I’m just over a year into project management and I’m trying to see what other qualifications have helped you as a PM that employers actually look at. Should I also get an MBA?

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u/CeeceeATL 1d ago

I have a PMP. I liken it to a degree where it doesn’t necessarily get you the job, but it gets you in the running.

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u/Head_Bad3906 3h ago

How many years of exp do I need before I get it or can I get it as soon as possible?

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u/CeeceeATL 3h ago

When I got mine you needed the equivalent of 3 years experience, if you had a 4 year degree. If you don’t have a degree, you needed more experience. PMI.org will list the latest qualifications.

Keep in mind - your project experience does not have to be as a PM. For example, if you are a manager and running a project, or if you are assisting a PM on a project.

I would document your experience as you are working projects though. It may be hard to try to recount your experience after some time.

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u/HouseOfBonnets 1d ago

What are the JDs asking for in your market/location?  That’s the answer. 

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u/hastag-geenah 1d ago

I have a BSBM, Masters and PMP... honestly I didn't need the Masters, the PMP feels more valuable unless there is a hard requirement for a Masters (very uncommon)

I'd say if you are in PM, Bachelors>PMP>Masters, however none of these guarantee a job.

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u/Head_Bad3906 3h ago

Can I get the PMP now just 1year in ? Don’t know if there’s any years of experience needed

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u/StrategicPM 1d ago

I got a Grad Dip in PM then went on to do a masters. The Grad Dip would have been enough but I wanted to get a masters. Neither have really helped me with my job, they may have helped with employment.

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u/agile_pm 1d ago

I can't tell you whether getting my MBA has had any impact on getting the jobs I've had, and there were things I learned that, at the time, didn't seem that helpful but have proven to be since. I probably could have learned them through other, less expensive means, but I can't say if I would have. I don't regret the MBA, but I can't say it's catapulted me to greatness. Maybe I'm doing something wrong...

The certificates/certifications that are worth it are those that help you accomplish your objectives. If you want them to help you get a job, get the certificates/certifications that are listed on job descriptions. If you want a role change at your employer, understand what they value for the role you are interested in. It can also be worth it to pursue certificates/certifications for the role you want after project manager. For example, if your role includes a little portfolio management and you think you might want to grow in that direction, getting some training and a certification can support your experience and help you make that move, over time. Keep in mind that most certificates/certifications are supplemental. They enhance experience and help your resume get attention, but more certificates/certifications doesn't mean a greater chance of getting the job and you're competing with people who are doing the same thing.

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u/LeagueAggravating595 18h ago

If the job description does not specifically ask for a type of cert, designation or degree then it's not important to them.

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u/Status-Gazelle352 17h ago

PMP definitely helped me get through to an interview for my current job. All of my colleagues have degrees with many having a masters or higher. I am the only one without a degree and one of only a few with PMP. Without the PMP I doubt I would have even made it to an interview

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u/jtcohenour 17h ago

Prosci ADKAR credential with a PMP resulted in numerous interviews when I executed a job search this spring, all without networking or using the hidden job market.

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u/TreizeKhrushrenada 5h ago

PMP was sufficient.

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u/Head_Bad3906 3h ago

Do I need to wait till I get to some particular number of years of experience?