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New PgMPSM Credential Links Professional Growth
If you have substantial experience managing programs, you know that working at this strategic level can be very rewarding. Compared to a project manager, a program manager typically has a more strategic role in the organization, has added responsibilities and works at a higher level. PMI’s new Program Management Professional (PgMP)SM credential may help you advance toward more strategic and rewarding work. The credential formally recognizes your higher-level skill set and provides your employer with credible support for giving you program management assignments. When promoting and hiring decisions are made, the PgMP will give you a competitive advantage. View from a new PgMP Brian Grafsgaard, PMP, PgMP — director of professional services for Quality Business Solutions in Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA — was among the first to earn the new credential. He confirms its value. “The PgMP credential demonstrates a commitment to professional growth,” Mr. Grafsgaard said. “Many project managers naturally aspire to become program managers. The program manager role typically carries more responsibility and is more aligned with the strategy and mission of the organization. It really puts you at the forefront of where the organization is headed.” He continued, “The new credential recognizes that program management is a separate and distinct discipline and typically a more elevated position … I strongly encourage those who are qualified to pursue it.”
The development of program management capabilities is increasingly critical to organizations to ensure that business objectives will be successfully met. Ajaibir Singh, PMP, PgMP, with Annik Systems in New Delhi, India, was also a participant in the pilot group. He stressed the value that someone with the new credential can bring to an organization: “Unlike the project manager, who manages vertically, the program manager manages horizontally across the functional projects involved with the program. Also, the program manager ensures that the cross-project work effort remains feasible from a business standpoint and realizes the intended benefits. “On a fundamental level, business leaders need to understand the degree of strategic importance any large development effort has to the success of the business and decide whether to manage it in a project management or program management mode. If the emphasis is on business results, the choice is clear.” Mr. Singh continued, “Program management requires comprehensive business knowledge, excellent people skills and a solid grounding technically. Programs are generally characterized by a high level of complexity and significant cross-discipline dependency. The new credential acknowledges that an individual carries all these skill-sets and experience in successfully defining, planning and executing the program and improving business results.” An addition to PMI’s suite of credentials The PgMP is the first PMI credential created specifically for those with developed skills in program management as well as project management. The PgMP is the latest addition to PMI’s suite of credentials, which includes the Project Management Professional (PMP®) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®). Obtaining the PgMP is a comprehensive process, including three evaluations—a peer review of a candidate’s application, a multiple-choice examination and a multi-rater assessment. Find out more about the PgMP. Also see the 12 October issue of PMI Community Post and look for more information in upcoming issues. |
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Employers value program management skills. |
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