I think a lot of new PMPs are faced with this question as they successfully complete the PMP exam. You’ve now passed an exam that verifies you know the common language among PMs.
There are a variety of next steps and you may want to try:
1. Continue to DELIVER projects (after all the main purpose was to enhance your acumen…not simply pass a test for a 3 letter acronym)
2. Develop expertise in a particular PMBOK niche
For me, I really like the topic of earned value. Learning how to apply objective metrics to real projects was a great example of putting framework theory into actual practice
3. Develop your toolkit of PM tools
Now that you understand the PMBOK framework, start collecting useful templates and techniques to put the PMBOK into action.
For example, PMBOK and IEEE all have standards and guidelines for a project management plan. What if you have a small project that doesn’t require such an expansive document? What is the elements of the project plan are already part of an established team’s dynamic. Figuring out how you can streamline a template but still meet the intent of the PMBOK framework is just good agile project management
4. Continue to ENHANCE your own learning and GIVE BACK to others. Keep reading, learning and share your knowledge with others.
Hope that helps…
Dr. Andrew Makar, DMIT, PMP
andy@tacticalprojectmanagement.com
http://www.tacticalprojectmanagement.com
MS Project Tutorial Learn how to EFFECTIVELY develop a project schedule
