Chapter News

Newsletter Editor’s Note:  Behind PMI Netherlands is a diverse group of professionals who volunteer their time, experience, and energy to support our community. In this new section, we invite you to get to know our board members better - who they are, what they do, and what motivates them to contribute beyond their day-to-day roles. In this edition, meet Maartje Janszen, Director Academic Outreach at PMI Netherlands.

What is your role on the board, and what are you most excited to work on?

As Director of Academic Outreach, the focus is on strengthening the bridge between universities and the project management profession. The goal is to make PMI Netherlands visible and valuable on campus, and to help students and young professionals find their place in the community. Kickstarting the Young Board initiative has been one of the most rewarding parts of this role. Working with such an enthusiastic group and exploring what is possible together, from new event formats to stronger engagement pathways, brings a lot of energy and momentum to Academic Outreach.

What motivated you to join, or continue being part of the PMI NL Board?

PMI first came onto my radar during my studies through the CAPM4Students course. After the training and earning my certification, the Academic Outreach team kept pulling me in, in the best way, by showing how many opportunities PMI offers and how broad the project management profession really is. Now that I have graduated, joining the board was the right next step, helping to create that same starting point for more students and young professionals, and making it easier for them to grow within the PMI community.

What professional or personal experience do you bring to the board?

With a background in Mechanical Engineering from TU Delft, and years of experience in student boards and advisory roles, I bring experience in building communities and programs from the ground up, combining energy and creativity with a focus on what is sustainable and scalable. As the youngest board member, I also hope to contribute a different perspective, especially on what students and early-career professionals look for in a professional community, and how PMI Netherlands can become a Chapter people want to stay with as their careers develop.

What do you hope PMI NL members gain most from the community?

A community that supports growth at every stage, from first curiosity about project management to certification, development, and leadership. For students and young professionals in particular, PMI can make project management tangible through real stories, practical examples, and connections with experienced practitioners, while offering a longer-term network that grows with them.

A fun or human touch: something people might not know.

Fun fact: I am the same age as PMI Netherlands. When I started the CAPM4Students course, I was not even sure I wanted to become a project manager. Being part of PMI showed me that project management is everywhere and that there are many ways to grow into the profession.

25 years from now…

The hope is that PMI Netherlands will be known for a strong, visible pipeline of future project professionals, with Academic Outreach as a natural entry point, and for a community where students, young professionals, and experienced PMs learn from each other as standard practice. Ideally, joining PMI will feel as natural as choosing a Bachelor's or Master's program: a clear step for anyone who wants to grow in project management.

Newsletter Editor’s Note:  Each board member brings a unique story and perspective. Stay tuned for the next edition, where we’ll spotlight another leader shaping the future of PMI Netherlands.