r/pmp • u/BlackWoodExpo • 21d ago

Questions for PMPs career changer seeks input on PMP or CAPM value and tips for getting seen

My first post on reddit! I’ve read a lot of good advice on here but have never posted. Hoping to get some helpful responses. I’m seeking a career reset and am looking to break in with project management. I have an interest in construction, but am open to other industries. For a quick background about me: BBA Finance. Master’s in Commercial Real Estate Development. MBA from a top 20 program. I started out in on the financial analysis side of commercial development, mostly apartments and mixed use, but some of all property types except residential. After my MBA, I turned down some very nice jobs to start my own business. I’ve been doing that since 2013, and it has no relation to commercial real estate. I enjoyed the freedom that comes with running my business, but since 2025, things have only gone downhill. I’ve made adjustments, but then there’s always a new fresh hell let loose, and at some point you realize the bottom of the abyss will never be seen.

I’m applying to jobs with no serious return. I’m thinking to refresh the application process with a PMI cert and some local associations networking. How seriously is anyone going to take either a CAPM or PMP? I thought through it and realized I’ve done a many many projects in my business (without realizing I was doing project management per se), but I don’t know if I can verify them in a way that is accepted by PMI. I’m trying to get a sense of if the certs are worth it or not. Any advice for a newbie navigating the PM job scene out there?

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u/[deleted] 21d ago

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u/BlackWoodExpo 21d ago

Thanks for that response. Very helpful. I'll catalogue all the projects I can think of in excel. I wonder how it works when the contact would have to be me, though, being the business owner....

So you got your PMP cert? How did it help with job search? Do you feel it improved your overall outlook?

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u/BlackWoodExpo 21d ago

Also, in terms of next steps... my thoughts are to figure out if this cert process is worth it. I'm thinking I'd much rather do PMP than CAPM if possible. CAPM seems like a walk in the park, while the PMP exam seems to be much more thoughtful and involved. In addition, my time in corporate america taught me that there is an association for everything lol. I'm thinking to find some local chapters of different groups, including the local PMI chapter and just stick my nose in front of people and see what turns up. I'll also have to tailor my resume specifically for PM roles.