In preparation for my next job move I would like to enhance my project management skills. I anticipate I will work for a UK, Irish or US company in either the UK or Ireland. I want to stay in the Medical Device industry as I have 8 years experience of participating in and leading medical electronic systems development, and really enjoy it.

My quandry is whether to pursue PRINCE2, or join the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the Association for Project Management (APM) and follow their programs. I already have a Master's degree so don't want to do an MSc in PM.

Any tips or advice?

Best regards
Alan

Why not pick 2 or 3 Masters modules in PM / Risk management to compliment your MSc and do them to suit your requirements rather than a full MSc in PM - could be a quicker fix

Tim Guy

Thanks Tim. I have ruled out a full MSc in PM, I already have an MPhil so if I was to consider pursuing a second postgrad degree I believe an MBA would be most valuable. Studying a few Master's level PM modules doesn't result in a qualification, but following a PMI / APM / PRINCE2 program does and so may be more attractive to prospective employers.

Did a MBA (with PM module) have to admit I wasn't impressed with it - thought it was over rated - but companies seem to like it
Tim

For my future reference if I decide to do an MBA - Would you reveal where you did your MBA or can you tell me by personal message?

Hi Alan, you may be pleased to know that this is quite a common quandary and is one that comes up many times, so you're not alone in your considerations.

Arras People put together a very helpful overview of each of the qualification programmes here, and in terms of the question about whether to do Prince2, or APM qualifications or both, this article from Arras People may be of use, along with the document available here by Hemsley Fraser.

There is also a route to APMP for PRINCE2 practitioners which recognises prior learning. You can find out more about that on our website.

Best of luck with your career progression, and any queries, do get in touch.

Esther Fry
Product Development Manager, APM

alfinnie,
Did my MA (MBA) at University of Teesside 2002 - I was nearly 50 at the time and found that a lot of the work I had experience in, having been in senior management positions since 1989 with a lot of experience overseas - mind if I had been 30 'ish it would have been a challenge (I would not have a such a solid grounding).
It is a very broad area of study and you have to get on and do the very heavy workload.
I think there should have been more legal aspects in the course.
There seems to be an awful lot of MBA holders in the job market now - not as prestigious as it was.
In the oil industry it is starting to become a case "when did you get your MBA" NOT "do you have an MBA"

I would still do it as it does increase you employability but the are more specialised masters to be had - depends on what you want to do if the future

Tim

Tim, Esther, thank you for your input.

From asking the question of my Engineering friends and colleagues in various industries around the world I've concluded the best route in my particular case is to join the Project Management Institute (PMI) and pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate.

My reasons are: While PRINCE2 and APM are well established in the UK, the PMI is catching up and is the most recognised outside the UK. Most Medical Device Project Management job ads don't mention either PMI, APM or PRINCE2, of the small percentage that do PMI is mentioned most often.

Haha, it is the question of Holy Grail for Project Managers. You're making the right decision. PMI is much more globally recognized. More salary as well. PRINCE2 is also a very interesting course, something which Project managers should do - but I reckon PMI is a must.