PMP

Posted on April 1, 2009 by Jackie

I have been talking about doing my PMP for over a decade, and finally, during my maternity leave this spring I decided to actually do the necessary studying and write the exam. Thankfully, there wasn’t much studying, or I would have never finished it.

I am fortunate to have many years of experience working with knowledgeable people. It started many years ago at Discovery Software where a wonderful PM, Randall Venhola, who built a PMO at the company. As part of the management team I helped participate in a successful push to implement CMM practices and we ran several projects for clients at Level 3. Randall, who had his PMP was wonderful to work with, encouraged everyone to learn “the PMP way” and we had an “company class” that started working towards our PMP designation. Although I got distracted and didn’t complete the class, or sit the exam, I and several others at Discovery owe him a lot.

I then enrolled and completed my MBA part time while at Discovery so that was a bit of two year distraction. Then came marriage and two beautiful boys, and of course my continued pursuit of my career.

I am grateful to have worked with other folks, Project Managers, Account Executives, Sales Managers, Development Managers, Architects, Lead Developers who continued to give me insights on how to manage clients, manage people, and manage projects. Both the smooth and the very rocky projects taught me a lot.

PMIs set of best practices are just that, a good group of ideas, and I think it’s worth it for Project Managers to get their certifications. I also think it’s worthwhile for companies to look for PMP certified Project Managers. I do not however, think that a PMP means that someone is a good Project Manager. No more so than my ScumMaster certification gives me magical powers.

I’m glad 3 weekends studying got it done because my two little boys were just not willing to give me more time. This had been one of those “I really should do….” in the back of my head for a very long time, and now it’s out of my brain.

Now, hopefully the actual certification will prove more valuable than just that additional brain space.

About Jackie

Jackie Reid owns and operates Kindred Technologies Inc. and has over twelve years of experience in the software industry with significant achievements in all areas of company operations including client services, customer support, data center operations, sales, technical operations management (BPR, QA, CM, Technical Writing, Support), program management, project management, software training, implementation management and process improvement. Jackie has her MBA and is a CSM (ScrumMaster) and has taken multiple leadership and facilitation courses with Context Associated and Extraordinary Learning. Jackie is known for her positive outlook, energy, management capabilities and keen focus on bottom-line results. With the majority of her career in customer facing roles, Jackie has deep experience in complex B2B software solution sales. Her key leadership competencies are attested to by extremely dedicated staff. She has successfully managed the delivery of hundreds of software development and implementation projects. Specialties: Change Management Facilitation Client Management Client Services Program Management SAAS Operations Management Product Management Education Sector Content Management Marketing Automation When she's not enjoying her work Jackie can be found playing in her backyard or a neighborhood playground with her husband Bryce and their two young boys, Spencer and Devan. Jackie is also a current board member for the Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics Club and is working on completing her PMP certification this spring.
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