Blog no. 25 – I highly recommend PMI Volunteering

Hello – Welcome to blog no. 25 which is targeted to all our Project Managers who are wondering whether to opt for PMI volunteer opportunities and also to create awareness as well.

So here we go …..

Did you know PMI (Project Management Institute) is supported by volunteers across the globe? I had no idea as well 🙂

That changed in the year 2018, when I joined the ranks of PMI volunteers, a community of project management practitioners & leaders who give their time to work on activities that make a difference around the world. Slowly, I learned about the many projects / activities / services undertaken by volunteers, including writing PMI standards, preparing questions for certification exams, organising global conferences and presenting at PMI events, and so on …

My first opportunity as a PMI volunteer came in approx. 2 – 3 months after I registered as a volunteer: participating in an item writing session for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam in London. Initially, I had too many questions and self doubted my capabilities since I had never managed anything similar in the past. Typical questions in my head were – Would I be able to deliver? Am I experienced enough? Will this be my last volunteering feat? Would I be called again after this session?

Later, I put that feeling away and got ready to spend three days with a selected group of experienced project management practitioners from the United States and Canada. The session was quite productive; we shared our personal experiences and produced great material for the next version of the PMI certification exam. The experience was one of a kind; I could not believe everything I learned in three days, and for free.

But that was just the beginning, trust me! I kept looking for volunteering opportunities and, on several occasions, submitted papers for PMI congresses in North America and Latin America. Many of my papers were accepted and well received by audiences across the globe.

Throughout the years, I have supported several chapters as a keynote speaker or guest speaker in Asia Pacific and EU regions. This has enabled me to share my experiences working with multicultural project teams and meet practitioners, leaders from different latitudes.

My proudest moments as a volunteer were when I was selected as a core team member to support a project to streamline and refine health & medical process during COVID 19 phase 2. The opportunity to interact with other project leaders from around the world and contribute to the profession was extraordinary.

Now, why this blog?

To all Project Managers across the globe – if you are still wondering to be a PMI volunteer, I would highly recommend you to go ahead & take the opportunity to live your profession with passion. See what you can gain by sharing experiences with other colleagues and leaders while developing and mastering your skills in a friendly environment.

So what are you waiting for? Make your mark and join the local or global volunteer team to grow and advance the project management profession. Visit this link – https://www.pmi.org/membership/volunteer

Let me know your thoughts on PMI volunteering opportunities. Also, please check out my blog – Six must have skills in a Project Manager (Interpersonal) and share your thoughts as well, I would highly appreciate it.

Oh yes and – Please subscribe to join our Elite group ! We are open to collaborate as well ….

Please feel free to get in touch with me if you need any support (Details are available in the Contact Us section of my page) ..

Keep reading & stay safe !