XD30 – Day 8 – Baby I’m A S.T.A.R.

Training has concluded today. I have learned the S.T.A.R. (situation, task, action, result) method. It has given me clarity that I haven’t had before. I’ve realized that my discovering the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) has led to upper management recommending me for the IT installation. This installation project was my first project. Without this installation project, I wouldn’t have been accepted in the agency leadership program or qualify to sit for the CAPM exam. This one action has significantly changed my life. That’s why I am happy that I have attended training. I need all of the help that  I get. 

XD30 - Day 2 - Mastery

                This is the second word that has popped into my brain after here for the first day. I have been very busy creating videos showcasing my expertise. I have started promoting my scrum master talents. My website, www.carlarjenkins.com, has the average session duration of 5 minutes. The average is around 2 minutes 9 seconds. Visitors are spending a whole lot of time on my site watching videos and reading my articles. These activities reinforce my mastery. I possess over 10 years’ project management experience, Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) licenses, and a social media influencer with a Klout score of 66. These are Rockstar qualities!

                How did I become a master? By committing myself to excellence and developing a plan. I have always created daily to-do lists with things that will put me closer towards being an expert. It takes a whole lot of work. Using project management as an example, I know that I am a much stronger project manager now than when I received my CAPM in 2011. Mastery can be painful at times but it is worth it because people view you as an authority and trust what you say. I have been mastered social media too.

                I have a Klout score of 66 ( I originally stayed away from it because I thought that it was wack. I was simply putting out high-quality content.). A score of 66 means that I am in the top 10% of all social media users. I am proud of my mastery especially when people can read my articles and implement the steps. To see my mastery, visit my site at www.carlarjenkins.com

Scrum Journal : Day 1

Early Sunday morning at 12:45am, I emailed four of my LinkedIn connections who had both PMP and (CSM) certified scrum master certifications asking them about CSM. I have done this instead of sleep, because I have had things swirling in my head. I am also fed up of potential employers asking me if my PMP certification the only certification; or, if I am considering ITIL certification. This morning I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! I was in a rut and had to get out of it.

                When I reawaked, three of the four connections responded. All three mentioned that scrum was hot. Also one person recommended a book by scrum cofounder Jeff Sutherland. After one sample chapter, I was enthralled finding the Crown publishing larger sample chapters. Although I bought the paper book, I decided not to wait until after 8pm in order to receive the information. That was the best decision I made today because my paper book arrived at 8:30pm and I finished reading and outlining the book at 9:30pm. Jeff Sutherland’s book took you through Scrum’s past, present and future. The appendix was a goldmine taking the reader through ten steps. Upon completing the book, I decide to take the CSM exam. My business analysis background and IT project management helped so much with this decision.

Once I decided to earn CSM certification, I went to ScrumAlliance to check out the local courses. Now although there was no eligibility criteria (like 4500 project management hours for PMP with college degrees), those 2-day workshop prices were sky high. $993 was the cheapest. Yikes! I just thanked God that I had the money on my credit card. Another problem was timing. I got this CSM epiphany on a Sunday. Three workshops started Monday so of course they were full. In addition, another CSM workshop was filled for Thursday and Friday. My research skills went into overdrive because I would not be denied this opportunity to advance my career! I found some other courses but these companies straight up lied about their locations. One in particular, had the unmitigated gall to say Washington, DC but its workshop was happening in Sterling, Virginia at the Dulles Spring Hill Suites. Look Dulles airport was far away in Virginia. Washington, DC had National Airport. That company was trying to capture the unsuspecting non-natives. It would not get me though! I did manage to find another CSM workshop in Fairfax; but, I checked the map and saw it was near George Mason University (or the boonies as a downtown Washingtonian would say). I checked the address learning that it was off of the Vienna, Virginia metro stop. Okay, cool. The orange line was manageable. The price was lower than the $1300, $1650 and $1950 that I saw. I emailed the vendor for more accurate address and information. And, with that, I was well on my way towards becoming a certified scrum master.

My Adventure with MS Project

                Okay, I admit that this intro to MS Project class will be harder than normal. I will have to listen and pay attention. This is the first time in nearly 6 years that I have taken the Ed2Go Project class. The last time was in April 2010 when I first got started in project management. BEA had it on its computer so I took the course scoring 69%. (I intend to score way higher this time especially with all of this PMP wisdom underneath my belt.). During this first lesson, the blood rushes through parts of my brain where it hasn’t in a very long time. This means that I am learning something new. I need to build up a tolerance towards learning MS Project 2013. I am just glad that I have gotten a free 60-day trial. This trial is the economic justification for enrolling. Although I know that eventually I would have to relearn Project, getting a free version keeps the cost manageable else I would be strictly on YouTube and dummies book (I have purchased the MS Project 2013 for Dummies book to supplement my learning.) I refuse to quit because I will master it. Project is a skill that I must have in order to stay relevant as a Senior Project Manager.

Documenting My Knowledge

A business card company offers to host my website. Although I decline the offer, the idea has gotten me thinking. I have an MBA and a PMP so I possess a wealth of insight for people. I aim to put it to great use by writing what I know. 

Managing Positive Change

                I am experiencing a whole lot of (positive) change yet it is still change so I must effectively manage it. This morning I have downloaded like three change management books to adequately prepare for it. Though I have been in DC for 9 years and have experienced a lot of change (both good and bad), right now I’ve learned to do a better job and dealing with change. Having renewed my PMP certification, I approach the latest change as a project. Hey, I’ve mastered project management why not apply my transferable skills towards change management? Once thing is for certain, I will have a process in place instead of trying to figure it out all willy-nilly.

Renewing My PMP Certification

Yesterday I renewed my PMP certification by scoring 94% on my Ed2Go High Speed Project Management final and 97% on my Ed2Go Introduction to Business Analysis and Achieving Success with Difficult People finals. Once I obtained my certificates of completion, I got Ed2Go’s REP number and entered all of my personal development units (24 apiece) and viola my PMP certification was renewed until June 2019. 

Step-by-Step Inch-by-Inch

I have completely typed PMI BA Practice Guide’s chapter. This is the biggest chapter and I am happy that I have overcome this obstacle. Tomorrow I will start typing chapter 5. My original goal is to complete chapter 5 by Saturday but starting tomorrow is even better because I’ll have a head start and will be able to take the Rita Mulachy PBA online domain exam on Saturday instead of Sunday. The online simulator is based on the BA Practice Guide so I know that my test results will mirror my actual performance. Scoring at least 75% on the simulations is my goal because it gives me significant wiggle room (61% is the minimum passage rate. The PMI-PBA exam has 200 questions just like the PMP. I know that I am more than capable of answering 150 questions correctly.). I have one month and I know that with Rita, I will pass the exam.

                I have also caught up on my Ed2Go Intro to Business Analysis course by finishing quiz 11. Quiz 12 and the final exam will be posted Friday. I will print them completing quiz 12 then highlighting the final exam. I will complete the final Saturday. Next I have completed Achieving Success with Difficult People quizzes 6 and 7. Tomorrow I will complete quizzes 8 through 12 and highlight the final. During Memorial Day weekend, I will finish these two finals putting me 2 steps closer towards renewing my PMP certification. PMI requires 60 personal development units (PDUs). Each Ed2Go course gives me 24 PDUs so when I complete these two courses, I will have 48 PDUs. High-Speed Project Management will be my only outstanding course. I will work on it after Saturday’s two finals completing my final exam on Sunday. When Memorial Day rolls around, I will have 72 PDUs completed and be able to use my PMP all the way until June 2019!

Making Inroads towards My PMP Certification Renewal

                Today I’ve made a dent into my Ed2Go Introduction to Business Analysis course completing lessons 1, 3-10. Tomorrow lesson 11 will debut and I will complete it along with my High-Speed Project Management courses. Since I’ve last written, I’ve learned that Project Management Institute will change its certification renewal process December 1^st and I want to get my renewal out of the way. PMI requires 60 personal development units over a 3-year period. I am enrolled in 3 courses at 24 personal development units apiece which squares my renewal away before June. Although I have done well academically and professionally, completing my PMP certification renewal in May is a very big accomplishment. I would have ended my first five months on a high note! 

Making Strides Towards Renewing My PMP Certification

                I am making strides towards renewing my PMP certification by completing all 8 (that’s 4 apiece) of my Ed2Go High Speed Project Management and Achieving Success with Difficult People courses. With 12 courses, I am 1/3 of the way done which is a great feeling because I will be done by late May. 

First Step Towards Renewing My PMP Certification

        I have officially started my PMP certification renewal process through enrolling in Ed2Go’s High-Speed Project Management and Achieving Success with Difficult online courses. Combined they have 48 out of the 60 personal development units needed to renew my certification for another three years. Even though my PMP expires in 2016, I might as well get started now because I feel like it. I don’t want to wait until the deadline in order to renew the certification because something always happens. 

This Week in PMI-PBA Certification Study

                 I have made significant PMI-PBA progress. I have outlined BABOK chapter 4 and taken my first traceability & monitoring drill. I am glad that I have done this because the drill has forced me review BABOK chapter 4 and pay more attention to BABOK chapter 6 and PMBOK chapter 11. Having earned my PMP certification using PMBOK fourth edition instead of the fifth edition, I am unfamiliar with the new edition. I must master this PMBOK fifth edition to pass the exam. I will write down PMBOK page 61 twice a day plus write down all of the chapter 11 risk management processes.

                The next week is essential towards preparing the October 28^th Business Analysis Practice Guide publication. I will finish outlining BABOK chapter 6, PMBOK chapter 11 and take another traceability & monitoring drill plus another practice exam. When October 28^th rolls around, I will be well-positioned to incorporate the practice guide and pass the PMI-PBA exam the first time.

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

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!

Less than 60 Days Left in 2013

            Today is November 1^st and less than 60 days remain in 2013. I’m amazed at how fast this year has gone. In January I was attending President Obama’s inaugural ball and now it is November. At least I have earned my PMP and promotion so it’s not like I’m wasting time! The next 60 days, I’m not wasting time either. I will be working on closing out 2013 with another certification, another job and learning consulting. I am considering PMI-ACP (Agile) because not too many people have it increasing my competitive advantage in the marketplace. I will get a new job somewhere else. Regarding consulting I’ve always wanted to go into it but my life always gets in the way. Not anymore because I am going to make time. No more excuses!

Rededicating Myself to Studying for the PMI-ACP Certification

            I’ve considered rededicating myself to studying for my PMI-ACP certification today. Ever since October 1^st, I felt like something was untapped. I needed to adapt to a new situation. Earning my PMI-ACP certification is the answer because there are a lot of IT and agile opportunities out there that I can tap. I already have PMP certification and 3.5 months later it’s high time to start working on earning my second certification. I’ll apply the same schedule of taking one knowledge area practice exam then a full practice exam every week that I implemented while studying for the PMP exam. Furthermore, I am mentally in 2014 mode and earning my PMI-ACP certification is a nice way of ending 2013 and starting 2014. I am thinking bigger and better for next year. I am looking for my GS-15 and armed with two project management certifications, I know that I’ll get one.

            I am all about taking full advantage of opportunities and the PMI-ACP certification is one. I know that employers are starting to demand it and why not position myself? Though many people have the PMP, not too many have the PMI-ACP. Also the PMI-ACP is more rigorous than Certified Scrum Master (CSM). Personally, I am all about the grind. Whenever I see that there’s a pathway leading me to more opportunities, I take it. It’s the reason why I have an MBA, PMP and now a PMI-ACP before December 31^st.

Adapt III

            No sooner than I settle with my former landlord and move into a new apartment, does my work life fall out. There is so more jealousy regarding my getting a GS-14 that people are trying to take it away.  I thank God for earning my PMP certification because now I can find work somewhere else.  Also while helping a colleague earn her Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) certification, has motivated me to pursue this. All of the other GS-14 possess COTR except for me; and, although I have only received my GS-14 for one month, I am adamant about receiving my COTR. It’s makes me equal and increases my overall competitive advantage.  If the government doesn’t have money then I will pay for it out of my pocket. I have done it with my CAPM and PMP surely I will do it with my COTR. I am all about self-investing. That how I’ve gone from GS-09 to GS-14 in seven years. I’m intent on going further than this in the next seven. Remember, it is all about adapting.

Two-Thirds of the Way Done

            It is amazing that today is September 1^st and 2/3 of this year is done.  I am proud to accomplish a lot this year (promotion, move, PMP certification) because most people only do one or two of these things. I’ve managed to do all three but I am officially in grind mode after realizing that there are only four more months left.  I will earn my PMI-ACP certification, rededicate myself to fashion and creating my line, win Nanowrimo in November and keep saving for a house.  I know that by December 31^st, I will possess two project management certifications, know how to make a fashion pattern, sewn four clothes for my line, save over $3000 towards my house and have fun doing it.

Back to Where It All Started

            On the last day I’m 35, I am officially here in Cleveland and cannot be any happier because I’ll celebrate my 36^th birthday here. This past year I have received my GS-14 promotion, a new DuPont Circle apartment, and earned my PMP certification. These are major especially the GS-14 because not too many people get to this level at my age.

I will be with my father all day tomorrow but since my Mommy has moved our lunch to Sunday, I am free for my birthday dinner. This means that I will wear my Valentino dress. I bought it at Gilt City warehouse sale this past spring. I will pair it with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals that I broke in for an event but didn’t wear. I love them especially since I bought them 50% off. Speaking of fashion, I’ve bought the fashion Cleveland t-shirt from the Cleveland store off of Euclid & East 4^th. I will rock that with jeans on my birthday. It’s only right since I’ve promised myself that 6 months from now, I will showcase my collection for the 10^th Fashion Week Cleveland show. I refuse to let my housing situation deter me from success. I breathe creativity plus I possess the business acumen so I will always make a profit!

            I know what I will continue to do in my next year of life: stand on principle. Okay so people hate my drug free stance. They’ll get over it. I am an epileptic who has nerve problems and I’m not resorting to either marijuana, or any other type of drugs or alcohol to ‘cure’ myself. I work on myself and becoming better every single day. That’s all I can do and do it well I will!

Adapt II

            A lot has transpired since my first Adapt posting. I have been challenged numerous times personally and professionally. I am happy that since then I’ve earned my PMP certification because I’ll be putting it to work to get me out of all of these jams. I want to do more project management and earn more money. I like to write songs, TV shows and scripts. Surely, I can apply project management to punch my own ticket. I came here in DC seven years ago with nothing and managed to quintuple my money. Now it’s time to do it again. I will ask more questions and I’ll be fine. I’ll just be more persistent and pointed because it’s either adapt or die! It’s that simple!