Question 1

Any hints and tips on getting through that initial paper shift? PM specific role here.

Accepted Answer

Make sure your CV demonstrates the competencies and skills in the job description, so there is a connection between your CV and what the company are looking for. Our Career Services team can also support you on this.

Question 2

How would Learning people help their student with real project experience to support them with examples to use during interview. This I feel is the way to go.

Accepted Answer

Some students have found volunteering opportunities to gain some real-life experience in project management, this can help build confidence and shows a potential employer you are committed to the sector. Other students have asked their existing employer if they could perhaps shadow or support on a project to gain some experience.

Question 3

Hello, I am a recent Masters graduate in project management and I joined Learning People to gain my certifications. I too, also have a PRINCE2 foundation and about to start more certifications in Change  Management, Agile and APM. Most applications require me to have a certain number of PM experience. It can be quite frustrating. How do I navigate this process?

Accepted Answer

It is hard to break into new sectors and requires patience and resilience - keep trying and don't give up. One suggestion is to ensure that in interview you demonstrate parallels between the sector you are currently in and the one you are aiming to break into. Our Career Services team can help you with this in the interview prep sessions you have with them.

Question 4

What is the best way to stand out amongst 1000s of applications that seem to be the same given the fact that education/information now-a-days is very accessible?

Accepted Answer

There are a few areas which can make a candidate stand out - we recommend our students consider their professional on-line presence, include a portfolio of work, using your network of contacts, personal branding and how you prepare for an interview. Our Career Services team can support on this.

Question 5

As somebody who studies economics at university and has experience in construction and FCMG industries abroad but relocated to the UK 2 years ago and enrolled with learning people and earn his/her project management certificate in the UK. What industry should he be looking forward to seeking employment despite the fact he has been in the health sector for the past 1 year after working in the manufacturing industry the year later?

Accepted Answer

We see opportunities in a number of sectors which include - construction, IT, healthcare, manufacturing, telecoms, retail and government.

Question 6

When you say networking and reaching out to the employers are there any recommendations/tips would you give? What sort of questions to ask?

Accepted Answer

Be curious - do some reading, ask questions about the companies performance, their market, future roadmap and show you are interested.

Question 7

So having completed all of my courses for project management and a background in hospitality, any advice on how to start building a network? I’m new to things like LinkedIn and I’ve been to career events and tried to put myself out there but struggling to connect with people in different industries that I have interest in.

Accepted Answer

Be persistent and use you network - who knows someone in the sector, ask for introductions. It takes time to build a network and think about your personal brand - what makes you interesting, what are your views on successful project management, try writing a blog and publish on LinkedIn?

Question 8

Can you please signpost me to job sites where I can get up-to-date job vacancies especially in construction, IT and healthcare.

Accepted Answer

There are a number of job boards in the UK such as Reed and Adzuna.

Question 9

What encouragement or guide can you give to someone who has passed the PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner and has about 6 years experience as a project manager, just finding it hard to migrate into the UK market. Meanwhile, having a Master in Engineering Management and Bachelors in Industrial and Production Engineering.

Accepted Answer

Try focussing on building a network with target employers - who can you connect with to support your applications? Our Career Services team can support you on this.

Question 10

I took time out to care for a family member and have a gap in my career history. I have done Comptia Cysa+, Pentest+, Network+ and EC-Council CEH theory exam.  Working on getting ready for practical CEH exam.  Still do not feel confident…imposter syndrome….I want to do this, have enjoyed the practicals so far and it is exciting but feel everyone else would be a lot better….

Accepted Answer

Be confident! You will get there, work with our student care team to help you navigate through the job application process and get networking!

Question 11

Most PM volunteering work ask for at least 2 years experience.... But I have none.

Accepted Answer

Some students have found volunteering opportunities to gain some real life experience in project management, this can help build confidence and shows a potential employer you are committed to the sector. Other students have asked their existing employer if they could perhaps shadow or support on a project to gain some experience.

Question 12

I have heard and read that to get into a construction role you would need an appropriate CSCS card? With a background in architecture with professional membership as an international architect who would like to continue in construction as a project manager, what will be your best advice? I also have a couple of certifications in project management.

Accepted Answer

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card is a key requirement for workers in the construction industry in the UK. It certifies that individuals have the necessary training and skills to work safely on construction sites.

Question 13

Listening to all the contributions, I can say that I have done almost all of the above in terms of my CV worked on several times, LinkedIn optimisation and even premium a couple of times in and out. I connected to recruiters and joined PM groups online and LinkedIn, but the job is not just coming, especially after the interview. It has been frustrating.

Accepted Answer

Don't give up - it does take time and job availablility is impacted by economic climate - it can be frustrating. Try and get as much feedback as you can from employers where you haven't been successful and see where you can improve for next time.

Question 14

I have an education background in computer science but have worked in the financial sector (Fin crime) all my life. I am now changing my career into cloud computing. As such my question is specific to cloud computing. It's not quite clear the kind of entry level jobs to target after obtaining the required certifications with which to break into cloud computing, Do you have any specific pathway or apprenticeship for this specific program?

Accepted Answer

We do have Pathways for Cloud computing - our website will help you see what opportunities there is and then book in a call with one of our Career Consultants who can guide you.

Question 15

I’ve got a lot of transferable skills from my roles in the education sector but I am still finding it very hard to get my foot through the door. And in the few occasions that I have. And made it past all the rounds of interviews - I am being told thank you but no thank you as we have found someone with sector know how.

Accepted Answer

It is hard to break into new sectors and requires patience and resilience - keep trying and don't give up. One suggestion is to ensure that in interview you demonstrate parallels between the sector you are currently in and the one you are aiming to break into. Our Career Services team can help you with this in the interview prep sessions you have with them.

Question 16

Can you recommend recruiting agents or organisations that you think are recruiting now or always recruiting?

Accepted Answer

We see opportunities in a number of sectors which include - construction, IT, Healthcare, manufacturing, telecoms, retail and government.

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