Erika Flora guest posts
A growing number of people are worried about losing their jobs or looking for work because of the current economic situation. It seems like there is a buyer’s market for housing. There also seems to be a buyer’s market for employers. People who hire can be very selective about who they choose. Smart Project Managers plan for tomorrow’s?what if?. We must be smart about managing our career?risks. Have a plan in place to mitigate any potential risks. These are three easy, inexpensive, and smart things you can do now to avoid unnecessary worry and panic if, in fact, you find yourself looking for new career opportunities.
1. Invest in yourself. First, invest in yourself. There are no excuses! Are you not currently certified in PMP? Now is the right time to get your PMP certification. You don’t need to spend a lot. An average cost for a PMP exam prep course is $800. For professional training courses, you can get a chapter sponsored course for as low as $800. Your total investment is minimal compared to the benefits (significantly higher pay and greater visibility as a job applicant). You also have the option to receive training reimbursements from your company. This is a benefit that you shouldn’t miss. There is no guarantee in life, even the job you have now. You can invest now in your career so that you don’t have to scramble if the worst happens.
You may be interested in additional training that complements your PMP certification. Employers are beginning to look for niche skills in a variety of areas, such as: Six Sigma, ITIL, CMMI, Agile/Scrum, etc.). It is important to do more with less. Employers are seeking people who can improve the business’s efficiency. You can broaden your knowledge and make yourself stand out by becoming a project manager who is able to understand the world beyond managing projects.
2. Create a buzz. This is the right time to make a name for yourself! To position yourself as an expert in your field, you need to set up a plan of action. Writing articles about what you know is one way to generate buzz. There are many ways to do this. You can start by submitting articles to your local chapter or other professional organization. These groups are always looking for new content, and will often publish your work in an electronic newsletter.
You can also start a blog or simply start posting your thoughts here. WordPress offers free blogs that are easy to set up and take just a few minutes. You can write as much or as little as your heart desires. You may be surprised at the number of readers you get if you write about what you are passionate about.
Consider joining a Toastmasters club in the area. Book a speaking engagement if you’re feeling adventurous. This will give you credibility in your industry and will make you a better speaker. It’s also a great way for you to meet influential people from your industry.
You can demonstrate your communication skills both verbally and written to be a better project manager and make people aware that you are an expert in your field. Start building your reputation by sharing your thoughts and ideas.
3. Make a difference. You will be rewarded if you make a positive impact in the world. Volunteer your time! Volunteer your time with your local PMI chapter or another non-profit organization. Mentoring others will bring you great satisfaction. You’ll also be able to improve your own skills and possibly even learn some new ones. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people.