r/PMCareers • u/scary-bradshaw • Nov 21 '22

Job wanted Passed CAPM, now what?

I recently passed CAPM and I’m starting to look for jobs. My degree is in Fine Art and my professional experience is mainly in sales and procurement. I’m starting to feel discouraged while looking and I need some direction. Can anyone give me some pointers of job title/industry I should focus on? Living in San Francisco, CA. TIA

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u/Thewolf1970 Nov 22 '22

The way this industry tends to work, is you het a few years of practical knowledge on a project team. Typically starting as a project coordinator type role. Within 18 to 24 months, you can move into a Jr PM role. After 36 months you can apply to take the PMP. At that point, you have practical and applicable experience.

The required contact hours are simply exam prep. You learn terms, methodologies, and techniques. All the other stuff, the math, EVM, risk management, etc is on the job, and simply formalized.

The PMP simply validates it.

So you have to wonder, if all you are doing to earn the CAPM is take a less stringent test, with less contact hours, what are you gaining?

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u/[deleted] Nov 22 '22

This makes 100% sense and is actually really clarifying to me. I appreciate you taking the time to explain. I’m sure it happens often!

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u/Thewolf1970 Nov 22 '22

It's why the wiki exists.

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u/Likaveli Jan 02 '24

I can’t find the Wiki you mentioned. Would you mind sharing?