I’m a life-long learner and have never stopped learning what I can, from technical studies (both academic and professional) through to management studies and project management methods and techniques.
I really enjoyed studying for my MBA; the group I worked with, including the lecturers, were great. But the qualification I’m proudest of is my humble HNC in computing. I worked for it over 2.5 years part time, evenings and weekends, and paid for it out of my own pocket. It really gave me the basis for understanding the topic and is still a reference point today.
I’m a Member of the Association of Project Managers (MAPM) and a Registered Project Professional (RPP). My next step is to apply for Chartered Status this year and I’ve been looking at becoming a member of the British Computer Society as well.
My advice to others is to try to do yourself out of a job. Project management skills can be learnt so try and share what you know with others and get them to do the same. The wide range of competencies in 21st Century project management is extensive and you probably won’t be an expert in them all. But as you improve your competence, you will move up the value chain to your next job, adding more value to the organisation.
To flourish, I believe you need to be focused, resilient and organised.