My First PMI Chapter Meeting

As a transitioning veteran seeking to enter the ranks of Project Management Professionals, I’ve worked tirelessly to prepare for the PMP exam. Flashcards, formulas, practice tests, and audio CDs fill all my idle time. I even dream project management principles (I’m not joking). While I believe I am on track to successfully pass the PMP exam, thanks to the Boot Camp I recently completed through Vets 2 PM, there is another resource I finally took advantage of. I just attended my first local Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter meeting. While some reading this are not yet members of PMI and a local chapter, others are. I will share my first meeting experience, and what additional opportunities I have available as a result of connecting with a local chapter.

My local chapter, the Alamo Chapter in San Antonio, Texas, conducts a monthly meeting, which includes a networking session, dinner, chapter business, and a speaker. Each meeting also provides 1.5 PDUs, which will be important once I am a PMP. I am an introvert by nature, so going to something like this where there are so many people I don’t know was a bit anxiety-provoking. But I’m a seasoned military leader who deals with new situations all the time. I walked into the conference center where our meetings are held, and let the friendly face at the registration table know I’m a new member there for the first time. I was briefed on how the evening would go, and was introduced to some other people who quickly did the same. In no time, I was meeting other professionals from defense contractors, finance, healthcare, and engineering sectors. When they found out I am a transitioning veteran, they were very interested in when I’m leaving, and if I had any specific discipline of project management I desire to work. I was somewhat aware that there are some specific disciplines, but this seemed to be a common question. So, my lesson from that is to research the different disciplines, and have a clear 10-15-second pitch on why I am prepared to succeed in that area. Also have your business cards ready. If you don’t have some made yet, do so now. They’re free through some retailers, who have agreements for transitioning veterans.

Next there was a new member orientation, which introduced us to PMI, and the local chapter. There were about 10 of us, some just beginning to learn about project management, and others who are seasoned, but just not certified. I was one of about 3 veterans there, so when the discussion turned toward training courses, and boot camps, I made sure I mentioned the affordability of Vets2PM. My take away from the orientation session was unexpected. I realized I am much further along than others who are seeking certification. Several had never taken a class, or did not even know about available boot camps or study materials. They had simply been studying the PMBOK, or were relying solely on their years of experience to help them pass the test. So I learned that those who go through a course like those offered by Vets2PM are much further along than many others challenging the exam. That was a boost to my confidence and validated that I have a solid plan to set me up for success on the exam.

Finally, I was astounded that out of nearly 1,500 members in our chapter, there are very few who are actively involved in helping the chapter grow, succeed, and provide a professional forum for local project managers. I continuously heard calls from chapter leadership for volunteers, so I saw that as more opportunities. Whether it’s setting up a way for the chapter to reach out to veterans and help them see the opportunities that are available in project management, or leading outreach, professional development, and membership efforts, they desperately need help. The local chapter is a target-rich environment for ongoing networking, and growth as a project manager. I have already connected with two of the chapter VPs and have plans to connect with their mentor program, and with their outreach program to local veterans groups.

I left the meeting incredibly excited about the opportunities that await me in several months as I hang up the uniform after more than 26 years. I experienced first-hand how much companies want to hire veterans. I’m fortunate to live in a city with strong military ties and a huge military population, so many of our large employers are very in-tune with what veterans bring to the table. That was very clear after attending my first meeting. So if you are not a PMI member, join! Join and attend your local chapter, and find a way to get involved. There will be a need, so it won’t be hard to get active right away. It will connect you to a wider network of project managers, and it will open up doors of practical project management experience as you help manage projects for the chapter. Who knows, it could very well open the door to that project manager job you’re looking to land.