No April Fools here!

Every Spring, there seems to be a corporate culling that occurs, which is considered necessary to spur new growth, reduce overhead, and reorganize areas of business that have not performed with the expected results. Often, this practice hits too close to home, putting many into the dreaded role of being "between" jobs, back in the resource pool. Competition is fierce, AI is the new "IT," and relying on experience to differentiate yourself from other rock stars is not going to get you that desired job interview.

Certifications are an excellent way to increase your earning power, drive project success, and stand out from the crowd. PMI has been making strides to keep the membership in the know, providing tools to lead transformative work with real business impact. For those starting their certifications, you need to check out PMI Study Hall™, a digital learning tool that contains practice questions and exams and gamified activities to make studying effective and enjoyable. By adding the Agile Alliance to the Institute and AI literacy to the mix with access to Infinity, PMI is leading the effort to help you stay informed.

NCPMI has added several Communities of Practice (CoP) to our membership offerings to support members impacted by the Spring cleaning of corporate America. Be sure to check out the Certification Study Group, Careers Group, and Leadership CoPs that will be adding opportunities to network, tap into content, expand your transferable skills, and leverage the value of being part of one of the world’s largest chapters.

We are very excited to start our Next Gen Mentoring Program in April. So if you are one of the many who have joined the ranks of "job seekers, retiring soon and looking for your next gig," look to your local NCPMI Chapter for some great opportunities to fill in the resume, lead by volunteering, and be recognized for embracing the journey!

On an ending note, NCPMI Board elections are right around the corner. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a prestigious organization and demonstrate your leadership skills to your potential new employers or impress your existing management.

Carolyn Evans  
President  
North Carolina Project Management Institute (NCPMI)