Get Involved!

I've said it before: I am not a trained project manager. I'm not certified in anything. I came in to this role on my own through a series of creative or communications-related jobs. When offered a PM position, I adapted my skills to meet the needs of what an organization needed in a project manager. And here I am, writing about it.

So I've been thinking about what actually happened. How did I reach this point? Here is my answer: I found what I could do reasonably well and ran with it. But here's also what happened: I realized that I was no longer a part of a community that understood my role. So, I'm trying to change that. I am getting involved!

I just joined the Project Management Institute. My hope is to learn a thing or two through the many resources available to members and make some connections with project managers all over the world. Do I plan on becoming certified? I don't know yet. I'll take baby steps and see just how much I can do with my very limited free time.

Another fun PM-related thing that I have going on: I'm working with PhilaMade to organize a PhilaPM organization. That's right! A PM community for Philadelphia. Our first event is on Tuesday, June 28. If you're in the area, join us. In the future, I am hoping to build a community of project managers who want to share ideas and socialize. I'm looking forward to meet-ups, presentations and maybe workshops.

In the meantime, I'll continue to learn and be better at what I do. Please let me know if you have any ideas on resources, conferences, or discussion topics (for the blogs, or otherwise).