Is 40 Too Old To Get a Degree in Project Management?
Get answers to the question, 'Is 40 too old for a project management degree?' and other related questions you may have about going back to school as a midlife professional.
If you're looking to make a career change at age 40, you may be wondering about the different fields you could pursue. You enjoy managing and coordinating, so you're thinking a project management career may be the path for you.
But are you too old to pursue a project management degree?
40 is not too old to go to school or pursue a degree in project management. In fact, because project management involves strong leadership skills, older candidates may be more prepared for the job than younger candidates.
Keep reading to learn more.
Getting a Project Management Degree at 40
When you think of the typical college student, you probably think of someone half your age. At the age of 40, the thought of going back to school may make you feel like you've already missed your opportunity.
Fortunately, there are no age limits when it comes to attending college. It's not uncommon for people in their 40s to return to school; in fact, it's not uncommon to see someone in their 50s, 60s, or even older attending classes mostly populated by 20-somethings.
As a 40-year-old, you may be older than many of your classmates, but this does not mean you are 'too old.' There's no such thing as too old for college.
But what about project management degrees in particular? Is 40 too old for a project management degree? Not by a long shot. Your age may even be an advantage in the classroom and in your future career.
Because people in their 40s already have a significant amount of life and work experience, they have likely developed a variety of soft skills that translate well into a project management career.
What's more, they can practice their leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills in the classroom when interacting with their younger peers and engaging in class discussions.
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Arizona State University
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Is a Project Management Degree Worth It?
Now that we've established that you're not too old to pursue your degree, you may still be wondering: does it make sense to get a degree in project management? Is this degree program worth it?
The majority of businesses and companies in various industries rely on project managers to oversee work-related operations. With this in mind, companies are always looking for qualified project managers.
That said, a degree in the field isn't always required. It is possible to get a job in project management with only a certification, or by working your way up into the position of your choice.
As a 40-year-old trying to enter the field, you could take a variety of different paths. You may be promoted from within your current employer, or you may find yourself taking on increasingly complex tasks involving project management.
If you are hoping to transition into the field of project management and have little or no relevant experience, getting a degree can make you a more desirable candidate and give you a better chance of finding a job.
Project management degrees generally qualify you for more jobs and teach a wider range of skills than you may be able to learn through work experience alone.
Plus, though project management degrees aren't always required, many companies do require them. So, you'll have a wider range of companies you can apply to if you get your degree.
All things considered, a project management degree may be worth the time and effort it takes to complete because it can lead to higher pay and a greater variety of opportunities.
Will a 40-Year-Old Project Management Graduate Get a Job?
It's understandable if you're worried about getting hired as a career-changer in your 40s. Age discrimination is one of the most pervasive, though silent, forms of discrimination in the workforce.
Fortunately, there are many companies in many industries that hire project managers, and many of them are very willing to hire the right candidate for the job, regardless of age or experience.
As noted above, those in their 40s have a lot of job experience and may even have other types of managerial experience. They have likely developed their leadership and interpersonal skills through their job history.
These soft skills can make older candidates an excellent fit for many project manager roles even if they don't have a ton of professional experience in this area.
If you're looking for your first project management career after graduating, it's important to network with others in your field and seek out employers known for having a diverse population of workers.
Tailor your resume to highlight your professional accomplishments and work history, as well as the skills you've developed over time.
Reach out to employers to express your interest in the job, and don't downplay your work history and soft skills when interviewing.
If you put in the work to get the job, it's likely that your efforts will eventually pay off, even if you're not the youngest applicant for the job.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Project Management Degree?
The majority of project management students obtain a bachelor's degree. Some later go on to pursue a master's degree to make them eligible for pay increases and promotions.
Getting a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years. This type of degree consists of at least 120 credit hours, and most full-time students complete between 24 and 36 credits per year.
As an older student, you may have work and family commitments that keep you from studying full-time. Part-time programs are also available, but they will take longer to complete; sometimes six years or more.
Enrolling in a flexible online program may allow you to balance your studies with other parts of your life while still obtaining your degree within four years or less.
If you have credit from previous college experiences, transferring that credit into your degree program will also help you graduate sooner.
If you go on to get your master's degree, you can expect to spend another year or two in school depending on the program and your rate of study.
Start Your Project Management Degree Today
So, is 40 too old for a project management degree? You're not too old to pursue a degree or a career in project management. In fact, your past work experience and the soft skills you've developed could make you perfectly suited for this career path.
