After my PMP Certification I was thinking...hmmm... what do I do with all the new things that I have learned during my preparation for the exam outside of my job? I was thinking, “How are other people applying PM practices into day-to-day activities or in areas outside of IT?”  Shortly after this, I got an e-mail asking for volunteers for the PMI South Florida Chapter.  I immediately thought, "This is exactly what I was looking for."

This would be a perfect example of how experienced Project Managers were running a non-profit organization. I answered the e-mail, attaching my resume, and shortly received a phone call from the Director of Volunteers. After an initial phone interview, I was on board!  The next week I was attending the first meeting to prepare for the Professional Development Seminar.  What an amazing experience!  I saw "Real" Project Plans, Dates, Activities, Assignments, Action Items, and all the artifacts and actions that I learned from the PMBOK.  I was fascinated with all the preparation they did and how detailed they were in covering all the aspects of the PDS event during the planning session.

Since that initial meeting, I try not to miss any meeting with the Board and I have learned a lot of new techniques and tips.  Recently I had the opportunity to meet regional members who are also involved in PMI and PM as a profession.  They are always organizing seminars, dinners, and events like the Job Fair, classes, webinars, etc.

Currently, as the Director of Facilities for the PMI South Florida Chapter, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people at the hotels to book the dinners, and at the Colleges and Universities to book the classes and conferences - plus a lot of networking at the Chapter dinners.

I have also been assigned a Mentor through the PMI SFL Mentoring Program that is giving me orientation and guidance on my career path.   As I continue to volunteer for more events, I also continue to learn more and more every day. The time I have invested in volunteering for PMI South Florida has really paid off with all the amazing things that I have learned!

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