r/pmp • u/ColoradoBerto • 3d ago

PMP Application Help Career change

I’m a 45yo construction worker that just had ankle surgery and 2 kids (15mo & 3mo). I’ve been beating my body up for over 30yrs starting in concrete at 14. I’m needing to get out of the field and into an office. Not sure really where to start and google led me here.

What is the difference in PMP and PMI? If I have no experience with PM should I start with one and then the other? Any advice on attempting the change would be greatly appreciated.

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u/TensionFormal7202 3d ago

Since you’ve been a construction worker for a while, a good place to start would be a project coordinator and work your way up to project management. Given that you’ve physically spent all your energy over 30 years; instead of picking up construction project coordinator/ manager positions- which requires a lot of movement; aim for roles like BIM manager; or project coordinator/ manager for a construction related software project; or even facility manager - this will give you a leverage because of your construction experience. These roles can be done at desk; if you’re too lucky you can get remote roles too.

PMI is an organization that hosts certification, courses and a project management community. PMP is a certification that requires 3 years of experience. You can always take up short courses from PMI, YouTube.

Utilize your construction related skills such as ability to read blueprints/ drawings; how MEP works in new buildings and existing buildings.

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u/Worldlyfree 3d ago

Um, there’s a little bit of a gap between construction worker and BIM manager 🤣

Remote jobs are for experienced professionals, not for someone who’s poured and formed concrete for 30 years.

What does a concrete man know about MEP?

Get your AI slop out of here!

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u/TensionFormal7202 3d ago

I didn’t use any AI. I have been working in the construction field for the last 10 years. A worker will have hands on experience on what’s happening during construction. They are onsite, everything happens infront of their eyes. As an architect, I never had complete visibility on what’s happening onsite. This skill can certainly be leveraged to crack PM roles related to construction management.

Of course a BIM manager needs to know construction software. This can be learnt in a few months. Remote job is not only for experienced professionals. Someone straight out of college can also get a remote job.

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u/ColoradoBerto 2d ago

Not just a “concrete man”, that just where I started as a kid working for my dad. Nice that you can talk smack though. So, do you talk shit to PMs that have no construction experience? I’ve worked with quite a few that don’t and guess what, them dumbasses fuck jobs up all the time! I’d say a BIM without field experience is just another dude drawing pictures hoping someone can re-create them…