Chapter News

I recently had the unique opportunity to speak with a fellow from the Project Management Institute one-on-one. As we got acquainted, he asked, "So, how  did you come across PMI?"

My reply was somewhat unexpected: "I wasn't even aware of it myself until I began sharing  details of my work with others." 

What was this work that I was doing? 

I was part of a model-making workshop specializing in creating physical models—or miniatures—of buildings. These models' dimensions, design, and intricacies varied based on the project's requirements. My responsibility involved guiding clients to align the  project with their visions, a process known in project management as developing the "Project  Charter." After establishing the project's appearance, the following steps were to define the budget and timeline. We would then present the client with a proposal outlining the project's scope,  budget, and timeline, encapsulating the three fundamental elements of project management:  scope, time, and cost, with quality as the central focus.

Upon the client's approval, we would proceed to the production phase. This stage required efficient allocation of resources within the team to maintain balance and motivation. The best way to define work and assigning tasks was to make Excel sheets showing charts defining who was assigned the task, if the processes were interdependent, and timelines. This brought a lot of clarity in taking up and finishing tasks. We also had to monitor external factors, such as the provision of materials and outsourced products, and anticipate potential delays or issues. This proactive approach allowed us to address problems promptly, reducing the risk of delays. Throughout this process, we ensured that the client was continuously updated on the progress.

Engaging deeply in these projects energized me. The immense satisfaction derived from delivering a project on time and fulfilling the client's dream.

After recounting my experiences, many advised me to consider a career in project management.

To enhance my project management skills and deepen my understanding, I joined the Project  Management Institute. Engaging with the larger PMI community and contributing to the PMI NL  chapter allows me to leverage my strengths while absorbing invaluable insights from expert project managers across various sectors. This experience significantly broadens my knowledge and enriches my perspective on project management.

You can learn and explore Project Management in many ways. To start with, I dug into books and attended webinars that gave insights on achieving PMP  certification. You can look for ways that suit you, or feel free to reach out to the PMI community. 

If my story strikes a chord with you, it's worth exploring what project management has to offer. The PMI fellow remarked that many project managers ' journeys began similarly to mine, in  realms they had never anticipated.'