The global Project Management Institute (PMI) has a branch in Switzerland called “PMI Switzerland Chapter”. Coopers has spoken with their President Sascha Wyss, an expert on Project Management certifications. Would you like to learn about the benefits of completing a Project Management certification is? Then have a read:
Coopers: What is the difference between PMI’s Project Management Certification and the International Project Management Association (IPMA) Certification?
Sascha Wyss: The PMP Certificate is recognised globally. It makes more sense for someone who wants to work in a large international company to complete the PMP Certificate. For someone who works in a national environment, for example in Switzerland, the IPMA could be the better option.
When is an ideal time to do a Project Management Certificate?
Basically, as soon as one has decided to be a Project Manager. Here is an ideal situation: A Project Manager who does not have much experience could complete the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam at the PMI. Approximately three years later, when he has gained more experience, he could do the PMP Certificate. This way he would be well-equipped for a career in Project Management.
People who want to become PMP certified probably all work 100% and learn in their spare time. How much time do they need to spend to learn for their exam?
They need to calculate around 100 to 150 hours to learn all the material for the exam. This requires a lot of self-discipline and should not be underestimated. It is a good idea to speak to the partner, families and employer before signing up for the PMP exam.
What is the success rate of the PMP exam?
The exam is not a walk in the park. People who do not prepare themselves intensively, will not pass the exam. However, everyone who does pass can be proud and count themselves amongst the 650’000 people who are PMP certified worldwide.
How do employers react, when they see that someone is PMP certified?
Nowadays experience alone is not enough, you need to have a certification to back it up. Employers will tend not to hire people who haven’t got a Project Management Certificate, and the PMP is highly recognised with employers.
When one has completed the PMP, one can become a member of the PMI Switzerland Chapter: What advantages does such a membership have?
All members get a discount to our events. We regularly invite top Project Managers and experts from various fields to speak about their work. Around 40-150 people go to these events which take place in Basel, Zurich or the Romandie. It is also a great opportunity for networking.
When and where are the next PMI Switzerland Chapter events taking place?
- Managing Complexity: From Diplomacy to Science and Technology in the Human Brain Project – Mittwoch 3. November, Basel
- Gotthard Tunnel – Learn from a 10 billion CHF project! – Donnerstag 24. November, Zürich
How long have you been president of the PMI Chapter Switzerland?
I have been on the executive committee for five years and have been president for two years.
What do you enjoy most about your role as president?
One of the aspects I find really interesting is to see how leading volunteers in their spare time differs to leading employees in a work environment. I am learning a lot about how to motivate and engage my members!
Soon we’ll be talking with Markus Kyburz, who has successfully completed his PMP certification.
