Online Diplomas, how are they looked on by employers?

[eggchaser1987]

I have just been made redundant from my previous employer, company closure so all of the company have gone.

Looking through and applying for jobs that I like the look of, some very similar to my previous role and others that are a larger step up.

I have found on the Reed Web site an online diploma level 4. Its in the role that I would like to go in, Project management, and due to the cost I am willing to pay for it myself as its an offer with all exams/assessments included for £10. I know nothing lost due to the cost but will emplees look at this as a micky mouse course or will it actually hold some credibility?

https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/project-management-...

This is the one I am enrolling in and going to go through even if its for my own achievement.

Thanks all.

[randlemarcus]

Mickey mouse. PRINCE and experience, rather than Reed's idea of a PM course. You can trade lower experience for a lower salary.

[GT03ROB]

randlemarcus said:

Mickey mouse. PRINCE and experience, rather than Reed's idea of a PM course. You can trade lower experience for a lower salary.

Except of course depending on OPs industry PRINCE is as much use as a chocolate teapot & Reed's idea maybe far better. I didn't see him state the industry he's in.

[randlemarcus]

GT03ROB said:

randlemarcus said:

Mickey mouse. PRINCE and experience, rather than Reed's idea of a PM course. You can trade lower experience for a lower salary.

Except of course depending on OPs industry PRINCE is as much use as a chocolate teapot & Reed's idea maybe far better. I didn't see him state the industry he's in.

Fair point, I had read it as if he wanted to get into Project Management, rather than was a PM and wanted a new job . Apologies.

[eggchaser1987]

Thanks, sorry yes its a construction industry.

I have experience in health and safety as well as project coordination, company policies etc but no actual qualifications for project management/coordination.

They previous company were looking at putting me on the prince but for obvious reason never got around to it.

[GT03ROB]

eggchaser1987 said:

Thanks, sorry yes its a construction industry.

I have experience in health and safety as well as project coordination, company policies etc but no actual qualifications.

They previous company were looking at putting me on the prince but for obvious reason never got around to it.

In which case my comment stands. PRINCE=chocolate teapot

[wullie_t25]

Starting to head this way myself.

Previously a Geotechnical Engineer, but mainly running sites rather than design.

Self funded the APM Project Management Qualification and manage to land a PM role with my current employer.

Construction seems to be heading more in to AGILE methodology. I bought the book on this and plan to do the foundation exam soon.

Like everything though it does seem to be about the experience rather qualifications.

[anonymous-user]

GT03ROB said:

randlemarcus said:

Mickey mouse. PRINCE and experience, rather than Reed's idea of a PM course. You can trade lower experience for a lower salary.

Except of course depending on OPs industry PRINCE is as much use as a chocolate teapot & Reed's idea maybe far better. I didn't see him state the industry he's in.

I agree PRINCE is pretty useless in most industries (speaking as an ex qualified practitioner) but for a guy looking for a job it opens doors, as it's recognised as industry leading. Now what industry it leads and how much it would be used is a separate issue, but when I was made redundant, having that little bit of paper was useful.

[Drumroll]

My on experience in the construction industry is most companies seem to have there own "favourites" PRINCE for some will mean nothing, others will welcome it.

You need to do a bit of digging to see what qualification will get you where you want to be.

[GT03ROB]

Drumroll said:

My on experience in the construction industry is most companies seem to have there own "favourites" PRINCE for some will mean nothing, others will welcome it.

You need to do a bit of digging to see what qualification will get you where you want to be.

General reaction around here to somebody mentioning they have PRINCE would be Prince who?

The closest we come to having any form of recognition for qualification is this https://www.pmi.org/certifications/types/project-m...

However zero relevant experience & this won't get you very far. And the qualification will only show that you have a commitment to bettering yourself rather than provide any evidence of capability. The final sentence above about what each qualification will get you & how that aligns with where you want to be is spot on. One size most certainly does not fit all.

I'll caveat that what I say comes from a background of construction internationally supporting oil & gas projects.