I hope that this letter finds you healthy and well. I’m writing today to reflect on the value PMI has brought to me as a project management professional. About five years ago, I was in a crossroads with my career. The company I was working for was acquired, and my future with the acquiring company was uncertain. Not sure what would happen, I reached out to my network and in that process, I received the advice from multiple colleagues to get my PMP and expand my employment opportunities. Joining PMI and getting my PMP (and later my PMI-ACP) certification has opened so many doors for me both professionally and personally.
A year after getting my PMP (and still with the company on a rewarding career path), I inquired with one of our SWVA local SWVA-PMI board members about getting involved and volunteering. Before I knew it, I was on the ballot for a VP, Communications & Marketing position. A year after that appointment ended, I came back to the board as our President Elect. I can’t say enough about the professional community and networking opportunities I have had as a PMI volunteer.
For those of you at a crossroads, looking to expand your network, or just looking for a new way to give back, I encourage you to think about joining our board – as a member at large or as an elected officer. This summer, we will be actively recruiting to fill our open positions for 2022 and we will have elections early this fall.
If you have any interest in joining us on the PMI-SWVA board, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Emily Cohen
2021 PMI-SWVA Past President
