How has the Champion program helped you as an individual?
When I look back at my Champion journey, I find it to be an enriching experience that I was able to learn and share some of the best-known methods with my fellow Champions. A key takeaway has been the opening of connections to build my network, and I can now reach out to any individual for any topic. While earlier, a majority of my connections were limited to my organization, the Champion program has opened a completely new world, wherein I get to work with fellow project and program management professionals across multiple industries.

The program has enabled me to take project management concepts to an entirely new audience of rural schools in Karnataka, where the advocacy efforts have benefited the community. In addition, the monthly meetups have been a positive experience that has strengthened my business acumen across artificial intelligence, data privacy, startups and more.

Why would you recommend the Champion program to a new volunteer?
The Champion program is beneficial to new volunteers as they get mentored by experienced project managers and fellow practitioners, and explore uncharted territory. It will expand their connections within the project management community, and also create an opportunity for them to give back to the world of project management.

Champions also get access to numerous journals, papers, and studies to upskill themselves in various project management tools and frameworks.

How have PMI membership and certifications helped you and your organization or team?
The certifications are beneficial as I got to put the learnings to practice in various projects. Working closely with the PMI program team has increased the number of Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification holders who manage complex programs in my organization.

One key benefit of being a member is being able to connect with professionals through various communities of practice and chapter meetings.