Many years ago, I joined the Project Management Institute®, and I immediately signed up for my local PMI® chapter in Northeast Wisconsin. While global membership has many benefits by itself, you get so much more out of your membership by participating in your local chapter. As a chapter member, you have the opportunity to meet fellow Project Management professionals in your area. In addition, you can take advantage of discounts, study groups, networking, and of course, earning the Professional Development Units (PDUs) you need to maintain your hard-earned certifications. Here are a few of the benefits you can expect:
Discounts & Freebies
Meeting and Event Discounts
Did you know that most local chapters offer significant discounts on meetings and other events for chapter members? If you’re a member, you quality for reduced meeting fees. You can also realize substantial savings, especially on the more significant events such as a Professional Development Day (PDD). Our upcoming PDD is on May 4, 2022, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We will be back in person for PDD for the first time since the pandemic began; chapter members get in for only $399, while non-members pay $100 more.
Win Prizes
At many of our chapter meetings, we offer giveaways or prize drawings at the end of each monthly session. We like to give away valuable and fun things like PMI® logo-wear, books, electronics, gift cards, etc. The catch is that you must attend the meeting to be eligible to win (and board members and chapter volunteers cannot participate). So, stay for the learning, and stick around for the rewards!
Reduced fees for PMI® Exam Prep Courses
Our local chapter partners with an official PMI® training partner to deliver authorized training for PMI® certifications. The most popular ones remain the PMP® and ACP®. By registering through our chapter, you can get a drastically reduced price compared to public classes. And because we work with only authorized training providers, PMI® approves the training materials.
Networking
Build your Professional Network
One primary benefit of joining your local PMI® chapter is building your professional network. Every meeting or event you attend allows you to meet new people and connect with other project professionals. Networking is one of my favorite parts of being a PMI® chapter member. I’m an introverted person by nature, but networking activities help bring me out of my shell. Your network is also an influential asset in your career – once you make a new connection, they can be a resource for you in the future.
Share Experiences
Chapter meetings represent an opportunity to share your experiences and to hear other people’s. You would be amazed at the lessons you can learn and how often you’ll realize that you’re not alone. Most Project Managers run into similar problems during their careers, and what better place to get advice than from someone who’s been through it before?
Exchange Ideas
Do you need help solving a tricky project problem? Bring your questions and reach out for help. The chances are that someone in your chapter will have a solution or can point you in the right direction. You can also learn new things from the chapter. Our speaker committee stays on top of Project Management trends and seeks out the most timely and relevant presenters for our members.
Get to know local chapter sponsors/vendors
Companies that sponsor our local chapter enable us to provide awesome speakers, meeting venues, and food and beverages. Patronizing our sponsors helps them to continue to support our volunteer organization. By participating in your local chapter, you’ll learn which companies care about project management as a profession.
Socialization – food and happy hours
Your membership in a local PMI® chapter isn’t always strictly about learning and development. It’s also about enjoying the company of your fellow project professionals. Post-COVID, we anticipate getting back to our former format (with a few adjustments for hybrid), which generally includes a nice meal and time to socialize and network. We’re also fond of getting together at the local pub and having happy hours – especially when it’s nice in the summer.
Development
Earn PDUs
If you have a PMI® certification, you’re most likely required to earn a minimum number of Professional Development Units (PDUs) to renew your certification every few years. If you wait until your renewal date, you’ll scramble to try to find ways to earn your PDUs. Earning PMI® certifications is no easy feat, so if you want to find an almost effortless way to gain enough credits, chapter membership provides you with a PDU for each chapter meeting you attend. Each session aligns with a section of the PMI® Talent Triangle.
PDUs automatically applied to your PMI® membership
One of the best benefits (from my perspective) is that our chapter reports earned PDUs to PMI® on your behalf. Every time you attend a PMI® chapter meeting or other approved event, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of it – your membership automatically reflects your attendance and your earned PDUs. Unlike other certifying organizations, this process makes it almost easy to ensure you have enough PDUs when it’s time to renew your certification.
Special Events
My chapter often partners with others in our state and sometimes in our region to offer special events. Annually, we hold our Professional Development Day, an unmatched value. Not only do you get to spend the day at the famous Lambeau Field, but you also earn PDUs and have the opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends.
We also like to keep our chapter meetings varied, so we don’t always have a speaker. Sometimes we’ll hold a panel discussion; other times it will be a speed networking event; on occasion, we’ll do purely social activities to enjoy each other’s company.
Grow Your Skills
When you join a local chapter, you can grow your skills as a Project Manager. Besides earning PDUs, you’re learning new techniques, keeping up with the latest trends, and staying abreast of what’s happening in the profession. The world around us constantly changes, and project management is no different. By being a PMI® local chapter member, you’ll keep your skills fresh and relevant.
Mentoring Program
The project management profession has been aging over the past decade, but the need for project managers isn’t slowing down. The PMI® predicts a significant shortage of PMs, so it’s essential to bring the younger generations into the profession, which is where mentoring comes in. Our mentorship program is one of my favorite benefits of our local PMI® chapter. If you’re new to the profession and want a seasoned mentor, we will hook you up with someone who can guide you in your career. If you’re nearing the end of your career and want to give back, being a mentor ensures that the next generation of PMs will learn from your experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re already a PMI® member, what’s stopping you from joining a local chapter? You’ll get everything the PMI® offers members, but so much more! Network, learn, and grow your Project Management skills, along with earning PDUs to maintain your hard-earned certifications.
How about you? Are you a member of a local chapter? What special perks does your chapter offer that other chapters could adopt? I’d love to hear any ideas you have in the comments!