Sonia RochaEnvironmental Science Project Manager| Staying Alive via Safety (SAVS) Presenter / trainer / OwnerSan Antonio, Tx, United States
I have been knocking on many doors to volunteer my knowledge and skills as a student project manager. when I volunteer why do organizations not take my offer? When I start my own business I will be inviting new PM's to help me and watch me as I succeed in my business. I think that it is a huge benefit for both parties involved. The internship method is not very feasible for students, because we need more time that what is offered. And the truth is we need to be hired and allow to show our knowledge as the business trains us just the way they would any new hire.
what are organizations afraid of? Saving Changes...
Organizations fear interruptions, interferences and sometimes stoppages due to volunteer involvement. Nobody wants their projects or businesses to suffer just to facilitate learning of few internees. Having said that, organizations still must entertain involvement of volunteers making explicitly where they can or cannot interfere. Sometimes organizational practices are faulty and they do not want to reveal their weaknesses to new PMs. Only a mature and tranparent organization will dare to give an opportunity to volunteers. Saving Changes...
Why don't you go on voluntermatch.com and look for organizations that are specifically looking for project management support that aligns with your charitable values. There are many non-profits that are seeking passionate volunteers who want to make a difference in carrying out the mission of the organization. When you approach an organization with the intent of adding value because of your passion and desire to support the mission of the organization I think you will be more successful. Saving Changes...
The actual site I was trying to direct you to is VolunteerMatch.org. This might give you the opportunity to manage a project remotely which is a valuable skill set to have. This will also give you a wider number of organizations to choose from.
In response to your question I'm not familiar with possible volunteer organizations in Madrid however as I mentioned before volunteermatch.org has virtual opportunities to manage projects so the fact that you are located in Madrid should not be a barrier. Saving Changes...
I am fully aware of what your saying and i do agree i said the same thing when i started out doing the capm i couldn't get no where to apply my knowledge as a certified project manager in training so i spoke with a friend an he assk me to join a group. This such group was Non governmental Organizations and to date i have gained experience from working with over 10 NGO it is not so much of a PMO but we do handle projects and i do get to use my expertise in handling project from initiating phase through to closing phase. i've learn t to conduct and acquire projects, do Risk management and decompose a work breakdown structure working in groups and resolving conflict.I might not be gaining the full experience i needd but at least it's a start.
I am very glad to hear that you, by simply asking "a friend" you where able to jump into a group to get your first initial experience. And I imagine that after participating in 10 different NGO you must have by now a good Idea and a good inside depth into the important PM skills.
I wish I had the same luck here in Madrid, spain. Will keep looking and searching for a friend like that here in my area :-)
Many thanks for sharing your experience..
Regards,
Paco Saving Changes...
Dear Paco, Yes indeed it was a good oppurtunity it is better than just sitting and waiting on that dream job as we know to get a job one has to be experienced and to get experienced you need to be exposed to a job but if your freshly out of school as i am it is best to volunteer, youll learn and atleast have an idea of what one should do when handling projects Saving Changes...
It could be a liability issue, Sonia. First of all, they may require their volunteers to be screened (criminal or credit check). Second, there is the issue of insurance coverage in case you are involved in a work incident.
You might expand your chances if you offered your services for event management. Managing an event is really the same as managing a project.
"Every child is born blessed with a vivid imagination. But just as muscles grow flabby with disuse, so the bright imagination of a child pales in later years if he ceases to exercise it."
