Browse through job posts on any online job board, and you’ll quickly see a familiar pattern – the majority of available Project Manager (PM) positions list a PMP certification as required or preferred. In many companies being a PMP is a requirement for promotions or embedded with performance evaluations. According to the Project Management Institute, employers will need to fill close to 90 million Project Management roles by 2027. As PMPs become the gold standard as PMs, applicants without a PMP won’t be considered in most cases. Even today, many recruiters start by dividing resumes into two piles – those with a PMP certification and those without.
So – why are PMPs so desirable and sought after, especially in today’s competitive job market?
Experts in Professional Project Management
PMPs are more than a glorified Project Manager. PMPs are the central driving force who can provide project oversight in virtually all areas of the organization, manage enterprise level projects, and oversee resource allocation among all projects. As project management experts, PMPs work as project leaders and serve as ad-hoc consultants to other PMs. Staffing your PMO with PMPs guarantees a consistent focus, use, and processes throughout the organization.
Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk
With the project management profession growing exponentially worldwide, many institutions offering professional development have started offering classes covering core processes. Unfortunately, many project managers still find themselves working as PMs without having applied for the position or previous experience. These employees are expected to deliver exceptional results in their field of expertise (marketing, PR, consulting, IT, professional services) and lack any formal training. They have become to be known as Accidental Project Managers.
Unlike Accidental Project Managers, PMPs can speak a common business language that ensures they are on the same page with their team members and project sponsor. Their shared background provides that processes are universally implemented throughout the enterprise as they know the difference between critical processes and when to conduct each. Understanding the project management frameworks allows PMPs to speak with clients, team members, and vendors on a level playing field to avoid the number one source of project errors – communication failures. While stacking your cards with a deck full of PMPs will not eliminate the possibility of miscommunication, it drastically reduces the change there is a common misunderstanding surrounding processes and techniques.
Motivated and Goal Oriented
If your organization is seeking a motivated group who continues to go above and beyond, PMPs are they way to go. They’ve time and time again demonstrated the commitment to furthering their professional development. Earning a PMP certification requires a substantial commitment of time, energy, and focus, all while balancing your existing commitment to work and family. Experienced PMs who have completed their certification can attest to how arduous it is and one thing is certain – they are capable of managing their time and stress levels. PMPs have undertaken a significant professional challenge, while working full time, and deserve to be recognized for going beyond their everyday obligations.
Adding a PMP brings a substantive value-add to any project management team. Leading organizations in today’s economy are not only promoting PMPs internally, but they are also demanding it from their business partners and vendors. PMPs are already the driving force behind the PM industry and organizations cannot afford to miss the trend if they want to stay competitive.