The last time I truly immersed myself in learning was when I was learning Danish back in 2022. I don't count self-education here as it does not include interactions with the "class", does not have exams to verify your knowledge, and both these things require different approaches and bring a different experience.
Recently, I did a 4-day marathon of PMI PMP training. It was an intense, somewhat enlightening and surprisingly fun time with unexpected lessons, industry-spanning perspectives and a couple of memorable laughs along the way.
The training brought together professionals from industries as varied as construction, cyber security, game development, technology and automobile manufacturing, creating a vibrant mix of perspectives. Our discussions ranged from well-known scrum practices to the unique challenges of managing budgets under the constraints of a contract. Each scenario was a reminder that while the principles of project management are universal, their applications are as diverse as the industries themselves.
The training was a treasure trove of insights, with about 35% of information being new to me and 65% serving as a refresher:
- Risk management - something I did in a non-structured way has been summarized in a concise form (expect a post about it as I'm about to dive deeper);
- Budget planning - I had very limited experience in doing that and this lesson was served at a perfect time for some personal project on a side;
- Contract negotiations - flashbacks from my past life as a lawyer, was good to refresh that.
The most value for me lies in the perspectives and personal stories of other attendees. It's always useful to view familiar things from a different angle.
With the training behind me, the next challenge is tackling the PMP exam which is scheduled for January. It's considered to be the toughest project management certification out there, with the exam itself lasting for almost 5 hours and moderated closely. But I think I got this.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether investing in professional training is worth it, my advice - go for it. You might come away with more than just knowledge: afresh perspective, hard skills, connections, vision.ffective? I think I already know the answer, with a list of improvements I planned already and new projectsa lying ahead for my team.
The 4 days of PMP training were not just about earning a certification. They were about growth, perspective and preparation for the challenges ahead to feel better equipped to face what’s next.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether investing in professional training is worth it, my advice - go for it. You might come away with more than just knowledge: a fresh perspective, hard skills, connections, vision.
