IT Career Advice Required (right forum?)
Discussion
Hi all,
Hoping this is the right forum, I figured most IT types visit this board a lot.... Anyway, here goes - I got an email at work mentioning that 'Professional Funding Deadlines' are up in a fortnight, so I was wondering about what courses & qualifications would best help with my career plan.
Basically, I'm currently a Web developer (~9 years with reasonable progression) in charge of a small team, I do development work, client liason, etc, but not a lot of 'proper' project management (only the bear minimum of what's needed)... anyway, my plan is to be doing my bosses' job in a couple of years, gradually moving out of development (which doesn't interest me as much as it used to) and into mangement. I want to know what sort of qualifications I should be considering (also they ideally need to be related to my current role to get the funding - but I can probably make a good case up anyway!).
Any suggestions, advice, or criticism(!) welcomed, thanks, CH
Hoping this is the right forum, I figured most IT types visit this board a lot.... Anyway, here goes - I got an email at work mentioning that 'Professional Funding Deadlines' are up in a fortnight, so I was wondering about what courses & qualifications would best help with my career plan.
Basically, I'm currently a Web developer (~9 years with reasonable progression) in charge of a small team, I do development work, client liason, etc, but not a lot of 'proper' project management (only the bear minimum of what's needed)... anyway, my plan is to be doing my bosses' job in a couple of years, gradually moving out of development (which doesn't interest me as much as it used to) and into mangement. I want to know what sort of qualifications I should be considering (also they ideally need to be related to my current role to get the funding - but I can probably make a good case up anyway!).
Any suggestions, advice, or criticism(!) welcomed, thanks, CH
I'd grab a bigger slice of the project management pie if possible.
Look at doing courses that will get you something recognisable as a "management" qualification (MBA being the most well known... nowt wrong with slow timing an OU course though). That way you can effectivley show the company you've been able to do your Boss's job for quite a while and are qualified to do it as well.
Look at doing courses that will get you something recognisable as a "management" qualification (MBA being the most well known... nowt wrong with slow timing an OU course though). That way you can effectivley show the company you've been able to do your Boss's job for quite a while and are qualified to do it as well.
Cheers Passenger,
I've considered an MBA, but I don't think it's likely to get the funding (it's a bit too expensive), also I'm just finishing an OU degree course (in October) and I could do with a break from study, and with 10 month old twins was planning on something a bit more 'self-contained' so I can get a bit more family time next year... One of the options I was looking at was doing the PRINCE2 foundation training (the actual course I was considering is: www.qa-iq.com/search/courseDetails.asp?course=QAPV2P)... I'm quite lucky as my employer is pretty good on granting study leave.
CH
I've considered an MBA, but I don't think it's likely to get the funding (it's a bit too expensive), also I'm just finishing an OU degree course (in October) and I could do with a break from study, and with 10 month old twins was planning on something a bit more 'self-contained' so I can get a bit more family time next year... One of the options I was looking at was doing the PRINCE2 foundation training (the actual course I was considering is: www.qa-iq.com/search/courseDetails.asp?course=QAPV2P)... I'm quite lucky as my employer is pretty good on granting study leave.
CH
Edited by dr bob on Tuesday 8th May 14:57
ThePassenger said:
Probably a good place to start for the qualifications; PRINCE2 might not be the be all and end all of the PM world (as far as I can tell) but it's a recognised 'thing' to have.
It's great if you're in public sector - but still worth doing if that's something you do in your line of work.
Dress, and train, for the job you want - not the one you have
Having made the move from developer through analysis and into Project Management and then into Programme Management (and into Head of AD) I understand your desire.
It is worth getting Prince 2 - it is very easy to qualify. But you can teach a monkey the process, it is judgement, personality, intelligence, people skills, drive, luck and hard work that gets you the promotions and pay rises (or at least a few of those items).
There are a lot of people out there that call themselves a project manager but probably only 30% or so actually cut it (in my experience). Once you get the training and once you get your 'apprenticeship' then dont fool yourself into believing you have made it - it takes a few years to really find your feet. You then need to work out what type of PM you are (you cant force a square eg into a round hole). You can then ensure you work to your strengths and that you use the skills in your team members to plug your gaps. Never let yourself get to distant from the coal face but stay far enough away to manage and direct.
It is worth getting Prince 2 - it is very easy to qualify. But you can teach a monkey the process, it is judgement, personality, intelligence, people skills, drive, luck and hard work that gets you the promotions and pay rises (or at least a few of those items).
There are a lot of people out there that call themselves a project manager but probably only 30% or so actually cut it (in my experience). Once you get the training and once you get your 'apprenticeship' then dont fool yourself into believing you have made it - it takes a few years to really find your feet. You then need to work out what type of PM you are (you cant force a square eg into a round hole). You can then ensure you work to your strengths and that you use the skills in your team members to plug your gaps. Never let yourself get to distant from the coal face but stay far enough away to manage and direct.
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