I am looking for Project Management Career Advice?

[rjg]

I am a retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer w/specialty in Naval Engineering. I also have 5 years in Facilities Maintenance Management on a large 800 acre CG facility. I am real good in managing projects but I find my Naval Engineering background does not open any doors for me in the real world. I have just qualified for VA rehab training because of service connected disabilities. I have several options available to me.

1) Get a construction certificate from a local state college. If I take this route I was also thinking of pursuing this Project Management "PMbok" certification that I have heard about. Or would this PMbok certification open doors for me without taking a year and half of courses at a state college? Recommendations?

2) The VA has recommended I pursue AA or AS degrees in Human Resources, or management Trainee, or Legal Office Support (don't ask me how this last one appeared on the radar screen...)

That is my options -- any career advice out there?
rjg

 

[Qshake]

I know you've probably heard this before but PMs in engineering must wear many hats. Many PMs in business simply manage projects on a full time basis with little or no involvement - just the bottom line. Engineers almost always are looked upon for a "hands-on" approach to sucessful project management. Project management is technical leadership, budget control, managing time, client contact and quality manager.

On your resume, show how you can/have achieved sucess in past projects with a focus on those items.

 

[dcasto]

You can also obtain a certification from PMI see

http://www.pmi.org.

 

[andyhh]

the best way to get a job as PM is:

Projects, projects, projects, ...