Share out in the comments below:
-Your name and your current role
-What did you want to be when you were growing up?
-What are your favorite project management tools and technologies? Or ones that you’d like to learn more about?
-What drew you to the project management industry? What's kept you in it?
-What's your proudest accomplishment (personal or professional)?
Looking forward to connecting with you all and hearing your stories! Saving Changes...
Head of Cloud Software & Services| Ericsson EMEAVictoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Nov 27, 2024 6:37 AM
Replying to Shamika Sookoo
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Hello everyone! My name is Shamika Sookoo and I am a Renewable Energy Project Development Manager based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Here's a bit of my story based off of the guidelines presented: When I was growing up, I actually wanted to become a forensic scientist. I was so fascinated with how we all leave a trace of evidence everywhere we go and the power that this evidence holds in solving a case. But as time went on and as I became exposed to the 'real world', I grew a deeper passion towards engineering and specifically the energy sector.
I began my career on-site as an electrical engineer, but this opened my eyes to how we could streamline certain processes and further improve the standard for the quality of work we deliver. I was then drawn towards Project Management (PM) due to the potential it had to effectively improve the way we worked as a team. I transitioned from Technical into the Business and Project Development department and with this, I became a fully-fledged PM.
I enjoy this role because it gives me a central view of all processes involved in the lifecycle of projects as well as the commercial aspects. Currently, as a PM, I am particularly drawn towards tools and processes involved in the Agile methodology. I do think this methodology creates maximum efficiency and is most effective in my professional environment.
I feel honoured to have represented our local subsidiary and our country at a global meeting held in Germany where I was selected to present our views and outlook for the year. I had since grown the confidence to represent my organisation on various platforms and speak as a panelist and a presenter at other conferences.
Away from work, I enjoy hiking, adrenaline rush activities, cafe hopping, reading self-development books, entertaining friends and family and creative arts.
Amos LauStudent| Singapore University of Social SciencesSingapore, Singapore
Amos Lau, a current marketing graduate at SIM University of Stirling (Singapore)
I wanted to be a police officer when I grew up because it looked neat and cool!
Sprint is something I think it would be intense but worthwhile when all is said and done. Would like to learn other project management tools moving beyond WoW
My story unexpectedly began at Google Career Certificates when I was deciding to work full-time and study part-time or vice-versa.
There, I reflected what would be interesting and resonates with my existing skillsets - 1 of them was project management - then i saw a shocking stats that 80% of companies would onboard program managers!
Guess it does stay relevant even when Gen AI becomes more and more integrated into our lives.
Proudest Accomplishment: Pulled through 9-10 Google Career Certificates within a span of 6months before university started! (while on my gap year)
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1 reply by Laura Schofield
Nov 27, 2024 2:09 PM
Laura Schofield
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Hello Amos Lau, welcome! I look forward to seeing you around the online community.
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Nov 27, 2024 9:48 AM
Replying to Harsh Vaghela
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Hello, I’m Harsh Vaghela, a Mechanical Engineer with a Master's degree in progress at the University of Guelph and a passion for continuous improvement in engineering processes. My professional journey has spanned diverse roles in the design and maintenance of complex mechanical systems.
At Septechnik Engineers, I led design maintenance for industrial machinery, bridging design concepts with hands-on manufacturing oversight to enhance operational efficiency. Prior to this, at Nirma Limited, I managed the maintenance of large-scale power generation systems, implementing preventive strategies and leveraging SAP PM/MM for streamlined processes. My expertise in CAD tools like SolidWorks and AutoCAD, combined with my commitment to Lean methodologies such as KAIZEN and TPM, underscores my dedication to optimizing systems and driving innovation.
I am currently preparing for my CAPM certification to further strengthen my project management skills and contribute more effectively to multidisciplinary teams. I’m excited to connect with fellow professionals on PMI, exchange insights, and contribute to projects that shape the future of engineering and energy solutions.
Welcome to PMI's online community, Harsh Vaghela! Best of luck on your CAPM journey! Saving Changes...
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Nov 27, 2024 10:19 AM
Replying to Shauntay Coore
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Hi, I'm Shauntay from Florida. Growing up, I always wanted to be a musician, and I still love composing music in my spare time. I'm currently studying for my CAPM certification and enjoy reading books when I'm not immersed in project management. My favorite project management tools include Microsoft Teams and Slack, and I'm eager to learn more about advanced project management software. What drew me to the project management industry is its dynamic nature and the opportunity to lead transformative projects. The continuous learning and the chance to connect with like-minded professionals have kept me engaged. My proudest accomplishment is balancing my passion for music with my dedication to project management, and I'm proud of my progress towards earning my CAPM certification. I'm always looking to meet new people in my field and possibly join a study group to enhance my learning experience.
Hi Shauntay, welcome to PMI's online community!
Wishing you all the best on your CAPM journey; the community is here to support you in any way that we can! Saving Changes...
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Nov 27, 2024 11:37 AM
Replying to Amos Lau
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Amos Lau, a current marketing graduate at SIM University of Stirling (Singapore)
I wanted to be a police officer when I grew up because it looked neat and cool!
Sprint is something I think it would be intense but worthwhile when all is said and done. Would like to learn other project management tools moving beyond WoW
My story unexpectedly began at Google Career Certificates when I was deciding to work full-time and study part-time or vice-versa.
There, I reflected what would be interesting and resonates with my existing skillsets - 1 of them was project management - then i saw a shocking stats that 80% of companies would onboard program managers!
Guess it does stay relevant even when Gen AI becomes more and more integrated into our lives.
Proudest Accomplishment: Pulled through 9-10 Google Career Certificates within a span of 6months before university started! (while on my gap year)
Hello Amos Lau, welcome! I look forward to seeing you around the online community. Saving Changes...
Aniket Kulkarni PMPStudent| Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyMonmouth Junction, NJ, United States
Hello Everyone,
I am Aniket Kulkarni. I live in New Jersey and studying my MS in project management. I have worked in Ops roles for 18 years in India previously.
I am working on transitioning my profile to PM roles. I would like to connect to experts, guides, mentors and like-minded friends.
Thank you
Aniket
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1 reply by Laura Schofield
Dec 02, 2024 1:04 PM
Laura Schofield
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Hi Aniket Kulkarni, welcome to PMI's online community! You're certainly in the right place to connect with fellow project professionals. Best of luck with your master's program!
Hi everyone, I’m excited to join this group and collaborate with all of you! I bring seven years of professional experience in roles like Project Manager, Scrum Master, Business Analyst, and Test Engineer. I recently paused my work to come to Canada and pursue higher education in Technology Management at KPU. I have been in Canada for three months now, and I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone in person and chatting about all things tech!
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1 reply by Laura Schofield
Dec 02, 2024 1:05 PM
Laura Schofield
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Welcome, Ron! Looking forward to seeing you around the online community!
I am Balogun Adebayo, and my journey into project management and sustainability marketing is a reflection of my deep commitment to creating meaningful impact. Growing up, I didn’t have a specific dream job in mind, but I always knew one thing: I wanted to leave a mark on the world. This value-driven mindset has shaped every step of my career, guiding me toward roles that align with my passion for innovation, sustainability, and purpose.
Today, I serve as the Sustainability Marketing Manager at Qhonami Ltd, where I lead strategies that bridge environmental goals with business success. I am also the visionary behind ReachEco Solutions, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering sustainable practices and making eco-friendly solutions more accessible. ReachEco is more than a project to me—it embodies my mission to create a future where businesses and communities thrive together while protecting our planet.
My journey into project management was inspired by my diverse experiences in construction logistics, marketing, and digital transformation. These roles taught me the value of structure, leadership, and measurable impact, and they ignited a passion for turning complex challenges into meaningful results. Through my PMP certification and membership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), I’ve developed the skills and insights to deliver projects with precision, purpose, and a focus on sustainability.
I rely on tools like Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and Agile software to streamline workflows, but I’m always eager to learn more—especially about technologies that integrate sustainability metrics into project tracking. This aligns with PMI’s emphasis on adaptive strategies and environmental stewardship, which resonate deeply with me as I strive to innovate in my work.
Of all my accomplishments, I am most proud of ReachEco Solutions. This initiative represents the culmination of my vision, skills, and determination. It addresses global sustainability challenges while empowering businesses to adopt eco-conscious practices. For me, ReachEco is not just a professional milestone but a personal legacy in the making.
My story is one of continuous growth, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference. Whether I’m managing complex projects, developing sustainable strategies, or mentoring others, my ultimate goal remains the same: to drive meaningful change and leave the world better than I found it.
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1 reply by Laura Schofield
Dec 02, 2024 1:13 PM
Laura Schofield
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Welcome to PMI's online community, Balogun Adebayo!
Thank you for sharing what has motivated you professionally; we're so glad that you've joined us!
My name is Joël Appora-Gnekindy, and I am currently serving as Deputy Head of Project for Agritech and Food Security at Welthungerhilfe in the Central African Republic. I am also a Humphrey Fellow at Cornell University, focusing on global development and project management.
Growing up, I aspired to be a doctor because I wanted to help people and contribute to improving their well-being. Over time, my passion for development and creating impactful solutions led me to work in the agricultural sector, where I can support communities in achieving food security and sustainable livelihoods.
I frequently use tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, and Asana for task and team management. Additionally, I rely on Gantt charts and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) to visualize project timelines and dependencies. I'm interested in learning more about advanced project management software and exploring predictive analytics for project risk management.
I was drawn to project management because it provides a structured approach to solving complex problems and achieving impactful outcomes. The ability to plan, execute, and deliver projects that drive positive change, particularly in agriculture and food security, is incredibly fulfilling. What keeps me in this field is the opportunity to work with diverse teams, tackle challenges creatively, and see tangible results that improve people’s lives.
One of my proudest accomplishments was participating as a panelist at the Humphrey Global Leadership Forum, where I discussed food security challenges in the Central African Republic. It was an honor to represent my country on an international platform and share insights on how we can innovate for sustainable growth. Additionally, establishing Be Africa Seed to empower farmers through better access to high-quality seeds is a milestone that I’m deeply proud of.
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1 reply by Laura Schofield
Dec 02, 2024 1:22 PM
Laura Schofield
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Hello Joël Appora-Gnekindy, welcome to PMI's online community!
I look forward to learning from you - see you around the online community!
Community Specialist| Project Management InstituteNewtown Square, PA, United States
Nov 27, 2024 8:28 PM
Replying to Aniket Kulkarni PMP
...
Hello Everyone,
I am Aniket Kulkarni. I live in New Jersey and studying my MS in project management. I have worked in Ops roles for 18 years in India previously.
I am working on transitioning my profile to PM roles. I would like to connect to experts, guides, mentors and like-minded friends.
Thank you
Aniket
Hi Aniket Kulkarni, welcome to PMI's online community! You're certainly in the right place to connect with fellow project professionals. Best of luck with your master's program! Saving Changes...
PMI Team Member
Community Champion
