What the PMI-PBA Pilot Deadline Has Taught Me

                I have just completed my PMI-PBA pilot certification Excel verification spreadsheet documenting all of my projects. I am moving on this application faster than my PMI-ACP certification application because the PMI-PBA pilot program has a deadline. It forces me to push through all of the mess that I am dealing with currently. After passing my PMP exam in June, I started studying for the PMI-ACP certification in July. However, with all of the craziness that I experienced for the past 11 months stopped me. There was never a prolonged peaceful time period so I never established a rhythm. This pilot program forced me to keep going regardless of the chaos. Right now the chaos is constant yet the PMI-PBA pilot program deadline is August 4^th. August 4^th is going to come and go whether or not I’ve completed the application or have taken the test. Understanding this, I’ve decided not to let work and people further obstruct me from my certification goal. I will not only submit my PMI-PBA application but will sit for the certification exam and pass it this October. I have bigger dreams and taking the PMI-PBA certification exam is the first step. I will use this experience to prepare for the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) exam this fall. Furthermore, clearing the PMI-PBA exam liberates my time and energy to revisit the PMI-ACP certification exam with a renewed mentality. By then I will be able to push pass the chaos and confusion and will even be out of my current work environment.

Quick 1st Half of 2014 Assessment

                I must admit that I hadn’t expected to be where I am at today, June 21, 2014. On January 1, 2014, I expected to have my PMI-ACP certification but then PMI announced that it was having a PMI-PBA pilot program. Immediately I jump at the opportunity.  I must also admit that in the past 6 months I have become a Small Business Book Award judge, attended the White House spring garden event snapping photos, and have an article published.  With today being 9 days until the halfway mark, I do see myself accomplishing these key objectives:

·         PMI approving my PMI-PBA certification application

·         Completely outlining PMBOK chapters 5, 8 and 13 to prepare for the PMI-PBA

·         Finished reading BABOK chapters 2 and 3

·         Scored 80% on the RMC Project’s PMP scope, quality and stakeholder management knowledge area practice exams.

·         Completed Ed2Go Introduction to SQL and Advanced Excel 2010 online courses

·         Enrolled in the USDA Graduate School SQL course for in-person assistance

·         Expand my personal and professional network

·         Have fun the entire time

Although this looks like a lengthy list, I am already in the process of completing many of these tasks so I will meet all of these obligations before June 30, 2014. Furthermore, here are my prospective 2^nd half of 2014 goals below:

·         Transfer the PMI-PBA knowledge and start studying for the Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) exam by October at the latest. I think that I will finish it before then.

·         Get promoted

·         Seek more challenges

·         Travel more

·         Improve my SQL and Oracle programming skills

·         Pass the PMI-ACP certification test

Showing Compassion for Yourself at All Times

                Sometimes I am too hard on myself wanting to do more. Someone today has let me know that I am doing more than a whole lot of people. Furthermore, once I know better, I do better.

Transition to Mentor

I have been a member of a particular Linkedin test-taker support group for a couple of years. This week a person posted that he has failed the exam twice. I feel sorry for him because everyone else in the Linkedin study group has been passing.  I’ve never known anyone who has failed once let alone twice. I don’t want him to fail a third time because then he would be disqualified.  I know the pain of failing the CAPM the first time.  I’ve used that pain as motivation to pass the PMP exam the first time.  One of the study pages contains all of these study links. I’ve copied them for him emailing them privately.  Even though I have stopped studying for this exam to prepare for the PMI-PBA certification exam, I just want to be a blessing to someone.  This certification exam has a lot of cross-industry portability.  I want that man to be able to pass it and help his family have a better future. Heck, I just want him to pass and not feel like a loser.  After sending the email, it hit me that I am now a mentor, a den mother, if you will in this group.  I do have a considerable amount of influence, it’s due to offering people congratulations when they’ve posted passing the exam.  This is the first time that I have actually contacted someone and provided resources to a test-taker.  I am happy that I have been a blessing to this man and nothing more.

Preparing for the Project Management Institute's New Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) Certification

Friday I learned from Project Management Institute’s Twitter that it is holding a Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA) certification pilot program.  This motivated to read PMBOK, BABOK and purchase a study book to prepare.  Unlike my PMI-ACP certification endeavor (which I will return to later this year), I have a lot more overlap with business analysis than agile.  I have a PMP, MBA, business analysis education and 8 years’ business analysis experience.  I would easily qualify.  

                After debating and expending much energy deciding whether or not to return to my office, I’ve discovered that I can copy and paste the BABOK to Word enabling me to create a chapter 1 summary sheet. There is a whole lot of information that I must grasp but I am ready to absorb everything in order to pass the PMI-BPA pilot program.  Though 61% is probably the passage rate, I am aiming for 80% and will accomplish this through using CBAP exam materials.  I do think that buying the Rita Mulachy CBAP flashcards and writing down a couple per day will help me become stronger in the business analysis area. Even though this is chapter 1, there is so many differences between business analysis and project management. I have to learn the lingo. My brain is expanding with blood circulating through parts of my brain I probably haven’t used since studying for my PMP last year. 

Trying Something New in the Gourmet Department

     I have rested today (I think that 1-hour wait at Shake Shack with the employee misspelling my name as Katana instead of Carla has drained my energy!). I’ve slept in until 8am then have taken a nap from 2pm-3pm.  Here I am on a 4-day Memorial Day weekend with everything planned except for rest.  Today I have gone to the grocery store and will start packing my lunch just to see how it is like. I already know that buying groceries are cheaper than eating out but I just want to see how packing my lunch goes.  I might even improve my cooking and food preparation skills. 

Receiving a Career Blessing and Now I am on My Way!

Yesterday I received a LinkedIn invitation from someone with CBAP certification who is willing to refer me for my CBAP certification. This is huge because IIBA requires 2 recommendations to sit for the CBAP exam. These recommendations were my main hurdle but not anymore! Clearing this hurdle all but guarantees me earning two professional certifications this year. This spring I'll pass my PMI-ACP then CBAP. I am also applying for online adjunct faculty positions because I have a graduate school and more than enough experience to share. Furthermore, I want to be able to help people get on their way professionally because they are making an effort to improve themselves. Becoming an online adjunct professor would help me be a blessing to these students. That's why I am embarking on this journey.

Why Not Me?

I have been daring to do more.  This month I have applied for a high-profile fellowship. I have asked myself ‘Why not me?’ Looking at the previous participants, I have the same education and experience. The only difference is that they have applied and I have not; therefore, I’ve asked myself ‘Why not me?’ Applying is great because it removes the boundary that only certain people can become fellowships. Why not me and why not be the first? I have transferred this same mentality while preparing for my TEDx talk.  My graduate school alma mater is cosponsoring a Tedx talk. Immediately I watch YouTube videos of previous Tedx talks to see what they are looking for. It is essential to do some research to improve my chances of being selected. I know that I have an in because of my education, experience and securing external distinction. Since I am a Small Business Book Award judge on the first try, I know that I can land a TEDx talk spot.  I have the education, skills and the life story that connects with the audience. Why not me? Who else if not I? 

Breaking Out of My PMI-ACP Certification Inertia

I have received my second Rita Mulachy PMI-ACP Exam Prep study guide today because I cannot find my first one.  I have completed the first chapter. This is a big step in the right direction towards earning my PMI-ACP certification, and, more importantly eradicating inertia. I have sit on the PMI-ACP certification for two years. My Program Analyst job and PMP certification consume these two years so this time is productively spent; however, clearing this hurdle liberates my time and gives me another marketing tool.  Getting the first chapter out of the way helps me off of my duff.  Chapter 2 is over 40 pages so it will take a week.  It will also be the first chapter test and exercises that I take.  I am ready for this opportunity because it will create my baseline. I think that I can complete one chapter per week so I will finish the study guide by mid-June.  Even though right now, I am fretting that it might take so long and the 2 months might obliterate my timeline, at least I have gotten started so I will be farther along than procrastinating. The one thing is for certain: Now that I have started, I am on my way!

Breathe

I can breathe freely now

No more labored breaths

Inhaling and exhaling fear

I know that  I am in a far better place

Finding Light at the End of the Tunnel is Published on Careeranista

Today I am so proud that my very first article from the Careeranista website, www.careeranista.com. It’s entitled, Finding Light at the End of the Tunnel. This is also the same book which I proofread for January 2014 publication.

http://www.careeranista.com/index.php/blogs-and-advice/diaries-of-a-careeranista/entry/carla-jenkins-on-finding-light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel?fb_action_ids=10152229298249194&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

Profoundness in Unexpected Places

                 Yesterday my life coach said something profound about my situation. She said that some people viewed my intelligence as a form of maliciousness. They thought since I climbed to the top that I exhibited some kind of Machiavellian trait of winning at all costs in order to be where they are at. However, once they discovered that I did not possess that character trait, they tried undermining me. I never understood how embodying negativity was healthy for me; and, this was before all of the biochemistry findings from think tanks. Whenever I got angry, it always felt like my body was eating itself. I didn’t need that cannibalism in my life and certainly I wasn’t going to perpetrate this externally. Her words made me reevaluate my situation and realize that I never wanted to ever be a part of that group in order to be accepted. I was perfectly okay being myself and even willing to fight to for it. I don’t believe in hurting people in order to get ahead because I have gotten this far without having to do it.

Synergy!

Things are moving fast. Today while working on applying for jobs and enjoying my snow day, I receive an email congratulating me on becoming a Small Business Book Awards judge.  I am honored because there will probably a whole lot of applicants. It just feels good to be acknowledged. I’ve submitted my two topics (economics and technology). Possessing economics work experience, I am well-versed in the topics. Furthermore, I have over 10 years’ data mining experience and am a Trekker so technology is right up my alley. Most importantly, I love reading books because I can always learn something from them. With the Small Business Book Awards, I intend to read all of the cutting edge business topics to stay on top of my game.

                This announcement comes on the heels of receiving Chaz’s Careeranista book and being mentioned in the acknowledgements. I will build upon this momentum by considering freelance writing. I might even restart my fiverr.com page to earn more income. $5 is better than nothing. I think it’s even my 1% cost of living adjustment (COLA) from the federal government.  And it doesn’t just stop with this new book judge announcement. It gets better.

                While reading my graduate school’s alumni newsletter, the university says that it is looking for bloggers. Since the alumni department follows me on Twitter, I know that I am a frontrunner. Furthermore, I have stayed in the alumni notes page with my promotions and project management certification accomplishments. I will use my writing as my ticket to get out of this predicament.

Making Moves

                I helped proofread a friend’s book and she quoted me and wrote me in her acknowledgements. She also debuted a career website along with her book. I asked her about writing articles for the site and if freelancers wrote the majority of the material. She responded that though most freelancers wrote the website material, they did it for free. Well, I knew that I could at least get something since I helped her with the book.  Furthermore, I wanted to expand my career opportunity and writing is right up the alley.

                Writing will be my ticket out of a toxic workplace. With the government shut down, Friday being my off day and Monday being Presidents’ Day, I have 5 days towards working on my craft. Immediately I wrote her my biography (BA, MBA and PMP) and a photo to her copy editor to get started. Even in the midst of a snowstorm, I am making career moves.  I am using my pen to get out of this raggedy mess.  

Martin Luther King Memorial Day

                Going to the MLK Memorial is great (especially since it’s 50+ degrees in January. Last year during inauguration it was 20 degrees.). I attended the groundbreaking so it feels that I am coming full circle.  Plus it is the holiday. I am the living embodiment of the Dream: a black women with two degrees, two project management certifications and a very well paying job. I am happy to see many families with children there.  It is essential to teach Dr. King to the future generation. There are a lot of activities with the Park Ranger (the children’s activities are the best because they come with a junior Park Ranger badge.). Moreover, there are a lot of immigrants there which I find unexpected. I guess their presence magnifies the importance of Dr. King’s civil rights legacy upon them. 

Martin Luther King quote

Martin Luther King stone bust

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK Memorial Sign

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

MLK quote

Paying It Forward

                Today I receive my Cleveland State University Perkins student loan payoff letter. In it the university says that since I’ve paid off my loan, my money will be used to make loans to other students. That’s an unknown added bonus for me because I know the struggle.  Although I graduated 12 years ago, I know what it’s like to be struggling for money. I worked at the Upward Bound and took out Perkins loan to afford the tuition. Luckily, I was an Ohioan so I received the in-state rate.  My Cleveland State University education has helped me land a GS-9 Economist position in my first government job.  Currently I am a GS-14. I want my money to go to current students so that they can have the same if not greater opportunities than I do.  Below is my payoff letter.

Paying it forward just doesn’t stop with new students. It continues with me because now I am more motivated to payoff my American University tuition debt.  I will use my tax refund to pay it off because it has been 3 years since I last matriculated. It should be over by now!

Cleveland State University Perkins Student Loan Payoff Letter

Not Waiting Until 2014 to Clean My Financial House

            I transferred some money from my savings to my checking to payoff my Perkins student loan. I figured that I had the money why wait until 2014 to pay it off.  Furthermore, it would decrease my indebtedness, increase my creditworthiness, receive a payoff letter that I can send to all three credit bureau, and help my 2013 tax situation. 

The momentum I created today won’t stay in 2013. It would continue well into 2014 because I aim to payoff another student loan.  I have already decided to pay money each paycheck to accelerate my repayment. I will be done by July 1, 2014.  When I receive my state and federal tax refunds, I will use these funds to pay down my debt. Improving my finances are a 2014 resolution.  Even if it means my missing NBA All-Star then so be it because my credit rating matters more.

Instant liquidity

                This morning I ate breakfast at the Four Seasons using the leftover cash from my hair appointment.  At my waitress’ recommendation, I tried that shrimp and grits. I paid in cash.  Stunned she asked me if I needed a receipt. I told her yes leaving her a cash tip.  Later this afternoon, I ate dinner at Doi Moi where I left my waiter a $5 cash tip.  His response was immediate upon seeing the $5 bill. This reminded me that cash is king especially among service workers.  They don’t get paid the standard minimum wage due to tips but need cash to support their families.  That $5 can be spent as soon as possible for food or medicine or even rent.  In this era of credit, debit and Bitcoin, the public must never forget that service workers still prefer cash.

Reppin' My City

            Even though I spend most of my time in Washington, DC, I always represent my hometown Cleveland, Ohio. I must because I spend 28 years there and always return. I patronize Cleveland clothing companies showing my pride. Below are my Homage’s Cleveland is the City t-shirt and the Cleveland Clothing company’s Fashionista t-shirts.

Homage Cleveland is the City T-shirt

Cleveland  Clothing Company Fashionista T-shirts

Yes Virginia There Is a Santa Claus!

            Santa Claus is my Mommy who mailed me these red Christmas pajamas.  I love them because red is my favorite colors (hers too!).  Even though I  am an adult, I still love getting presents from  my Mommy!