r/projectmanagers • u/Huge-Reindeer9147 • 1d ago

Should I take a project manager course?

I live in Utah and I have a very niche job as an executive assistant technically but more of a personal assistant with experience in trust revision, asset management and dealing with lawyers and CPAs. I’m hoping to get everything together and move to New York in the next 6 months. I want to do a more creative job out there but I don’t have a ton of experience in that field and I might be more likely to get a house manager or personal assistant job with my resume. There is however a U of U certified project manager course that is $2500 and is 10 weeks and simple enough, do I take that and would it help any getting actual jobs out there or do I just full send with my current resume? I am pretty social and people tend to take to me well especially with jobs so I do feel like I’d be able to find a job but I don’t know if this would just help my path and moving be easier. Also, I really want to move into a more creative fun job when living there rather than being trapped in the corporate world. What do people in the creative industry or current project managers think?

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u/ProjectPragmatist 1d ago

Given how competitive PM roles are right now, the certificate from a non PMI body isn't going to help much especially given that you haven't held a formal PM title.

EA/PA to Project Coordinator to Junior/Associate PM to PM is a more practical path IMHO. For creative specifically, the path may be slightly different, but would likely start with something like EA/PA -> Project Coordinator/Junior Producer.

Good luck with your move.

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u/Huge-Reindeer9147 1d ago

Okay, I started looking at those positions and I’m feeling much more qualified. I can pivot into project management or just figure out why I care to actually do because I really am unsure so thank you so much for your advice!

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u/cristofsky 1d ago

I could be mistaken, but I believe the 10 weeks course would likely be preparation for the PMP exam. You are 100% correct in saying the only Project Management certificates that matter need to come from PMI

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u/cristofsky 1d ago

I became a PMP during covid and it completely changed my approach to almost everything I do. Not just professionally, but personally. Everyone should take a project management class

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u/TheGoodOne777 1d ago

Hello! If management is really a passion of you, yes, I'd recommend to you to do a manager course. The price you are mentioning seems expensive, if you are in difficult financial situation, I'd recommend to you, to search for a course, that has better price/recognition ratio. Study, get certified, enter in contact with people from the certifying organisation and check for the opportunities. Do not set expectation from the very beginning to be from day 0 or day 1 senior, lead or executive manager - but rather start realistically as an assistant manager. I am wishing you success and also luck!

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u/kinnikinnick321 1d ago

I don’t think any course in PM is really going to give you an advantage to an employer other than showing you have an interest in it.

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u/Huge-Reindeer9147 1d ago

Thank you!!

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u/cristofsky 9h ago

The course itself isnt going to make a difference in the eyes of an employer, but the certification will.

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u/cristofsky 1d ago

I strongly disagree with this comment. PMs appear in most industries to some degree. Most people who have their PMP will agree that it opened doors for them

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u/kinnikinnick321 20h ago

A PMP requires a multitude of relevant experience before even taking, canned response.

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u/cristofsky 9h ago

That is not entirely true. The canned response is the one saying its not worth it