The Impact of Project Management Professional (PMP) Skills on Career Growth in Rwanda: Case Study of PMI Rwanda Chapter

Ntezirizaza Theodomir & Abdulrazaq Olayinka Oniye
University of Kigali, Rwanda
Email: ntheodomir@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6585-3917

Abstract: The general objective of this research was to assess the effect of project management professional skills on career growth in Rwanda. The researcher used both descriptive and correlational research design. The target population consists of 112 PMP holders in Rwanda, as recorded by the PMI Rwanda Chapter. Since the population is small the researcher used census method approach rather than sampling. A mixed-method approach was used, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The coefficient for technical skills (B = 0.153, p = 0.05) is statistically significant, indicating that technical skills have a positive and significant effect on career growth. As such, H₀₁ (There is no significant effect of technical skills on career growth) is rejected. The coefficient for leadership skills is the strongest (B = 0.698, p < 0.05), with a high standardized Beta value of 0.650, indicating a dominant role in predicting career growth; thus, H₀₂ is also rejected. Interpersonal skills also significantly influence career growth (B = 0.186, p < 0.05), with a Beta value of 0.229, meaning that H₀₃ is rejected as well. All predictors are statistically significant at the 0.05 level. Inferential analysis confirmed that each skill set has a positive and statistically significant effect on career growth. PMI Rwanda Chapter should develop a standardized curriculum for technical skills such as project planning, control techniques, and risk management.