Ask Devex: How valuable are project management certifications?

During this month’s event, Kate Warren, Devex executive vice president, discussed the value of project management certifications. Generally, it’s never a bad thing for your career development to pursue a project management certification, she advised. The development sector has been a little behind other sectors in valuing or requiring these types of certifications — but things are starting to change, said Warren. Employers are increasingly looking for these certifications when hiring, and some are investing in these trainings for their current employees. “We are seeing a little more movement within the USAID community and other donors in that, if they aren’t requiring it, they are actually really valuing this type of qualification,” explained Warren. “I do think it’s a valuable thing to get — not only to put on your resume, but also to help you improve the way you approach project management and professionalize your skills,” she added. Warren described some of the different certifications available for professionals looking to develop and demonstrate their project management skills. The Project Management Professional is one of the most universally recognized — which can be useful if you ever pursue careers outside the development sector, explained Warren. Another option is the PMD Pro, which is specifically designed for project management in the global development sector. With this, participants can do their own training and pay a nominal fee to take the test and get certified, meaning it can be much less expensive. “You will be able to learn to apply those principles within a development specific context, so it may be more useful in applying it to your work today,” she advised. Watch the full recording below for other career insights such as development job opportunities for farmers and journalists and the latest buzzwords in the sector.