As a professional who has recently started transitioning formally into project management, I’ve been doing what I can in order to advance my career. I’ve been advised by some people on LinkedIn to not only join PMI (Project Management Institute) but also join my local chapter. Since I’ve never done anything like this before, it was outside my comfort zone, but I wanted to try it. What harm could it do? So, I joined the PMI-OC (PMI-Orange County) local chapter. I saw that it offered mentorship opportunities as well as other opportunities. When I got an email invitation to join the New Member Orientation, I decided that it was something I definitely should go to.
It was a little nerve wrecking. The anticipation made me a little nervous. I didn’t know anyone who was going to be there, but I reminded myself that since it’s an event meant for new members, most people aren’t going to know anybody. I took some comfort in that.
The event was held in a meeting room at Vanguard University on Wednesday evening. Walking in, I felt like a student again. I was entering a place of learning to learn about project management, a field I’m transitioning my career into.
When the event started, Kristina Miller, the Director of Membership, gave an introduction about PMI-OC. It’s a non-profit organization that was started in 1989 with currently over 1,700 members and 100 active volunteers. It was nice to know that PMI-OC is just one of 301 PMI chapters worldwide, and arguably, we are the best one in Southern California.
After that, we learned all about the benefits of participating in the organization as a volunteer. You get to network, expand your professional community, and build leadership skills. Both Mai Tran, VP of Strategy, and Darren McNeil, Director of Social Media, shared their experiences with PMI-OC. If I didn’t already sign up to be a volunteer, I would have signed up that day.
Before the day was over, Robbin Mackenzie-Thomas informed us about the training programs offered. PMI-OC offers both CAPM and PMP training classes. They are virtual, and PMI-OC members get a discount! There is an upcoming prep course starting on March 25th. Since I’m planning on earning my PMP soon, maybe I’ll give it a shot.
Before the night was over, Mai Train gave us an engaging crash course into best practices of networking. I was reminded how much further I need to develop my networking skills. I had to practice my elevator pitch and work to overcome my shyness.
At the end, I left feeling a sense of accomplishment. I put aside my feelings of shyness and came out of my comfort zone to attend this event. The people who were helping put on the event were very welcoming and helpful. All the new members and prospective members I met were nice and really eager to learn. I don’t know if my single act of attending this night would do anything for my career, but I am positive that being involved with PMI-OC will help me in my career transition into project management.
Freezepoints eMagazine Publications Team PMI Orange County
