FROM SERVICE TO CERTIFIED

We prepare the military community to excel in project management worldwide

Welcome to the Military PM Resource Center of Excellence, brought to you by the Project Management Institute Northeast Florida Chapter (PMI-NEFL) Military Outreach Team.

Our dynamic and passionate volunteer team is dedicated to serving the military community. We are committed to helping you successfully bridge the transition between military service and project management careers and certifications.

If you are part of the military community - including active duty service members, retirees, transitioning service members, reservists, guardsmen, veterans, or military spouses - and want to obtain a project management certification, you are in the right place.

This page provides valuable information and resources to position you for excellence during and after military service. We encourage you to explore all that our chapter has to offer. Please connect with us so we can help you on your journey to project management success.

We are thrilled to have you here and look forward to supporting your professional growth and development. Welcome aboard!


 

SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

Carl Hawkins, USN(Ret), PMP, CSM

I am grateful for the help that PMI Northeast Florida had in my changing of careers.  I was involved in the O2O program out of Jacksonville, Fl. and that is where I had the pleasure of meeting Shelon Pounds and Craig Soleim.  Both of them were pivotal in helping with my success of studying and applying for the PMP exam. Their assistance went beyond that of the classroom as Craig instrumental in me getting interviewed for my IT Project Manager job that I currently have with Southeastern Grocers.  Shelon’s help with my PMP application and the knowledge she gave in her training really did set me up for success.  It was through their connections that I was able to connect with the right people in getting my career started. I retired a little over a year ago and the transition was not always smooth but the resources and the guidance from the military program at PMI Northeast Florida is unmatched and a great way to help navigate the ins and outs of transitioning into a Project Manager role.  They are sincere and truly want each and everyone who has ever served to be successful. 

-Carl Hawkins, USN(Ret), PMP, CSM

 



The demand for project managers is clear

Global Project Management Job Trends 2023:

According to PMI’s most recent Talent Gap report, 2.3 million people will be needed each year to fill all project management-oriented positions expected to open by 2030. To remain competitive, companies must hire problem solvers and relationship builders to help them drive change and deliver strategic value.

 

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Project Management: A Fast Growing Profession

With project management being one of the fastest growing, highest demand careers worldwide, an immense opportunity awaits the military community.

Forward-thinking organizations recognize both the inherent value of skilled project managers and veterans' cross-applicable expertise. This creates a prime opening for service members to leverage their experience into rewarding project management careers.

Not only does the project management profession enable veterans to elevate leadership and management skills and competencies, but with US median salaries exceeding $115,000, it offers tremendous earning potential. The demand is growing, the potential is rich, and the opportunity is now - project management represents an exciting career path for veterans to pursue.
 

Military Experience Translates to a Successful Project Manager

With your military experience, you already possess many of the key skills to excel in project management. Leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, scheduling activities, and operationalizing mission objectives exemplify the operational, strategic, and technical abilities sought after.

Moreover, embodying the unwavering warrior ethos of accomplishing the mission, never accepting defeat, and leaving no one behind represents leadership qualities that lead to organizational success. Your expertise in conflict resolution and performance management also showcase critical soft skills.

There is tremendous alignment between the military and project management. Your background has developed the competencies needed to take advantage of the immense opportunity this growing, high-demand field presents. Leverage your operationalizing experience and warrior ethos to pursue a rewarding project management career.

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How to Get Started in Project Management

• Check out PMI.org 
• The Professional Development courses help to improve your skill set, increase your value in an organization and enhance your career prospects through in-person and online training. PMI’s Career Central is an information hub for knowledge, connections, employment opportunities and resources to empower your career.
• Join your local chapter to meet other Project Managers to get a better feel for this career path.

• Download PMI's Operation: Quality for Hire 

 

Our Valued Partners in the career transition of our Military, Veterans and Spouses:

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Onward to Opportunity Program Overview:

\https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/ 

Onward to Opportunity - Local Florida Military Communities:

https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/o2o-locations/florida-military-communities/

Additional PMI's Military Resources
PMI Resource Page that outlines resources, financials, and Q&A - this collectively provides a great look at what Veterans, Active Duty, and Spouses can do to start the road to PM certification:  https://www.pmi.org/military/resources
The Military Guest Pass program grants a PMI Member free PMI Chapter membership to the first year that the individual elects to join a PMI Chapter. To qualify, you must first join PMI as a PMI Member. Want to learn more about your local chapter and membership, reach out to us by completing the Miliary Liaison Form or via email at: VPMilitary@pmi-nefl.org
 
 

PMI Northeast Florida

Military Outreach Team

Craig Soleim

MSHS, PMP, CSM, CSPO, CTBME, SAFe, ITIL (USN Retired)

Vice President, Military Outreach

Shelon Pounds

MBA, MA, PMP (USN Veteran)

Director, Military Certifications

Military Liaison Form


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