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Why self- reading for exams is not a clever idea?
I tried it and it didn’t work.
The fact that I didn’t make it, kinda stuck with me for a long while and took away a chunk of my confidence. I had to face it again.
This time, I wanted to do it differently and make sure I cover all the mistakes that I did last time. So, I ordered prep materials- they are expensive but let me tell you its worth it.
You can order whatever you want to but if you are taking CAPM, there are not a lot of options who cater to this category. Make sure you don’t buy the PMP software. Beware and double check that your material is in sync with the PMBOK fourth edition.
I got mine from Rita Mulcahy, the entire package for CAPM. Apart from the fact that the books comes with a plan on how to prepare for the exam, I like the fact that the materials cross reference the PMBOK along with page numbers. So, you just know which page to go back to instead of flipping through and doing it all in your mind. I think they just take the pressure of your mind on how to go about it and do it all for you.
Last time, I didn’t get a lot of simulated exams and I think that was a huge mistake. So, now the prep material also includes the exam software which think is awesome.
So, while I have been advised to take the PMP directly instead of CAPM, I think the CAPM opens the door for you to get the PMP. You learn more, are better prepared and you prove your genuine interest in the profession.
How to choose a mentor?
If you don’t have a choice just go with anyone who is ready to help you.
If you have and to make the most of your time, here are some of the things you might want to consider:
- Make sure your mentor understands why you are looking for mentoring
- Be very clear on what you would like to get out of the experience
- Make sure the timings work for both of you
- Be prepared and get clear instructions on what you are supposed to get done and how to get it done.
- Discuss the plan and how your mentoring is help you make sure this includes what you are lagging behind in.
- Listen to them, however if you don’t agree with something, clarify it and bring in your input.
- Treasure the experience and learn as much as you can
To read more about why mentors are very important in your life, click here
Halloween High
Change Series 3
What’s keeping you behind? What should your resume be like?
Here's a wonderful article you should keep in mind while writing your resume.
Prioritize what you should add and think of a plan on getting it done. Ask help and most of the project managers I meet through the social media are very helpful.
So, include real stuff in your resume and honesty helps.
Here are some tips to get you started:
- Decide what job you would like to go for
- Research some similar profile/resumes online
- Find out what you need to add to your existing resume
- Get the experience by self-learning, online courses, getting certifications, internships etc.
- Find out interview questions that you can expect
- Read about the company you want to interview for
- If you know anyone working in the same company or better same profile asks for insights.
- Learn what the company is looking for and go for it.
The process is simple, so create a task sheet and go for it.
Change Series 2
Being a project manager is hard, when you are starting out – its means lots of hard work, getting certifications, taking the tough job, volunteering for more without the financial rewards.
I’m not an expert on handling finances, however, I do read Ramit Sethi’s site and I think I like most of it of what he says. So, I’m trying to incorporate some of them in my finances and see how it helps me saving more, so I can spend on the books that I need for the certifications.
Get going and there’s no time for excuses anymore.
Change Series 1
Watching Chris Brogans overnight success series and it’s a lesson learnt.
We like the brand and the glory that comes with it but most of the time we forget, how hard the work is! So, if you are on your couch and think how cool it is to be Chris Brogan, watch the videos.
Interacting with some of these successful people through my blog and following them on social media, I realize that it’s all hard work. You will be surprised how much of “giving up” is involved in the process. You travel, your work on weekends, you update, read more than average, be innovative to find out ways to keep your readers coming on for more and cut out on the fun and movies most of the time!
Its all work and you can have the fun – working. There’s no shortcut.
I just realized that I’m nowhere near to these people, so amongst all the 3 calls that I took today, I realize that all of them are working today. On a Saturday!
Weekends from today will be more work and relaxations happen while working!
Preaching doesn't help.
If you are not practicing yourself, stop preaching about it.
I have written perhaps umpteen times how getting a mentor helps, it sure does. Everybody needs their priorities to be evaluated once in a while, may be on quarterly basis. So, while I was looking for something more, I asked myself- what do I want to do now?
I write this blog and want to become a project manager but honestly how much progress have I made in the mast 3 months. Not much.
So, given the limited situation not much of the theories I read about I can really put into use. I have been stagnant for a while and it’s not what you want.
So, I sent out a tweet saying that I was looking for a project manager to mentor me. Yep- tweet! I did get some cool replies and I’m so grateful and appreciative of the fact that these project mangers that are awesome and so talented actually tweeted me back. I have told you; get into the social media- its helps!
Very exciting, right. It means lot of work as well. Working with the best in the field means that you will need a lot of preparation and putting in the hours.
So, I’m putting in the pieces together on what I need to get done:
- Get into a schedule rhythm- it gets me working to my best. Very hard to start and push yourself to get up at 6 in the morning but it will work! I need to study, remember?
- Mentally prepping myself up that work shouldn't tire me away and I will work very hard. If the mentor after leading such a busy life is agreeing to help me out, shouldn’t I be more than ready to double up my effort and make it worthwhile for them?
- Got my space set up, to study of course. Same place, same time everyday, helps me concentrate. I decide 2 hours everyday at least!
- Oh yeah and the blog wont stop, it will be rolling like never before- more information for me means more for you. Details of my sessions perhaps won’t be revealed unless my mentors agree to it. I’m not asking them now, not unless I have got an A in my assignment.
- I’d love to snooze for 10 more minutes. I’m awake and writing the blog at 6.30 n the morning. Who knew?
So, now that I’m doing it perhaps its time to get over the “tomorrow factor” for you as well. Rise and shine and get something done!